Contextualized Strategies in Handling Medical Products, Vaccine and Technologies for Millennium’s Sustainable Achievements in HIV/AIDS Care

Abstract

Realization of global health goals is dependent on how efficiently and effectively ill health resulting from Non-Communicable Diseases, emerging and reemerging infectious disease including HIV/AIDs are handled within health systems. Medical products, vaccines and technologies management for access and appropriate use is considered critical towards achievement of quality service delivery. Diversity in health systems context may not allow for uniform conformity to health goals and human rights thus this study purposed to assess contextual strategies by various facilities in Kenya in managing medical products to achieve sustainable goals in the millennium. The study focused on three themes; accessibility, management and diagnostics technology application. Health workers, incharges and County coordinators were considered suitable as study respondents and sampling was done using multistage techniques. Qualitative methodologies were employed to collect extensive data from individuals, program and event. The results indicated that stock out still exist although at a lower level of 34% and facilities applied innovative strategies such as borrowing across facilities (40%), special orders (33%), other drugs for opportunities infections were bought by clients (17%) and 10% did take any action. Computerization for stock management specific to HIV drugs was reported at 30%. Diagnostic technology was lagging with facilities referring clients, or taking sample and referring them elsewhere, while some tests were not utilized although important for patient management. Study recommends up-scaled implementation electronic management of medical supplies and investment in diagnostic technologies to realise quality services and better health outcomes.