Health commodities management system: priorities and challenges

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore opinions of health workers on priorities and challenges of the HIV/AIDS commodities management system in Abuja, Nigeria. The results from this research are to inform future guideline revisions on the management of these commodities, in order to produce the most efficient and cost-effective approach. Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative research was conducted from a social constructionist perspective. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 12 health workers, comprising pharmacists, laboratory scientists and logisticians involved in HIV/AIDS commodity management in Abuja, Nigeria. Views and experiences of these workers were explored on HIV/AIDS commodity management through in-depth interviews, to ascertain challenges of the current system and needed interventions. The data were subjected to thematic content analysis. Findings - Results of the study include the need for coordinated and integrated health commodity management system, sustainable human resource and infrastructure development and an effective data management system to address current challenges. Research limitations/implications - The data collection approach did not provide an opportunity for idea exchange and review in a focused group and the number of respondents was limited to 12 due to time constraints. However, the respondents were experts in the field. Practical implications - Government needs to commit financial resources to support of the health supply chain to ensure sustainability beyond donor support. Donors should change their strategy of "quick fix" approach to health supply chain challenges, as these often result in Government laxity in addressing public health needs. Originality/value - The paper provides insight into areas on which the Government of Nigeria should focus attention in health supply chain strategy, which is currently perceived as not coordinated.