E-DRUG: Research on ARV-drug managment software tools (2)
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Dear E-druggers,
I work with Global Fund financed HIV and AIDS initiatives in quite a few countries, and a question I
frequently get is whether good software exists to manage data and needs of people on
antiretroviral treatment.
Apparently, many programmes have developed their own database packages. However, I was
wondering whether comprehensive software packages exist that are being used by more than
one programme, and whether they have been systematically compared. Are such packages for
use at national levels? Or also for regional/district level or maybe institutional (hospital or health
centre) levels? Are these systems based on proprietary software, possibly free for developing
countries? Or based on opensource (Linux) software? Do they depend on service contracts from
international consulting firms? If little is available, is there a role for international agencies (WHO?
UNAIDS? Others?) to provide support?
For all clarity, I am not talking about inventory control packages, of which we have had various
postings in the past. The software I am looking for may or may not include inventory control, but is primarily geared towards programming the needs of people on antiretroviral treatment in
expanding programmes.
Hilbrand
Hilbrand Haak
Consultants for Health and Development
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