Situation analysis of the management and utilization evidence-based health information systems for effective supply chain of antiretroviral drugs in Tanzania: a case study of Kinondoni municipal in Dar es Salaam.

Health Information System (HIS) is a vital tool that facilitates collection, analysis, interpretation of health related data for use in making health related decisions. Utilization of evidence in decision making leads to rational use of scarce resources and client satisfaction with the service given. This cross sectional study was conducted in Kinondoni Municipal of Dar es Salaam Region to assess the management and utilization of evidence based HIS in the supply chain of Anti Retroviral Drugs (ARVs) so as to develop strategies for effective procurement at the facility and national levels. Quantitative data was collected from 20 care and treatment centers (CTCS) and 348 exit patients. Qualitative data was collected from 80 different staff from each CTC and 3 key informants from different levels of the ARVs supply chain. Results reveal that the ordering process at the CTCs was driven by principles and not evidence. There was significant difference between quantities ordered and delivered in 9 out of 20 quarters for the four indices of ARVs. Main factors affecting utilisation and management of IS included lack of strong IS at MSD and MoHSW; lack of compliance to the national ordering and deliveries guidelines; inadequate funds; low capacity in implementing ILS; lack of national representative data during ARVs annual budgeting and forecasting. Findings from this research reports that the supply chain of ARVs at the CTCs and central levels in Tanzania is not evidence-based and recommends to strengthen the capacity in the management and utilisation of HIS at CTCs and national levels.