Assessment of multi-month dispensing for antiretroviral treatment of HIV in Tanzania: policy, outcomes, and costing
Providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients with multi-month dispensing (MMD) of antiretrovirals (ARVs) is one differentiated service delivery model that has been recommended to alleviate health system challenges that may affect the efficient provision of ART. Studies conducted in a number of countries show that MMD of ART has some positive outcomes, including improved client retention and adherence, shorter waiting times for clients, less clinician workload, and more time spent by clinicians per client. Tanzania is one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa that has adopted MMD of ART.
Project SOAR conducted an operational assessment of the MMD program in Tanzania. The overall goal of the assessment was to generate evidence of effectiveness and inform future strategies for MMD in Tanzania following operationalization of the 3-month prescription for ARVs for stable clients on ART as of August 2018.
