The OECS Secretariat will convene its inaugural Anti-retroviral (ARV) Supply Management Workshop at the Bay Gardens Inn from 31 May – 1 June 2006. Each of the nine OECS countries will be represented by a three-member delegation comprising the Central Medical Stores Manager, Clinical Care Coordinator, and National HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator.

The overall aim of the workshop is to review the procurement activities of ARVs by OECS/Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (OECS/PPS), identify gaps and weaknesses, and to devise strategies to enhance the procurement and management of ARVs.  A pool of international experts from Harvard University, Management Sciences for Health, Pan American Health Organisation, Clinton Foundation, Bahamas, and Holberton Hospital in Antigua and Barbuda, will address a variety of topics. These sessions include the Clinical use of ARVs, Laboratory Monitoring, Modified Directly Observed Treatment, Supply Management Mapping and ARV Forecasting.

It is envisaged that participants will discuss and agree on three main areas for improving ARV Supply Management:

• Country-specific plans to improve ARV forecasting using the customized Quantimed® Software
• Establish the OECS/PPS as a regional Pharmacovigilance center to enhance patient care through early detection, assessment, and prevention of adverse drug reactions
• Structured and regular communication among the three main parties, Central Medical Stores Managers, Clinicare Care Coordinators and National HIV/AIDS Coordinators