SMS for Life: Using market information to support public health

Abstract

This presentation describes a project led by Novartis and MMV to eliminate ACT (artemisinin combination therapy) and Quinine Injectable “stock outs” at all health facilities in Tanzania by using a combination of SMS text messages and electronic mapping technology to monitor stocks of ACT and quinine on a weekly basis throughout Tanzania. A pilot study was very successful and the system is now being scaled up to the national level