AUTHOR=Williams Victor , Haumba Samson , Ngwenya-Ngcamphalala Fikile , Mafukidze Arnold , Musarapasi Normusa , Byarugaba Hugben , Chiripashi Simbarashe , Dlamini Makhosazana , Maseko Thokozani , Dlamini Nkhosikhona Advocate , Nyapokoto Clara , Kibwana Sharon , Bongomin Pido , Mazibuko Sikhathele , Bhembe Fortunate , Ojoo Sylvia , Okello Velephi , Bazira Deus 

TITLE=Implementation of the Automated Medication Dispensing System–Early Lessons From Eswatini

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 68 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1606185

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2023.1606185

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=While Eswatini was one of the first countries to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV epidemic control targets alongside Switzerland in 2020, sustaining the achievement and reaching the last 5% with services requires innovative approaches to service delivery. Easy, non-stigmatizing and client-centred access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and medication for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is critical in addressing retention in care and achievement of optimal treatment outcomes. This article, therefore, describes the implementation of an automated medication dispensing system (AMDS) in Eswatini called Lula Meds TM to increase access to medications and presents the early lessons from this implementation.    
  
Through collaborative stakeholder engagement, the AMDS was installed at four health facilities across two regions for eligible clients to access their medications. Early lessons suggest 1) implementation of AMDS is feasible and acceptable to clients and health workers, and 2) integration of ART and NCDs should be phased, commencing with ART in phase 1 and later incorporating NCD. Also, improved communication with clients; efficient network connectivity and power supply; and scheduling medication pick-up with other services increase utilization of the system.