Given their role in funding and procuring commodities, it is important to align product introduction plans with donor budgetary processes and keep donors informed of national transition plans. Specifically, after deciding to adopt a new product in-country, Ministries of Health will conduct quantification and forecasting and develop a supply plan, which should be shared with relevant donor representatives at country level to discuss procurement plans for that product and support for implementation of product transition. Activities required to effectively implement product transition, such as trainings and printing of clinical reference materials, should also be incorporated into budgets. Donor engagement will be critical to ensuring that the budget and product rollout timelines are aligned, thereby contributing to a smooth product transition.
One of the primary donor mechanisms for funding ARV procurement is the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan (COP).