Malaria Treatment & Prevention

Assured Artemisinin Supply System (A2S2)

Started by Prashant Yadav on 17 Oct 2009
Last edited by Prashant Yadav on 17 Oct 2009

In the past years we have seen large mismatches between the demand and supply of artemisinin, the key ingredient in ACTs. Artemisinin comes from the artemisia annua plant and the long growing and harvesting cycle implies that we need to project demand upswings well in advance.

A new project, the Assured Artemisinin Supply System(A2S2) is being launched with financing from UNITAID to ensure reliable supplies of artemisinin if ACT demand grows as quickly as projected. A2S2 will create incentives for artemisinin extractors by providing them easier access to capital from a revolving fund arrangement. The extractors will pass on some of these benefits to artemisinin growers. A2S2 will also provide improved information on the actual artemisinin supply situation.
Some of the technical and operational details of A2S2 are still being worked out such as the flexibility to allow different supply contracting structures between ACT manufacturers, active ingredient producers and artemisinin extractors.

Keywords: Operations & Logistics  policy