Ranking factors for coordinated supply chain management of ACTs in Uganda’s general hospitals using the analytical hierarchy process

Background: Managing the coordination of the medicine supply chain in developing countries is highly challenging, particularly for malaria treatment drugs such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). Numerous factors contribute to poor coordination in the ACT supply chain. Objectives: This study aimed to identify and prioritize supply chain coordination factors at the micro-, logistics, market and macro-levels that influence the availability of ACTs in Uganda’s general hospitals. Methods: Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), 20 factors across the micro-, logistics, market and macro-environments were evaluated through expert input collected from four public hospitals in Uganda. Results: Micro-environmental factors – especially top management support, mutual understanding and information sharing – were identified as the most critical. Logistics, macro-environment and market factors followed in decreasing order of influence. Conclusion: A structured, context-sensitive approach is essential for improving supply chain coordination and ACT availability in resource-limited settings. These findings offer insights for healthcare managers and policymakers in similar contexts.