Managing medicine supply is a longstanding challenge. Health systems often face rising demand, limited staffing and fragmented supply chains. Stocks may go unused in some locations while clinics elsewhere face shortages. Tracking is often done manually, forecasting is limited and data may be incomplete. These pressures make it harder to deliver consistent care.

The problem is particularly acute in mental and neurological health, where access is limited and stigma is widespread. Without reliable access to treatment, many people experience avoidable deterioration in health, missed opportunities for education and work, and significant strain on families and communities.

The Oxford Martin Programme on Equitable Allocation of Medicines is developing a digital tool to support more effective and holistic delivery of essential medicines. The programme is led by researchers at the University of Oxford, working in partnership with the World Health Organization, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), University of Zimbabwe, National Pharmaceuticals Company of Zimbabwe (NatPharm), and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC)

At the core of this programme is the Medication Availability Tracking Tool. This system uses real-time data and AI-powered forecasting to help health teams understand where medicines are located and where they are needed. 

It is designed to work in settings where digital infrastructure is limited, and to support local decision-making without adding complexity.

Although the pilot is focused on mind and brain health in Zimbabwe, the approach is designed to be flexible. The tool can be expanded to support the distribution of medicines for other health conditions within the country, including HIV, diabetes, maternal health and other non-communicable diseases.

With its open-source design and adaptability to local systems, the tool can also be scaled beyond Zimbabwe. It has the potential to support health programmes across the region and in any setting where access to medicine is limited and better planning could improve outcomes.