Work

Z-DEA-FMEA: identifying effective strategies for optimizing the HIV drugs supply chain using multi-criteria decision-making approaches

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Millions of people living with HIV around the world depend on having access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, yet the supply chain continues to confront obstacles like rising freight costs and delivery delays. These inefficiencies put timely access to life-saving medications at risk, especially in resource-limited settings. To find ways to improve the HIV drug supply chain, this study looks into the underlying causes of these disruptions. Objectives: This study aims to: (1) assess and prioritize risks in the HIV drug supply chain, focusing on failure modes impacting delivery timelines and freight costs; and (2) enhance supply chain substantivity (fulfillment capacity) and resilience (disruption adaptability) through evidence-based strategies. Methods: Using Z-numbers to handle uncertainty, we developed a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework that integrates Z-SWARA, Z-WASPAS, and Z-DEA-FMEA. Along with using FMEA to assess risks and identify failure modes, the method ranks them based on freight costs and delivery timeliness, using hybrid rankings, RPN, Z-SWARA/Z-WASPAS, and Z-DEA-FMEA efficiencies. Results: = 0.178). Additionally, Z-DEA-FMEA notes efficiency shifts including Delivery Confirmation (F06, 𝜃=0.7303, Delivery). In the case of Weight Failures (F20), the Freight score (𝑄𝑖=0.6991, ranked 3rd) surpasses that of Delivery (0.6753, ranked 4th), while Shipment Mode Selection (F04) holds the 5th position overall (𝑄𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙=0.6741). Discussion: Aiming to improve the availability of antiretroviral (ARV) medications, our approach integrates risk, uncertainty, and efficiency analysis to formulate evidence-based strategies by utilizing Z-numbers. It redefines concepts of resilience and substantivity, providing decision-makers with a framework to enhance delivery speed and minimize costs. These improvements strengthen global health logistics.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1446073

Authors: Amirkeyvan Ghazvinian, Bo Feng, Junwen Feng

Institution: Nanjing University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Multi-Criteria Decision Making

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801