TRVST System: Strengthening Pharma Track & Trace Across Asia and Africa

The pharmaceutical supply chain in low- and middle-income countries faces a persistent and dangerous challenge: falsified and substandard medicines.

According to the World Health Organization, up to 10% of medical products circulating in some regions are fake or below standard.

This not only puts patients’ lives at risk but also erodes trust in healthcare systems.

To tackle this head-on, global health partners have introduced the TRVST system—a game-changer in pharma track and trace.

What is TRVST?

TRVST stands for Traceability & Verification System, a digital platform built under the Verification and Traceability Initiative (VTI).

This initiative is supported by global health leaders such as UNICEF, Gavi, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Fund, and USAID, alongside national regulatory authorities.

At its core, TRVST functions as a global trust repository (GTR) for product data. Pharmaceutical manufacturers upload GS1-compliant information—product codes (GTINs), serial numbers, batches, and expiry dates—into this system.

Healthcare workers, customs agents, and regulators can then use a mobile app to scan barcodes on product packs.

Instantly, they know whether the medicine is genuine.

If there’s a red flag, such as duplicate serial numbers being scanned in different places, the system alerts both the manufacturer and local regulators.

Why Does It Matter?

The TRVST system is more than just a scanner—it is a vital safety net:

• Protecting Patients: Ensures medicines and vaccines are authentic before reaching patients.
• Transparency: Creates end-to-end visibility across the supply chain.
• Recall Efficiency: Facilitates fast and targeted recalls when necessary.
• Stock Management: Helps prevent shortages, diversions, and counterfeiting.

By enabling real-time verification, TRVST helps rebuild confidence in healthcare systems and saves lives.

Where Is TRVST Being Deployed?

Africa is leading the charge.

Nigeria and Rwanda were the first to pilot TRVST in 2022, successfully scanning serialized Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

The pilot proved that the system is fast, effective, and user-friendly.

Since then, other countries such as Malawi, Tanzania, and Liberia have begun adoption, with additional interest from Ghana, Ethiopia, and several more.

Asia is catching up.

Discussions are ongoing in India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, among others.

While Africa is ahead in implementation, Asia is positioning itself to leverage TRVST as part of its long-term pharma digitalization journey.

The Road Ahead

The TRVST system is not a stand-alone tool—it is the foundation of a larger vision for global pharma traceability.

As more countries adopt serialization and verification standards, TRVST provides a harmonized, cost-effective platform that ensures alignment across borders.

For manufacturers, the benefits are clear: improved compliance, stronger brand protection, and greater partnership with public health systems.

For patients, the reward is even greater: safe, trusted access to life-saving medicines.

Final Thoughts

Counterfeit medicines are a global threat, but technology is giving us the tools to fight back.

With TRVST, the pharmaceutical industry and public health authorities are building stronger, smarter, and safer supply chains.

Africa is showing the way, and Asia is next in line to adopt this forward-looking system.

At Jekson Vision, we believe that robust vision inspection and track & trace solutions are essential pillars in this fight.

TRVST complements these efforts, creating a safer world for patients and a more transparent future for healthcare.

To learn more or explore collaboration opportunities, contact us at marketing@jeksonvision.com or call/WhatsApp us on +91 9328233954