By Rachel Simon on May 11th, 2022

Dear IAPHL Members,

I hope this letter finds you safe and well.

As my first update, I would like to let you know that we are still working on our new three-year strategy and plan. We hope to share the new key recommendations with the membership soon.  If all goes well, our Advisory Group will be able to review and approve the new strategy by the end of the month.

As I wrote in the last Executive Letter, IAPHL is working with PtD and other partners to coordinate the PtD Global Indaba to be held in Zambia on October 12 and 13 of this year.  We will also be offering 10 scholarship/ambassadorships to attend this in-person conference. Please look for the announcement and application form soon on the listserv.

During April and now May, we have continued with our moderated discussion on gender and inclusion. And most recently there has be a lively exchange in response to the request on information on bench marking pharmaceutical warehouses. This is what the community of practice is about:  sharing ideas and experiences. Reminder to our members, especially those that have not been working for a long time in supply chain, our members have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are willing to share when asked, so don’t hesitate to ask.

In recognition of the vast experience and knowledge of our members and that we have many members who are only now beginning to work in the field of Public Health Supply Chain, the secretariat is planning to create an opportunity for volunteer mentors and mentees to connect. We hope to post something about this activity in May.

So that’s the report for now.

Please stay safe.  All the best.

Walter Proper, IAPHL Executive Director

From the Desk of the ED IAPHL: May 2022