In 2014, IAPHL sponsored 9 members to attend the 7th Annual Global Health Supply Chain Summit (GHSCS) in Copenhagen, Denmark. IAPHL’s sponsored participants included Bolajoko Aina, Ayuba Garba, Masresha Worku, Belay Mekonnen, Tunde Omoluabi, Anthony Njuguna, Muhammad Malik, Abel Livingi, and David Dupoar. Participants were able to choose from several different tracks each day. Our members participated in the following tracks during the event:
- Management Systems: The Role of Data
- Outsourcing, Evaluation and the Role of the Private Sector
- Improving Performance of supply Chains
- System Optimization
- Supply Chains and Human Resources
- Supply Chain Integration
- Supply Chain: Improving Health Outcomes
- Quantifying and Managing the Impact of Uncertainty in Supply Chains
Prior to the conference, members looked forward to sharing knowledge and experiences with other supply chain professionals, learning about methods that have been previously successful in the field, and how to apply theoretical supply chain concepts in real life. IAPHL’s sponsored participants experience as supply chain professionals ranged from 2-14 years, giving the members a wide range of perspectives and experiences to share. Members learned essential skills that can be applied directly to their work including quantification and integration techniques, the need for and how to educate pharmacy students to fill human resource gaps, and the keys to understanding uncertainty in the supply chain.
Read some key insights from our participants below:
“It is important to consider the context in which a system was designed in order to optimize that system.” -Tunde Omoluabi
“There is not an item that is useless if we open our eyes and minds to what this item can be used for.”-Bolajoko Aina
“The programme in Malawi [an example scenario given at the GHSCS] shows that with the increase in numbers of personnel working in health logistics comes the corresponding improvement in health outcomes.”-Abel Livingi
“From this session I have come to know the importance of accurate data in making positive strides in supply chain management.”-Abel Livingi
“Quantification is the backbone of supply chain management and the impact is huge.”-Belay Mekonnen
“Establishing a strong and functional LMIS with reliable, accurate data on a timely basis for making informed supply decisions makes the data transparent to those making further analysis and research and benefits stakeholders working with the supply chain.”-Masresha Worku
“The sources of uncertainty in the supply chain include:
- Demand Uncertainty
- Supply Uncertainty
- Information Uncertainty
- Budget Uncertainty “-Ayuba Garba
“I learn about the variables that lead to uncertainties in the supply chain, helping me to better understand what I need to do about each of them to minimize their impact on stockouts and to enhance the service level.”-Anthony Njuguna
“This session explains the factors affecting women’s choices and use of ANC and IPT services. Some of these factors include but are not limited to the following:
- Cultural factors
- Policy guidelines issues
- Human resource issues
- Structural factors
- The individual as a factor
- Supply chain factors (e.g. availability of supplies at the health facility)
- Health system factors “-David Dupoar