We are pleased to share with you the 3rd ‘IAPHL quarterly supply chain resource review’. In this issue we consulted a number of SCM information repositories, academic, private sector, and SCM experts to select for you the following resources that we hope will inform you, challenge you and keep you thinking how you can improve your own practice and the productivity of the supply chain you work in.
In this issue we present a range of updates from across the health supply chain landscape.
i. Journal Article: Interventions to Increase the Distribution of Vaccines in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
Achieving universal access to immunization, as envisioned in the global vaccine action plan continues to be a challenge for many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of system redesign and outsourcing to improve outdated immunization supply chain systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.
ii. Resources: Immunization Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) (TechNet)
TechNet recently published this online resource to provide everything you need to know about WHO PQS-prequalified products including installation and maintenance guides, training resources, brochures, videos, photos, as well as product feedback from TechNet members.
iii. Toolkit: Revised National Supply Chain Assessment (NSCA) Toolkit, Version 2.0 (USAID)
This comprehensive toolkit assesses the capability and performance at all levels of a health supply chain, or it can be used to focus on a specific level or technical area within the system. A capability maturity model (CMM) and key performance indicators (KPI) are the metrics used to assess capability and performance, respectively. The results of the assessment can help supply chain stakeholders develop their strategic, operational, and/or investment plans and monitor whether activities are achieving their desired outcomes. The NSCA has been implemented in more than 20 countries.
iv. Guide: Implementation Guidance for Pharmaceutical Traceability Leveraging GS1 Global Standards (GHSC-PSM)
The intent of this document is to provide guidance to countries to systematically organize the work of operationalizing and executing a vision and strategy for pharmaceutical traceability. It is not intended to be prescriptive, but to serve as guidance for developing a vision, strategy, and implementation roadmap specific to the country environment—one that considers the key operational components required for successful implementation.
v. Policy Paper: Improving Global Health Supply Chains through Traceability
Drawing from interviews with over thirty experts, this article finds that traceability offers a realistic solution to some of the problems found in the health supply chains of low and middle income countries but that implementing the approach is a huge logistical endeavor that requires strong political commitment.
vi. Joint Statement: Appropriate Storage and Management of Oxytocin – A Key Commodity for Maternal Health
WHO/UNICEF/UNFPA have issued a joint statement regarding the management of oxytocin, a medicine essential to the prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage as well as other indications. The management of oxytocin is critical to ensuring that it is effective when it reaches women, including procurement, cold chain management and clear and consistent labelling.
vii. White paper: Why Business Leaders Must Make Supply Chain Ethics a Priority
The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), Supply Chain Management Review (SCMR) and Loyola University surveyed more than 700 supply chain professionals to discover how their organizations are addressing key issues related to supply chain ethics. Discover their findings in this new whitepaper.
Five videos to challenge your ideas for improving supply chains:
1. Flexibility & Visibility in the Supply Chain
The importance of visibility in the retail supply chain can’t be overstated, says Kelli Woelfel, Vice President of Industry Solutions at Profitect.
2. Common Mistakes in the Retail Warehouse
Multiple touches and wasted motion cause errors that cascade throughout the supply chain, says Derek A. Coppinger, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Newcastle Systems.
3. Practical Solutions for Today’s Labor Challenges
Facing continuing labor shortages, particularly of skilled workers, companies need to be creative in their efforts to attract and keep talent, says Jeremy W. Davidson, vice president of sales, Fortna.
4. The Future of Supply Chain Management: How Will Technology and AI Shape Tomorrow?
University of Liverpool Online, Join Dotun Adebanjo, a University of Liverpool Online dissertation advisor and global expert in supply chain management, as he discusses the changes expected over the next decade and the role of supply chain management in successful businesses.
5. Improving Global Health Depends on Supply Chain Heroes Around the World
The USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program procures and delivers essential health commodities and provides training and technical assistance to individuals in the supply chain. These individuals have a critical role in ensuring access for patients to the commodities and care they need to live better, healthier lives.
This review was compiled for IAPHL by the USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program-Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) project. GHSC-PSM connects technical solutions and proven commercial processes to promote efficient and cost-effective health supply chains worldwide.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Andrew N Brown
Workforce Development Specialist
Team Lead for: Workforce Development and Enabling Environment
Contractor for USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program
Procurement and Supply Management
m:+1.571.665.8319 +61.411.137.625
e: abrown@ghsc-psm.org
Skype: andrew.brown.uc