The sensitization meeting on the professionalization of health supply chain professionals within the East African Community (EAC) happened in June in Kigali, Rwanda. Delegates from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania gathered to share experiences, learn, and collaborate. Our team is led by East Africa regional program manager Esther Njenga MCIPS, PMP®, and senior counties procurement specialist Jane Mwangi MCIPS, this meeting represents a significant step toward professionalizing health supply chain management in the region.
The EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), in collaboration with People that Deliver, has orchestrated this remarkable event. The meeting offered a unique platform to discuss best practices and develop country-specific roadmaps. With a focus on advancing health supply chain management, the event promises to pave the way for improved healthcare outcomes in the region.
During the presentation, Esther Njenga highlighted the impactful work being done in Isiolo, Kakamega, Trans Nzioa, Nakuru, Muranga, and Laikipia through the Health Procurement Africa workforce development program. This program takes pride in supporting over 100 procurement professionals in their journey to achieve CIPS (The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) global training qualifications, ranging from level 2 to 4.
The Institutional & Individual Capacity Enhancement program spearheaded by Esther and Jane is specifically designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of procurement entities and their staff. By emphasizing the importance of CIPS qualifications, this program equips professionals with the necessary tools to excel in their roles and contribute to efficient health supply chain management.
The commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the procurement workforce is a crucial step in achieving impactful results and ensuring the availability of vital medical supplies and services across Africa. By promoting professionalization, the EAC and its member countries are investing in the transformation of health supply chains, which directly translates into improved healthcare outcomes for all.
The sensitization meeting on the professionalization of health supply chain professionals within the East African Community represents a significant milestone in the journey toward strengthening health systems in the region. With the collaborative efforts of delegates from various countries, this meeting is fostering knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and developing country-specific roadmaps for advancing health supply chain management.
As the region continues to invest in the professional development of procurement professionals and the implementation of CIPS qualifications, the collective impact will be felt across Africa. By transforming health supply chains, we are moving closer to achieving equitable access to quality healthcare for all individuals within the East African Community.
Together, through collaboration and dedication, we can achieve our shared goal of improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring the availability of vital medical supplies and services throughout the region. Let us seize this opportunity to shape the future of health supply chain management in East Africa and beyond.