Empowering Healthcare Forecasting in Bauchi State: A Path Toward Sustainable Access to Essential Medicines

In October 2024, Health Procurement Africa (HPA) joined forces with the Bauchi State Ministry of Health and the Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (DMMA) in Nigeria to conduct a transformative workshop on the quantification of essential medicines and medical consumables for the 2025–2027 period. This workshop, held at the BACATMA Conference Hall, was led by HPA’s Technical Specialist for Nigeria, Jimmy Aiden, and marks a significant step toward ensuring reliable, sustainable access to life-saving health commodities across Bauchi State.

Why Quantification Matters for Public Health

Effective healthcare systems rely on meticulous planning and forecasting to ensure the right medicines are available when and where they’re needed most. Quantification—the process of estimating the quantities of medicines and supplies required over a specified period—serves as the foundation of a well-organized healthcare supply chain. A robust quantification process helps prevent stockouts, reduce wastage, and optimize resources, ultimately strengthening the healthcare system’s ability to meet the needs of its communities.

In Bauchi State, like in many regions, reliable access to essential medicines remains a priority, and developing a strong supply chain infrastructure is key to improving overall health outcomes. This workshop aimed to not only support Bauchi State’s Ministry of Health with immediate quantification but also empower its professionals to independently lead these efforts in the future.

Highlights of the Workshop

During the three-day workshop, participants worked closely with HPA’s experts to develop a detailed three-year forecast for essential medicines and medical consumables. The focus was on accurately predicting the state’s needs and mapping out the commodity and funding requirements for a wide range of essential supplies.

Key outcomes of the workshop included:

1. Enhanced Capacity Building: The event was designed as a practical training session for the state quantification team, empowering them with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective forecasting and supply planning of public health commodities. By investing in local capacity, Bauchi State is better positioned to maintain its healthcare supply chain independently and sustainably.

2. Collaboration with Key Stakeholders: The opening ceremony featured remarks from Bauchi State’s Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, who emphasized the importance of this initiative as part of the broader health priorities outlined by His Excellency, Governor Senator Bala A. Mohammed. Notable attendees included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Alh. Abubakar Usman Misau, and Pharm. Umar Garba Gumau, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, along with clinicians, pharmacists, nurses, laboratory scientists, and procurement and supply chain experts.

3. Acknowledgment of Development Partners: The Honourable Commissioner highlighted the invaluable contributions of partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and USAID, who have provided ongoing support to strengthen healthcare delivery across Bauchi State. Their commitment to improving access to quality medicines has been instrumental in enhancing healthcare outcomes in the region.

4. Support for DMMA’s Mission: In his closing remarks, Pharm. Abdulkadir Ahmed, Managing Director of DMMA, expressed appreciation for the support provided by HPA through its Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) program. He reiterated DMMA’s commitment to delivering lifesaving medicines through effective quantification and procurement practices, ensuring that communities across Bauchi State have access to essential healthcare.

A Sustainable Future for Bauchi’s Healthcare System

This quantification exercise represents more than just a planning activity—it’s a foundational element of Bauchi State’s strategy to improve healthcare delivery and optimize resources. As a key advocacy tool, this forecast supports effective procurement decisions and informs policymakers and funders, helping attract the resources needed to meet the healthcare demands of Bauchi’s growing population.

At Health Procurement Africa, we are proud to support Bauchi State’s journey toward a more sustainable, resilient healthcare system. By building local capacity and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, we aim to pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous future for all. We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with dedicated healthcare professionals and organizations that share our vision of improved access to healthcare across Africa.

For more insights on our work and future initiatives, visit us at www.healthprocurementafrica.org.