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Health Procurement Africa Hosts Transformative Learning Exchange for Better Healthcare

Written by Bismack Wasta | September 25, 2024

At Health Procurement Africa (HPA), we are committed to reshaping healthcare delivery across the continent by transforming health procurement systems. In line with this mission, we recently planned a Learning Exchange Forum aimed at driving conversations around innovations, challenges, and strategies in the health procurement space. This highly anticipated event brought together professionals from across the healthcare supply chain to exchange insights and find new solutions for better, more efficient procurement systems. With participation from Ministry of health, Ethiopia Pharmaceutical Supply Service and counties health procurement teams.

Hosted at the beautiful Lake Naivasha Resort, the forum fostered a unique environment of collaboration, engagement, and mutual learning. Esther Njenga, our East Africa Program Manager, set the tone for the event with powerful opening remarks. She reminded participants of the overarching goal of Health Procurement Africa: to transform health procurement for better access to essential medical supplies that save lives, especially for vulnerable populations across Africa.

"Transforming Health Procurement to Save Lives"

In her opening speech, Esther reiterated why this Learning Exchange was critical, not only for the procurement professionals present but for every person who relies on Africa’s healthcare systems. She highlighted the role of HPA as a leader in creating standardized, efficient procurement processes that bridge gaps in healthcare supply chains.

“We exist to transform health procurement in Africa,” Esther emphasized. “It’s more than just systems and processes—this is about ensuring that mothers, children, and vulnerable communities can access the medical supplies they need to live healthier lives.”

Her words were a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact that an efficient and well-organized procurement system can have, particularly in under-resourced settings.

Building a Collaborative Approach

The Learning Exchange Forum was designed not only as an opportunity to discuss challenges but to find collaborative solutions. Throughout the event, participants engaged in meaningful discussions, addressing common issues such as funding limitations, supplier relationships, and the need for technology to streamline procurement processes. Esther emphasized the importance of working together to create long-lasting solutions that can be implemented across Africa.

“Our strength lies in partnerships. We are here to learn from each other, to build stronger networks, and to ensure that health procurement is no longer a barrier to quality healthcare, but a driver of success,” she said.

As the event concludes, participants will be inspired, armed with new knowledge and practical strategies to implement in their respective roles. Health Procurement Africa’s Learning Exchange demonstrated the importance of continuous improvement, open dialogue, and collective action in improving health outcomes.

At HPA, we remain committed to empowering procurement professionals across Africa to drive change in their healthcare systems. This Learning Exchange is just one step in our ongoing mission to transform health procurementand, ultimately, improve the lives of millions.

Stay connected with Health Procurement Africa as we continue leading the conversation on how effective procurement systems can transform healthcare delivery across the continent.

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