The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) was on Sunday recognised at the prestigious Global Health Supply Chain Summit (GHSCS) competition in Lagos Nigeria for innovative solutions in the distribution of drugs in the country.
The Authority had two entries in the competition, integrated Logistics Management Information System (i-LMIS) and its Last Mile Smart Net Distribution Project, which were both among the four finalists in GHSCS.
In a tight competition, KEMSA’s two entries trounced the other two finalists from Ethiopia and Nigeria. The two entries were lauded for innovative health supply chain solutions.
The Integrated Logistics Management Information System was recognised for its advanced features in improving drug security and optimisation of delivery.
A photo collage of KEMSA new Chief Executive Officer Waqo Ejersa and the authority’s godown.
Waqo Ejersa
Smart Net Distribution project, on the other hand, was hailed for enhancing access to masses for life-saving malaria prevention via its Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs).
It was noted that KEMSA, through the smart distribution system – Digital LEAP, has been able to distribute 15.3 million treated mosquito nets in 22 counties. As a result of KEMSA’s efforts, over 5 million households in mosquito-infested areas have been able to combat malaria.
In his acknowledgment speech, KEMSA CEO Waqo Ejersa highlighted the importance of the innovations, underscoring the contribution of i-LMIS to global health supply chain management.
“KEMSA has invested heavily in developing systems that ensure optimal forecasting and demand planning for health commodities,” Ejersa stated.
The i-LMIS system is made up of the Commodity Early Warning and Alert System (CEWAS), the allocation system, and the electronic Proof of Delivery (e-POD) application that helps track commodity stocks in real-time, helping to forecast optimal stock levels and reducing the likelihood of shortages.
Owing to its success and efficiency, i-LMIS has been adopted in 47 counties in Kenya, making a significant impact on the country’s health commodity security. Additionally, i-LMIS has been used in a dozen of health programs including Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
KEMSA CEO further noted that the i-LMIS system plays a pivotal role in tracking donor and government funding commitments.
He added that since the system has proved efficient, it can be replicated in other countries in a bid to fight diseases, especially in developing countries.
A wide-angled picture of Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) Embaksi offices.
Photo
KEMSA
