Welcome to the Global Standards for Traceability of Health Products and Technologies (GSTHPT) course offered by the EAC RCE-VIHSCM. Every country has its standards for doing business. However, to be universally accessible and acceptable, they must undergo several steps of approval, which usually consume time and resources.
Global Standards provide a common language for identifying, capturing, and sharing information about health products and technologies and their movement through the supply chain. Implementing these standards ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of health products and technologies in the market. Thus, by allowing earlier detection and response, the risk of having falsified and substandard health products is minimized.
Globally, the WHO has issued a Policy Paper on the traceability of medical products, and other Organizations/Institutions such as UNICEF, USAID, The Global Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the World Bank have taken part in the Global Standards Initiative to strengthen the supply chain for health products and technologies.
The course is particularly relevant for the East African Community (EAC), considering its focus on pooled procurement and market control of health products. By adopting global standards, EAC member states can strengthen these initiatives and ensure access to safe and effective health products for their citizens. The member states of the EAC are currently at different stages of implementing health products and technology traceability using Global Standards.
This course empowers participants to play a vital role in safeguarding public health within the EAC. By understanding and implementing global traceability standards, they can contribute to a more robust and secure healthcare system.
Course Overall Learning Outcomes
To apply this knowledge in their own organization and supply chains specifically on:
Explaining the key components, principles, and benefits of Global Standards for the Traceability of health products and technologies
Identifying the needs, gaps, and challenges of implementing the Global Standards for Traceability of Health products and technologies
Designing the implementation plan of an effective traceability system for health products and technologies that meet regulatory requirements and promote patient safety.
Use of traceability data for supply chain efficiency and patient safety
Indicative Contents
The course covers the following topics:
Course Overview
The course on Immunization Supply Chain Management provides participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage the supply chain for immunization programs. A well-functioning immunization supply chain is crucial for ensuring the availability, quality, and timely delivery of vaccines to protect populations from vaccine-preventable diseases.
This course aims to equip participants with an understanding of the unique requirements and challenges associated with immunization supply chain management. Participants will learn about vaccine storage and handling, cold chain management, forecasting and procurement of vaccines, distribution strategies, and monitoring and evaluation of immunization supply chains. The course will also cover best practices and strategies to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of immunization supply chains.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Introduction to Immunization Supply Chain Management: Understanding the importance of effective supply chain management in immunization programs, the vaccine supply chain flow, and key stakeholders involved.
2. Vaccine Storage and Handling: Best practices for storing and handling vaccines, including temperature monitoring, cold chain equipment management, vaccine inventory control, and proper vaccine wastage management.
3. Cold Chain Management: Ensuring the integrity and maintenance of the cold chain, assessing cold chain capacity, equipment selection, maintenance and repair, and implementing cold chain logistics.
4. Forecasting and Procurement of Vaccines: Techniques for forecasting vaccine demand, quantification of vaccine needs, procurement planning, vaccine selection, supplier management, and optimizing vaccine supply.
5. Distribution Strategies: Designing efficient and reliable distribution networks for vaccines, including transportation planning, inventory management at distribution points, optimizing delivery routes, and last-mile distribution.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing systems for monitoring vaccine stock levels, temperature monitoring, assessing vaccine wastage rates, and evaluating supply chain performance indicators.
7. Data Management and Information Systems: Leveraging information systems and technology for vaccine stock monitoring, real-time data collection, vaccine order management, and improving supply chain visibility.
8. Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality and safety of vaccines through proper handling, storage, and distribution, adherence to cold chain protocols, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
9. Capacity Building and Training: Developing training programs for supply chain staff, building capacity in cold chain management, and fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration among immunization supply chain stakeholders.
10. Emergency Preparedness and Response: Strategies for managing supply chains during emergencies, including outbreak situations, natural disasters, and vaccine campaign logistics.
Course Overview
The course on Access to Medicines and Supply Chain Systems Re-design aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to enhance access to essential medicines and improve supply chain systems in the healthcare sector. Access to medicines is a critical component of healthcare delivery, and efficient supply chain systems are vital for ensuring the availability, affordability, and quality of medicines.
This course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and complexities related to access to medicines and the re-design of supply chain systems. Participants will learn about strategies for improving supply chain efficiency, strengthening procurement processes, optimizing inventory management, and enhancing distribution networks. The course will also cover key considerations such as pricing, regulation, and quality assurance in the context of access to medicines.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Introduction to Access to Medicines: Understanding the importance of access to medicines, the global landscape of access issues, and the role of supply chain systems in addressing access challenges.
2. Supply Chain Analysis: Evaluating the existing supply chain systems, identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and gaps, and conducting a situational analysis to inform system re-design.
3. Supply Chain Re-design Strategies: Exploring strategies and best practices for re-designing supply chain systems, including demand-driven approaches, collaborative forecasting, and supply chain integration.
4. Procurement Optimization: Improving procurement processes through strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring to ensure timely access to quality medicines.
5. Inventory Management: Optimizing inventory levels, implementing demand forecasting techniques, applying stock control methods, and reducing stockouts and wastage.
6. Distribution Network Optimization: Assessing distribution networks, designing efficient routing systems, improving transportation and last-mile delivery, and ensuring timely and reliable distribution of medicines.
7. Pricing and Affordability: Understanding pricing mechanisms, cost-effective procurement strategies, value-based pricing, and approaches to enhance affordability of medicines.
8. Regulatory Considerations: Exploring regulatory frameworks, quality assurance mechanisms, product registration processes, and the role of regulatory authorities in ensuring the availability of safe and effective medicines.
9. Data Management and Information Systems: Leveraging information systems, data analytics, and technology solutions for supply chain management, real-time tracking, and monitoring of medicine availability.
10. Collaboration and Partnerships: Promoting collaboration among stakeholders, engaging with international organizations, manufacturers, donors, and civil society to strengthen supply chain systems and improve access to medicines.
Course Overview
The course on Effective Procurement of Reproductive Health Products aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants in the procurement process specifically related to reproductive health products.
The effective procurement of these products is critical to ensuring access to quality reproductive health services, including contraceptives, family planning commodities, maternal health supplies, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and treatment items.
This course provides participants with an understanding of the key concepts, strategies, and best practices involved in the procurement of reproductive health products. Participants will learn about the procurement cycle, market analysis, supplier selection, contract management, quality assurance, and monitoring of procurement processes. The course will also address the unique challenges and considerations associated with the procurement of reproductive health products.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Introduction to Reproductive Health Procurement: Understanding the importance of effective procurement in ensuring access to reproductive health products, and the role of procurement in supporting reproductive health programs.
2. Procurement Planning: Developing procurement plans based on the specific needs and requirements of reproductive health programs, including forecasting demand, budgeting, and prioritization.
3. Market Analysis: Assessing the market for reproductive health products, analyzing supply and demand dynamics, identifying potential suppliers, and evaluating market trends and pricing.
4. Supplier Selection and Evaluation: Criteria and processes for selecting suppliers of reproductive health products, conducting supplier evaluations, and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
5. Procurement Methods: Exploring different procurement methods and approaches, including competitive bidding, requests for proposals (RFPs), framework agreements, and strategic sourcing.
6. Contract Management: Understanding contract negotiation, drafting and management for the procurement of reproductive health products, including terms and conditions, performance monitoring, and dispute resolution.
7. Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality and safety of reproductive health products through quality control mechanisms, product testing, regulatory compliance, and post-procurement quality monitoring.
8. Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Integrating procurement with supply chain management, including inventory management, warehousing, distribution, and last-mile delivery of reproductive health products.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing systems to monitor and evaluate procurement processes, performance indicators, and supplier performance, and using feedback to improve procurement practices.
10. Ethical Considerations: Addressing ethical issues related to procurement, such as transparency, accountability, avoiding conflicts of interest, and promoting fair and equitable procurement practices.
Target Audience:
The course is designed for professionals involved in the procurement and supply chain management of reproductive health products. This includes procurement officers, supply chain managers, program managers, public health practitioners, pharmacists, and other professionals working in the reproductive health sector.
By the end of the course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the principles and best practices in the procurement of reproductive health products. They will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively plan, implement, and manage procurement processes, ensuring the timely and cost-effective availability of quality reproductive health products for improved reproductive health outcomes.
Course Overview
The course on Forecasting & Quantification of Health Commodities provides participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively forecast and quantify the demand for health commodities. Forecasting and quantification are crucial components of supply chain management in the healthcare sector. Accurate forecasting and quantification help ensure the availability of essential health commodities, such as medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and other medical supplies, to meet the needs of the population.
This course aims to equip participants with the tools and techniques to analyze historical data, understand demand patterns, and make informed projections for health commodity requirements. Participants will learn about different forecasting models, data collection methods, and analytical approaches to develop robust and reliable forecasts. The course will also cover the process of quantification, which involves determining the quantities of health commodities required to meet the projected demand.
Key Topics Covered
Introduction to Forecasting and Quantification: Understanding the importance of forecasting and quantification in the health sector, and their impact on the availability of health commodities.
Data Collection and Analysis: Techniques for collecting and analyzing relevant data to identify trends, patterns, and factors affecting the demand for health commodities.
Forecasting Models: Different forecasting models used in the healthcare industry, including time series analysis, regression analysis, and causal models.
Forecasting Techniques: Applying forecasting techniques to predict future demand for health commodities, considering factors such as population growth, disease burden, epidemiological trends, and programmatic factors.
Quantification Methods: Approaches and methodologies for determining the quantities of health commodities needed based on the forecasted demand, taking into account factors like lead time, consumption rates, and stock levels.
Supply Chain Considerations: Understanding the role of forecasting and quantification in supply chain management, including inventory management, procurement, distribution, and logistics.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing systems for monitoring and evaluating the accuracy of forecasts and the performance of quantification processes, and making adjustments as necessary.
Case Studies and Best Practices: Examining real-world case studies and best practices in forecasting and quantification of health commodities from different countries and organizations.
Policy and Advocacy: Exploring policy implications and advocating for the integration of forecasting and quantification into national health programs and policies.
Course Overview
The Global Health Supply Chain Management short course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and challenges involved in managing supply chains for essential healthcare products on a global scale. This course is designed for professionals and students interested in the field of public health, logistics, pharmaceuticals, or international development.
During this course, participants will delve into the intricacies of global health supply chain management, exploring key concepts, strategies, and tools necessary for effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of supply chains. Through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain practical skills and knowledge to tackle real-world supply chain challenges.
Course Objectives:
Understand the importance of global health supply chain management in addressing public health challenges and improving health outcomes worldwide.
Explore the components of a global health supply chain, including procurement, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and information management.
Learn essential techniques for forecasting and supply planning to ensure the availability and accessibility of healthcare products.
Examine strategies for reducing stockouts, minimizing wastage, and improving product quality assurance within the supply chain.
Explore the role of technology, data analytics, and innovation in optimizing supply chain processes.
Understand the unique challenges and considerations involved in managing supply chains during public health emergencies and humanitarian crises.
Gain insights into best practices, case studies, and success stories from global health supply chain management initiatives.
Develop practical skills through hands-on exercises and simulations that simulate real-world supply chain scenarios.
Target Audience