EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM)                
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Research, Innovation and Technical Assistance

The EAC RCE is dedicated to achieving excellence in evidence-based research and the dissemination of knowledge that informs best practices in pharmaceutical, quality assurance, and healthcare supply chain management.

The East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM) is actively involved in various research and technical assistance initiatives aimed at improving healthcare supply chains and vaccine production in the East African region.

Our work not only contributes to improving the availability and affordability of essential pharmaceutical products but also enhances the professionalization of health supply chain professionals and strengthens vaccine management across the region. The center positions itself as a go-to institution for expertise and support in these critical areas.

Below are some key highlights of our work:

  1. Feasibility Study for Cross-Border Supply Chain Solution:

The study focused on developing cross-border supply chain solutions for reproductive health supplies in the East African Community (EAC) region. The primary goal was to enhance the availability of affordable and high-quality pharmaceutical products within the EAC Partner States.

  1. EAC Pooled Procurement Market Survey:

EAC RCE_VIHSCM led a market survey to inform the Operationalization the EAC Pooled Procurement Model. This survey involved gathering data and information on procurement practices and market dynamics to inform the operationalization of the pooled procurement model. The EAC Pooled Procurement Model aims at reducing the high costs of procurement and ensure the supply of quality medicines across the EAC region.

  1. Arrangement with UNICEF:

EAC RCE-VIHSCM has a long-term arrangement (LTA) with UNICEF to support countries in Eastern and Southern Africa in conducting Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) activities. EVM activities are critical for ensuring the safe and effective storage, distribution, and management of vaccines.

  1. Professionalization of Health Supply Chain Cadres:

In collaboration with People that Deliver (PtD), the Center is working to professionalize health supply chain cadres in the 7 EAC Partner States namely; Republic of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania (Mainland and Zanzibar), and the Republic of Uganda.

 This effort involves training and capacity building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals involved in healthcare supply chain management.

  1. Research Project with University of Johannesburg:

The RCE is co-leading a research project funded by GIZ (German Development Cooperation) aimed at supporting vaccine production in Africa. This project focuses on establishing a network of centers of excellence in the region dedicated to evidence-based research and capacity building. It specifically addresses technology gaps in the pharmaceutical and vaccines sector.

 

ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECTS

1. PhD project on Mother and Child Health Medicines by Thomas Bizimana in collaboration with Tubingen University (Prof Lutz Heide): two research papers published to date:

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236411
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.20-0255

2. PhD Project by Stany Banzimana on Assessing Vaccines Supply Chain System design in the EAC Region. Challenges and Opportunities. Case Study: Republic of Kenya and Rwanda in collaboration with Katolieke Universiteit Lueven (Prof Nico Vandaele)

 

RCE VIHSCM RESEARCH CALL FOR PROPOSAL

Ongoing Call for proposal:

  1. Call for Research Proposals in Priority areas of Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management 2023-2024:
  2. Approved guidelines and Grant application form

The Previous Call for Proposals

  1.  Call for Research Proposals 2020