The EAC RCE-VIHSM in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat are a step closer to launching EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism (PPM) for health commodities following technical meetings held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Entebbe, Uganda. These discussions aimed at refining, testing, and finalizing the phase of the PPM information sharing portal.
The first of these meetings this quarter, the Digital Health, Data, Technical & Innovations (DIDATI) Expert Working Group (EWG), convened to assess and refine the Digital Information Sharing Platform that forms the backbone of the PPM took place in Dar es Salaam from July 1-6, 2024. Attended by Pooled Procurement Mechanism Supply Chain Focal Persons, Digital Health Experts, and key stakeholders from Ministries of Health in the EAC region, the meeting focused on improving the platform’s functionality, security, and usability to ensure it serves the diverse needs of all involved parties.
A second Expert Working Group (EWG) convened in Entebbe, Uganda, from August 5-16, 2024 focused on testing and finalize the platform with input from regional Digital Health Facilitators, System Architects, Developers, and Digital Health Officers. This phase aimed to ensure that the platform was fully aligned with the technical specifications and ready for implementation by end users. The meeting culminated in the successful sign-off of the digital platform’s development, marking a significant milestone toward its full rollout.
These consultations are a key component of the EAC’s efforts to roll out the PPM and build trust among Partner States, ensuring that the system is fit for purpose. The new platform is expected to significantly reduce costs, improve transparency, and increase access to essential medicines and medical supplies for the East African population. Once fully implemented, the EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism will be a key driver in strengthening health systems in the EAC region, with the potential to improve health outcomes for people in the region.
The EAC RCE-VIHSCM and the EAC Secretariat are now preparing for the final rollout phase of the digital platform.