The EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM) in close collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, successfully conducted a trial run and showcase of the EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism (PPM) Digital Platform for Information Sharing in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, on Friday, October 11, 2024.
The event gathered Permanent Secretaries and other key participants from EAC Partner States including Heads/CEOs of National Medical Stores, Chief Pharmacists, ICT experts. Prior to this, the platform was introduced to End users from EAC Partner States through an intensive training of that run from 7th – 9th October, 2024.
Dr. Harriet Akello Pasquale, Undersecretary for MoH South Sudan (5th left), Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth (6th left), EAC Deputy Secretary General and other EAC Partner States officials during the meeting
Dr. Harriet Akello Pasquale, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in South Sudan and Chairperson of the meeting remarked, “Today marks a defining moment for us all. The demonstration shared has clearly shown that the system is fully functional, ready for deployment, and will enable seamless sharing of critical health data across borders, thus enhancing transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in procurement processes.
Further stressing the role of this initiative, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, stated, “This will accelerate the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol and ultimately improve the well-being of East Africans”, he said.
I commend the relentless efforts of our Partner States’ experts, the leadership of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health, the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management, for the progress achieved so far.
Dr. Stephen Karengera, Director of the EAC RCE-VIHSCM makes a presentation on the EAC PPM
Prior to this, the platform was introduced to End users from EAC Partner States through an intensive training of that run from 7th – 9th October, 2024.
The EAC PPM envisions a sustainable and cost-efficient supply chain for health commodities, potentially saving EAC countries up to $1.15 billion annually by streamlining procurement processes. This initiative not only aims to improve access to medicines but also empowers the EAC to shape its pharmaceutical market, ensuring demand and incentivizing local manufacturing.
The successful pre-launch serves as a precursor to the final launch of the EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism, set to take place during the upcoming 25th Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health.