The inaugural EAC Regional Health Supply Chain Management (HSCM) Taskforce on Professionalization convened in Nairobi from November 25-28, 2024. The meeting, organized by the EAC Secretariat, the EAC RCE-VIHSCM and People that Deliver, aimed to design a comprehensive implementation roadmap for the region’s Professionalization Strategy.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including EAC Professionalization Taskforce members, organizations such as VillageReach, African Resource Center, InSupply Health, the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), and other global professional bodies.
Dr. Eric Nzeyimana, EAC Principal Health Officer, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “a strong and professionalized health supply chain (HSC) workforce is fundamental to strengthening health systems across the region”. He emphasized the critical role of health supply chain, particularly during pandemics, where the availability of medicines and supplies is key to effective healthcare delivery.
The taskforce successfully developed a detailed roadmap with approaches for the Health Supply Chain Management Professionalization Strategy. This strategy, designed to set standards and curricula for educating health supply chain professionals in the region, aligns with global and regional commitments to strengthen health systems.
As a next steps, the Taskforce in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat and EAC RCE-VIHSCM, will promptly commence the implementation of the developed roadmap.