ZAMMSA Achieves WHO Standard with 70% Drug Availability
The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has reached a significant milestone by meeting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) benchmark of 70% drug availability at its central warehouse.
According to Bradley Chingobe, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at ZAMMSA, this achievement is attributed to the agency’s comprehensive procurement strategy.
Mr. Chingobe explained that the strategy comprises three main approaches: the Mop-up exercise, receipt of 28,200 Health Centre kits, and bulk procurement through government-to-government channels such as the UPA of Egypt, in addition to collaborations with UN agencies and the Global Fund.
Chingobe elaborated, “Through the diversification and streamlining of our procurement processes, we have effectively reinforced the medicines and medical supplies availability levels at the central warehouse, thereby consolidating the overall healthcare infrastructure in Zambia.”
Regarding distribution, Chingobe reported that ZAMMSA has successfully distributed 100% of medicines and medical supplies from the Mop-Up exercises to all facilities in Lusaka and Southern Provinces, with other provinces currently receiving their allocations.
The three-pronged strategy employed by ZAMMSA underscores its commitment to becoming a world-class supply chain for essential medical commodities, aimed at ensuring a healthy and productive Zambia, Chingobe emphasized.
