We are supporting CMAM in its work with provincial health authorities to help them understand the supply chain transformations.
Background
In 2013 the Mozambican Ministry of Health (MISAU) and its partners developed the Strategic Plan for Pharmaceutical Logistics (PELF). This was to address supply chain challenges. Consequently, a cohesive national strategy was crafted to ensure the delivery of medicines to all who need them.
The PELF also advocates for Comando Unico, which entails having one entity responsible for the entire supply chain and its autonomy. The Central de Medicamentos e Artigos Médicos (CMAM) is the main body responsible for implementing the PELF.
ARC’s role
As part of the journey to implement the PELF, CMAM and its partners designed the Next Mile and PESI projects. In addition, a new operating model and technological support was developed. By coupling these projects with CMAM’s autonomy, the organization can achieve end-to-end visibility and consolidated management of the public health supply chain.
A process was also initiated to establish CMAM as an autonomous entity (though subordinated to the Minister of Health). A government decree was issued in July 2022. This approved the CMAM as a public institution with administrative autonomy. Enabling the responsibility to deliver medicines to all health facilities (Comando Unico).
To support its transition to autonomy and facilitate coordination with partners on the implementation of Next Mile and PESI projects, ARC placed an Enabler within CMAM. This Enabler helps support legislative and regulatory evolution, allowing CMAM to function in its new role and provide end-to-end supply chain management.
Our Enabler also specifically focuses on the advocacy workstream of Next Mile and PESI. Including legal and organisational support to CMAM and bridging CMAM’s needs and the interests and abilities of partners and donors.
We are supporting CMAM in its work with provincial health authorities to help them understand the supply chain transformations. Additionally, the aim is to make the necessary knowledge and information available to them. This will enable them to understand the new role they will play in healthcare provision. Particularly around the control and supervision of medicine availability.
In 2022, an infrastructure investment plan for warehousing over the next 10 years was prepared for CMAM by ARC. The proposed plan was presented to the Thematic Working Group on Supply Chain and Logistics (GTCAL).
Outcomes and impact
Six key areas have been identified as essential to strengthen the public health supply chain in Africa: Including strategy, improvement roadmap, governance, policies and research, solutions proposals, and budgets and investment cases. Our work in Mozambique has contributed to growth in many of these areas. Below are some of the areas that we have highlighted:
IMPROVEMENT ROADMAP: Supporting the realisation of the PELF
Next Mile and PESI offer a practical, long-term implementation framework that helps ensure CMAM can fully implement the PELF.
IMPACT: ARC is supporting the development and implementation of the PELF in Mozambique.
GOVERNANCE: Bridging funding planning between stakeholders
Our Enabler facilitates different partners and stakeholders in the supply chain, reducing duplications and improving efficiencies in articulating activities and priorities.
IMPACT: Funding is used well to support all aspects of the supply chain, rather than having duplication and omissions at different key points.
STRATEGY: Thematic working groups for comprehensive planning
We are contributing to the submissions to the different GTCAL working groups responsible for various planning areas of the supply chain.
