Optimizing this process requires supportive supervision that ensure uninterrupted access and availability of health products at service delivery points. This is particularly important for county departments of health with the overall responsibility to ensure effective management of commodities within the county.
Afya Ugavi supported the County Government of Vihiga and sub-county teams to carry out support supervision and Supply chain audit using the scored integrated supportive supervision and supply chain audit tool to gauge performance of facilities. The tool looked at parameters such as resolution of previous action points, storage of health products, inventory management, availability and use of commodity management information system tools, verification of commodity data, guidelines and job aids, and accountability for commodities.
The County Government of Vihiga and partners held a recognition and reward ceremony based on performance indicators for the best overall facility in supply chain management. The assessment reviewed an annual performance and created the following categories: top 3 health facilities per sub-county, top 3 health facilities in the county, most improved health facility, best sub-county in the county, and best county and or sub-county hospital. A total of 69 health facilities participated in the contest with Mbale Rural Health Training Centre becoming the overall best in the County.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor H.E. Dr. Wilber Ottichillo expressed his appreciation for the effort that health workers are putting in providing services to the communities. “We thank USAID’s Afya Ugavi Project for improving our system to manage and distribute health commodities effectively,” he said.
By carrying out the integrated supportive supervision and supply chain audit, the county will sustain the yearly award to build a competitive excellence in supply chain management, and motivate health workers to sustain good practice and introduce a culture of accountability that sustains access and availability of services.
Dr. Amos Kutwa the Committee Executive Member for Health for Vihiga County indicated that partnership with Afya Ugavi has brought sustainable improvement in supply chain management. “When systems work, we become accountable to the resources and to the communities we serve,” he said.
