Motivated by the need for technical know-how in supply chain management, Dr. Sandra applied for a 12-month postgraduate course in Supply Chain Management funded by the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), designed and delivered by the USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program-Procurement Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) project, in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and private sector stakeholders.
The course built her knowledge of global best practices in supply chain commodity logistics tailored to Angola’s context. It improved her skills in managing medicines and other health commodities
Upon completing the Supply Chain Management course, new paths opened for her. The National Malaria Control Program recruited her to lead logistics activities. In this new role, she oversees distribution planning efforts to ensure medicines are delivered at the right time for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria. With her new skills in supply chain management, she has participated in activities that help ensure the right amount of malaria commodities when needed.
Today, she travels around the country supporting the NMCP and partners to carry out prevention activities in the provinces. In September 2022, Sandra coordinated training for 73 malaria logisticians from Malanje and Cuanza Norte provinces on correctly using NMCP’s data collection tools. This activity was held in collaboration with GHSC-PSM and the provincial health offices. Through efforts like these, Sandra helps to improve and strengthen the supply chain system in Angola.
Though it is often challenging juggling work and motherhood, Dr. Sandra enjoys her work. She knows that she plays an integral part in ensuring that malaria products reach those who have little or no other ways of protecting themselves against malaria. Dr. Sandra remains grateful to PMI and the MOH for the opportunity to make a positive difference in public healthcare delivery in Angola.
