JSI Partners with Humanitarian Responders to Solve Supply Chain Challenges
June 20th, 2023 | story
Every June 20, we commemorate World Refugee Day to honor the faith and courage of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. By supporting humanitarian partners with supply chain expertise, JSI helps to make life-saving health supplies available to those most in need. One of these partners is the International Rescue Committee (IRC), active in more than 40 crisis-affected countries.
Since 2012, the IRC has assisted hundreds of thousands of individuals affected by conflict and natural disasters in Nigeria. Insurgencies in Nigeria’s Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states have displaced about 8.3 million people who require humanitarian aid. Bashir Yahaya, IRC senior pharmacy manager in Borno State, oversees the health supply chain that delivers medicines to IRC’s clinics. “Our work often takes place in challenging and ever-changing environments. We learn to adapt quickly to limited resources, unpredictable circumstances, and evolving health care priorities,” explains Bashir.
After participating in a 12-week interactive supply chain management course, conducted by JSI supply chain senior advisor Barbara Lamphere, Bashir established a data review team to improve the management of pharmaceutical and medical commodities. Using the IMPACT team model, they found practical solutions to challenges in the supply chain, including closing a gap in the availability of family planning commodities, which led to a reduction in stockouts. “By strengthening collaboration, we can ensure that data flow seamlessly across different components of the IMPACT teams, facilitating performance analysis and continuous improvement,” says Bashir.
To all refugees, we want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to support you, to provide you with the health care you need, and to ensure that your voices are heard. We see your strength, your resilience, and your potential. You inspire us every day.” —Bashir Yahaya
A new brief, Improving Supply Chain Performance through Data Review Teams, highlights the practice and lessons for improving supply chain performance in humanitarian crisis settings. IMPACT teams can empower and motivate staff, align partner efforts, and encourage a culture of data use for informed supply chain management decisions.
The brief is part of a series on supply chain practices that humanitarian partners can implement to improve the delivery of pharmaceutical and medical commodities. It was published by the Building Capacity to Improve Health Commodity Management in Humanitarian and Disaster Settings project, funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. The project provides international and local nongovernment organization staff across the globe with training, guidance, resources, and follow-up support to manage pharmaceutical and medical commodities.
The brief was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID/BHA or the United States Government.
