›› In this Issue ›› Word from the Director Minilabs Project CCEM Training for South Sudan Introducing our Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Approval of the Pooled Procurement Model approval (PPM) From our Partners: PtD Indaba Conference Upcoming Events We are delighted to extend to you a warm welcome to our 8th Edition of the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), Newsletter. In the pages of this edition, you will find a curated collection of key highlights and stories that underscore our resolute commitment to advancing healthcare standards, education, training, and supply chain management throughout the East African Community. EAC RCE -VIHSCM NEWSLETTER - 8th EDITION October 31 2023
DIRECTOR’S WORD We are delighted to extend to you a warm welcome to our 8th Edition of the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), Newsletter. In the pages of this edition, you will find a curated collection of key highlights and stories that underscore our resolute commitment to advancing healthcare standards, education, training, and supply chain management throughout the East African Community. As we delve into the stories, you will have the opportunity to explore a series of remarkable wits and collaborations that are shaping the future of healthcare within the EAC region. These stories reflect our continuous efforts to promote excellence, innovation, and progress within the healthcare sector. For this quarter, our journey begun with the remarkable Minilabs Project, a pioneering initiative aimed at combating counterfeit medicines. This initiative involves the procurement of Minilab kits, standards and reagents and donating them EAC institutions. This is followed by delivery of comprehensive training, all with the intent of empowering the National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) across the Community. The recent donation of 16 Minilab kits standards and reagents is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to enhance healthcare standards, and bolstering the fight against substandard and falsified medicines. Furthermore, we delve into the success story of the Cold Chain Equipment Management (CCEM) training programme conducted for the Republic of South Sudan from September 4th to 15th, 2023, in Nairobi. This programme places a strong emphasis on instilling safe practices, imparting maintenance knowledge, honing skills in fault diagnosis, and providing solutions for remedial actions. With this, we believe, trained professionals will play a vital role in advancing immunization programmes and elevating the competence of healthcare professionals. As shared in our last Newsletter, we are excited to launch our new MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance programme (MPAQA), this Fall. The programme was started in an effort to create an enabling environment for vaccines manufacturing. MPAQA is a two-year programme carefully tailored to sharpen the evolving demands of quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry. The programme will be the first of its kind in East Africa. Our dedication to improving the efficiency and transparency of healthcare access to medicines is apparent through the unanimous approval of the EAC pooled procurement model. This initiative, born from the consolidation of the purchasing power of our EAC Partner States, is set to revolutionize the procurement of essential medical supplies and equipment. The result will be a consistent and dependable supply of quality healthcare commodities for our communities at a low cost. More so, allow me highlight our ongoing partnership with People that Deliver (PtD). The partnership focuses, especially, on professionalizing the healthcare workforce across the EAC region. An insightful article in this edition showcases the forthcoming PtD Global Indaba, a prominent HR Conference scheduled to take place in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand from 6 to 8 March, 2024. As the event draws near, we are excited to inform you that registration and abstract submissions are currently open. Lastly, the stories in this newsletter, collectively underscore our dedication to enhancing healthcare standards, education, and supply chain management in the East African region. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote professional excellence, kindle innovation, and continually raise the bar for healthcare standards. Sincerely, Stephen Karengera Director, EAC-RCE-VIHSCM
EAC-RCE Minilabs Project: An Initiative to combat counterfeit medicines in the region Call for applications; June—July, 2023 A minilab toolkit with reference standards and reagents EAC Secretariat, University of Rwanda, Muhimbili University, Tübingen University, RFDA & RMS officials pose for a photo As a substantial move in improving healthcare standards within the region and ensuring the safety of available medications, the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCEVIHSCM), in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat initiated the implementation of the Minilabs Project, with aim to strengthen the identification and prevention of substandard and falsified medicines, commonly known as fake medicines. The project involves the acquisition of Minilab kits and the provision of comprehensive training to enhance their effective use. The primary objective for the acquisition of Minilabs is to empower the National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) within the EAC Partner States to identify and scrutinize medicines rigorously and discover counterfeit medicines.
On August 18, 2023, the EAC RCE-VIHSCM organized a ceremony at Kigali's Innovation City, where they presented 16 Minilab kits to personnel from the National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) and the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of the EAC Partner States. The event was graced by the presence of officials from the EAC Secretariat, Rwanda FDA, Rwanda Medical Supply, regional and partner Universities, as well as representatives of the EAC NMRAs who had recently completed an intensive week-long training program at the University of Rwanda Biocomplex Laboratory in Huye district. The training focused on effectively utilizing the Minilab kits. In her address, Ms. Kayitare Tengera Françoise, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, who presided over the event on behalf of the University of Rwanda, underscored the global issue of substandard and falsified medicines (SFM) and the necessity of collective efforts to combat this problem. She stressed that a well-functioning National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA/ FDA) must be supported by a well-equipped quality control laboratory. She commended the collaborative endeavors of the EAC RCE-VIHSCM in addressing this challenge through the Minilabs project. She also highlighted that with support from the German Development Cooperation (BMZ) through the German Development Bank (KfW), the UR/EACRCEVIHSCM had successfully procured 16 Minilab kits, reference standards, and reagents. Each EAC Partner State would therefore receive two Minilab kits, reference standards, and reagents through its NMRA, with two additional kits reserved for teaching and training purposes by the UR/EAC RCE-VIHSCM. The analysis of essential medicines using Minilab kits in the EAC region, is deemed one of the most effective solutions to combat the issue of poor-quality medicines. Ms. Tengera added that once the NMRAs/FDAs receive and deploy the Photos: Dr. Francoise Tengera handing over Minilab kits to NMRA representatives of each EAC Partner State
Minilabs at key points of entry for medicines, each NMRA/FDA will be sharing screening results with the EAC RCE-VIHSCM quarterly for further analysis and information sharing across the EAC PS for decision making against SFM. Dr. Eric Nzeyimana, EAC Secretariat Principal Health Officer also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in combating the menace of counterfeit medicines and the critical role that well-trained professionals play in this endeavor. “This project calls for collaboration in partner states in order to succeed especially with the establishment of centers of excellence. The minilabs are going to make a great difference in the way we control our products and this will result in, of course, better access to quality medicines and medical products,” he said. Minilab technology is a portable and cost-effective tool designed to screen the quality of medicines in resource-limited settings. It facilitates the rapid assessment and detection of counterfeit and substandard medicines at any location without the need for a full-scale laboratory. In close partnership with Tübingen University in Germany and Muhimbili University of Allied Sciences (MUHAS), the EAC RCE-VIHSCM leads the implementation of the project. This ensures the coordination, training, and knowledge transfer among the beneficiary institutions. Dr. Eric Nzeyimana handing over Minilab kits to South Sudan NMRA representatives Minilab kits handover to Uganda NMRA representatives Minilab kits handover to Rwanda NMRA representatives Prof. Dr. Lutz Heide of University of Tübingen with Dr. Stephen Karengera, Director of UR/EAC RCE-VIHSCM RCE Team with Minilab trainees
Empowering South Sudan's Healthcare Personnel through Cold Chain Equipment Management Training Participants of the South Sudan Cold Chain Equipment Management training pose for a photo Ensuring the proper management of cold chain equipment and upholding the competency of healthcare professionals working in Cold Chain facilities is critical for the success of immunization programs. As part of its ongoing commitment to equip professionals with essential knowledge and skills in healthcare supply chain and vaccine management, the EAC RCE-VIHSCM successfully conducted a training program on Cold Chain Equipment Management (CCEM) for the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) Ministry of Health personnel from September 4th to 15th, 2023, in Kitengela, Republic of Kenya. This training aimed to empower participants with the expertise necessary for safe practices, preventive maintenance, fault diagnosis, and remedial actions in the systematic management of CCEM. Indeed, the training yielded highly positive outcomes, with participants expressing newfound confidence in their knowledge and skills, fully aligned with their professional responsibilities. One participant emphasized the significance of the training, saying, “This training has equipped us with the strategies needed to enhance CCE management, enabling us to make positive contributions to our respective institutions. We have gained practical insights from real-life case studies and collaborated with peers in the same space”. This CCEM training is part of a broader series of courses offered by UR/EAC RCE-VIHSCM to healthcare professionals designed to boost the success of immunization programs and strengthen the overall healthcare system in the East African region. CCEM expert training RSS healthcare personnel
Introducing our cutting-edge Master degree programme in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Participants pose for a group photo In a participatory and collaborative workshop held from September 4th to 8th, 2023, a diverse group of experts in regulatory affairs, vaccines, curriculum development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and quality control came together to chart the course for our upcoming Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs programme at the EAC RCEVIHSCM. This collaborative effort marked a significant milestone in our ongoing pursuit of excellence in pharmaceutical education, training and innovation. The core objective of this intensive workshop was to develop the program's structure and modules, while ensuring that it remains closely attuned to the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical industry. The team's collective efforts throughout the week bore fruits in the form of crucial foundational documents, including a programme proposal form, program specification form, and detailed module descriptions. These documents will serve as the architectural blueprint for our forthcoming programme, paving the way for a comprehensive and cutting-edge curriculum. A notable highlight of this exciting endeavor is the strategic collaboration between EAC RCE-VIHSCM and the esteemed University of Addis Ababa and regulators across the region. This partnership underscores our firm commitment to harnessing the combined expertise of industry professionals and academic leaders. Through this alliance with a renowned institution, we are poised to deliver a Master of Science programme in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs of exceptional quality and relevance to the people of the East African Community and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates as we work tirelessly to bring this innovative programme to fruition, further elevating the standards of pharmaceutical education and regulatory affairs in our EAC Region. Experts engaged in a group discussion Participants working in a group
Central/National Medical Stores CEOs, Chief Pharmacists, and other officials pose for a photo Eac Pooled Procurement Model receives unanimous approval The EAC Pooled Procurement Model has received unanimous approval from Central/National Medical Stores CEOs, Chief Pharmacists, Health Policy, Planning, and Procurement experts, and other esteemed professionals representing the EAC Partner States. This significant milestone was achieved during a pivotal meeting held from August 7th to 8th, 2023, at the Ubumwe Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting was convened through the collaborative efforts of the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccine, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management (UR/EAC RCEVIHSCM) and the EAC Secretariat. The EAC pooled procurement initiative aims to provide equitable and sustained access to safe, effective, quality-assured low-cost medicines to support the EAC public health system. This collaborative approach will empower the EAC region to acquire health commodities at a reduced cost, thereby ensuring a consistent and costeffective supply of essential medicines to meet the needs of the East African community. The initial phase of the EAC pooled procurement initiative places significant emphasis on information sharing, a pivotal aspect within the approved model designed to facilitate the exchange of data, knowledge, challenges, and best practices. As active contributors, the participants have wholeheartedly pledged their firm unwavering support to kick-start the implementation of the approved pooled procurement model's initial phase, underlining the dedication of the EAC Partner States to lower the cost of health care, increase efficiency and availability of medicines and health commodities for the benefit of the region's healthcare ecosystem. EAC Secretariat officials at the meeting Participant share insights during the meeting
Exciting Update from our Valued Partners: People that Deliver The Global Indaba is organised by People that Deliver (PtD), a coalition of organisations united in driving towards the professionalisation of the supply chain workforce. The EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management UR/EAC RCE-VIHSCM) is a key coalition member of PtD, which was established to contribute to improving the health of the people of the East African Community with the mandate to support the professionalisation of health supply chain management cadres. The 2.5 day conference is an extension of this goal and is focused on initiatives that support the people running health supply chains and centres on the four We are thrilled to share with you an insightful article from one of our partners, People that Deliver (PtD), with whom EAC RCEVIHSCM collaborates to drive forward the professionalisation of the healthcare workforce. The article highlights an upcoming and highly anticipated event in the world of healthcare - the PtD Global Indaba, a conference focused on human resources (HR). As the event draws near, we are excited to inform you that registration and abstract submissions are currently open (please read details below). pathways of the PtD coalition’s central document, the Building human resources for supply chain management theory of change: staffing, skills, motivation and working conditions. The theme of the Global Indaba in Bangkok is: The supply chain workforce: Solutions to transform health supply chains and PtD is inviting abstract submissions that fit into either of two categories: evidence-based HR for SCM solutions with actual results or future-focused HR for SCM solutions to transform health supply chains. The abstract submission process closes on 24 November and colleagues are encouraged to submit their ideas. Read more about abstract submission here.
Why join us at the Global Indaba? Being at the Global Indaba in Bangkok will provide a unique opportunity to hear from a country that is improving systems that address critical public health issues and is pioneering initiatives to achieve UHC. The conference will also draw on discussions and revelations from the SAPICS conference and GHSC summit to unveil human resources for supply chain management solutions to transform health supply chains. Presenting at the Global Indaba will give you and your organisation superb exposure, allow you to speak directly to country supply chain leaders, donors and private sector partners and give you the chance to showcase your successes and share your future-focused solutions. Register before the end of November to receive your early-bird discount and read more about the conference here. As for sponsorship, if you want your organisation to be part of the biggest conference on HR for SCM, we can tailor packages to suit your needs. Find out more here. Key dates Abstract submission: Closes 24 November 2023 Early bird registration: Closes 30 November 2024 PtD Global Indaba: 6-8 March 2024 PtD is hosting the Global Indaba alongside Mahidol University’s Center for International Healthcare Logistics and Supply Chain (Health CLARE), IAPHL, Management Sciences for Health (MSH), Pharmaceutical Systems Africa and Upavon Management.
Friday November 17, 2023 University of Graduation ceremony: (including Master of Health Supply Chain Management 3rd Cohort) November 2023 Induction of new Master programme students (MPAQA cohort 1 & MHSCM cohort 6) Upcoming Events The (EAC) Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunisation and Health Supply Chain Management (RCE-VIHSCM) is one of the six EAC Regional Centres of Excellence for Skills and Tertiary Education in the Higher Medical and Health Sciences Education, Health Services &Research. Housed at the University of Rwanda, the Centre was established to contribute to the improved health of the people of the East African Community by building supply chain management capacity for EAC personnel and to act as a regional focal point for the introduction and dissemination of innovative and proven procedures in health supply chain management. Our vision is to become an autonomous, well-recognized, top-class, regional knowledge hub, providing high-quality pre- and in-service training and disseminating best practices in vaccines, immunization and health supply chain management. Our mission is to contribute to solving existing performance challenges of the health supply chain management (HSCM) system in the EAC region through the generation of knowledge and its translation into research, policy and practice. @EacRceVihscm EacRce Vihscm https://hscm.ur.ac.rw [email protected] Contact Us About EAC RCE-VIHSCM Eac Rce-Vihscm