The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) emerged victorious at the prestigious Global Health Supply Chain Summit (GHSCS) held in Lagos, Nigeria in a highly competitive field of over 31 international applications.
The organization’s integrated Logistics Management Information System (i-LMIS) and Last Mile Smart Net Distribution Project secured KEMSA a place among the top four finalists, earning global recognition for its transformative advancements in health supply chain solutions.
The success of KEMSA at the GHSCS demonstrates the organization’s creative approach to addressing important issues in healthcare delivery.
Not just in Kenya but also throughout the global health sector, these award-winning projects are establishing new standards for increasing accountability, efficiency, and transparency in the management of health commodities.
i-LMIS: Transforming Supply Chain Management
The integrated Logistics Management Information System (i-LMIS) was lauded for revolutionizing how health commodities are tracked and distributed. With three core components—Commodity Early Warning and Alert System (CEWAS), Allocation System, and electronic Proof of Delivery (e-POD)—the i-LMIS has enhanced commodity security by preventing stockouts and wastage.
It has also optimized allocation of health resources using real-time data as well as improved transparency and accountability across the supply chain.
Initially piloted in Kenya’s Family Planning Program with support from UNFPA, the system has since expanded to cover health programs including HIV, TB, malaria, oncology, and non-communicable diseases.
Today, i-LMIS operates across all 47 counties in Kenya, serving millions and ensuring critical health commodities are always available where they are needed most.
Digital LEAP: A Game-Changer in Malaria Prevention
KEMSA’s Last Mile Smart Net Distribution Project, powered by the Digital LEAP platform, has revolutionized the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) for malaria prevention. The project successfully delivered 15.3 million treated mosquito nets to over 5 million households across 22 counties in malaria-endemic regions. By leveraging an automated and intelligent distribution system, KEMSA ensured:
Accurate and efficient net deliveries, timely access to life-saving malaria prevention tools for vulnerable communities and Global Leader in Health Innovation
KEMSA’s CEO, Dr. Waqo Ejersa, emphasized the importance of these innovations, stating, “Our success at the GHSCS demonstrates KEMSA’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into healthcare delivery. These systems not only enhance transparency and accountability but also ensure that essential health commodities reach the most vulnerable populations.”
Dr. Ejersa credited the success to KEMSA’s dedicated team, led by Senior Programs Officers Dennis Ndwiga and Martin Mwenda, and the strategic partnerships with organizations like UNFPA, USAID, the Global Fund, UNICEF, and the Fred Hollows Foundation.
A Vision for the Future
The recognition at the GHSCS underscores KEMSA’s leadership in global health supply chain innovation. The organization’s efforts demonstrate how technology can transform public health systems, setting a model for replication in other countries.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on enhancing health outcomes for millions of Kenyans. Our mission is to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing critical healthcare commodities,” Dr. Ejersa added.
KEMSA’s groundbreaking achievements at the GHSCS reaffirm its role as a global pioneer in leveraging technology to improve healthcare access, proving that innovation can be a powerful tool in saving lives and transforming communities.
