In a bid to enhance the efficiency and accountability of health commodity distribution, the Kano State Ministry of Health has convened a high-level review meeting to assess the current Integrated Last-Mile Delivery (iLMD) system.
The strategic meeting, held at Tahir Guest Palace Hotel, focused on evaluating and improving the supply chain of essential medicines and health commodities across the state, particularly at the community level where services are most needed.
Organized in partnership with Capacity 4 Sustainable Development (C4SD), the event brought together critical stakeholders in public health logistics in Nigeria, including senior ministry officials, Essential Drug Officers, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Coordinators, Zonal Warehouse Managers, logistics teams, and development partners.
Strengthening Last-Mile Delivery in Kano’s Health Sector
Key discussion points included:
- Validation of facility-level requisitions
- Assessment of commodity stock levels
- Identification of delivery bottlenecks
- Alignment of supply data with actual facility needs
The participants also reviewed fleet management strategies, requisition protocols, and the current distribution status of family planning commodities and essential medicines in Kano State.
Calls for Coordination, Research, and Transparency
Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu, Director of Pharmaceutical Services and Chairman of the State Sustainable Health Commodity Supply System Committee (SHCSS-C), emphasized the importance of a coordinated, transparent, and accountable supply chain, especially at the last mile where health services reach underserved populations.
Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu Muhammad, Director of Public Health and Disease Control, urged participants to not only implement best practices but also document their outcomes through research, publications, and conference presentations to promote learning and continuous improvement.
Development Partners Reaffirm Support
Development partners, including the Africa Resource Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM), reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kano State in ensuring equitable access to health commodities and improving health outcomes through sustainable supply chain solutions.
Next Steps for an Improved Health Supply Chain
The meeting concluded with stakeholders outlining concrete next steps, complete with timelines and assigned responsibilities. These action points are expected to drive measurable improvements in the health supply chain management system in Kano State, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of life-saving medicines and supplies.
