Zambia Ministry of Health Empowers District Pharmacy Officers for Sustainable eLMIS Management

Sep 18, 2024

Commitment to Skills Development
Zambia’s Ministry of Health is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its staff through targeted training initiatives. Focused on equipping MOH personnel with vital skills for managing the electronic Logistics Management Information System, these efforts underscore dedication to self-reliance and sustainability in healthcare management. Collaborating closely with the USAID eSCMIS project, alongside other stakeholders and partners, this strategic alliance is yielding transformative outcomes.
A recent Super Users Training for the eLMIS Facility Edition, organized by the Eastern Provincial Health Office (EPHO), was driven by a shared recognition that empowering local healthcare professionals with eLMIS skills is essential for long-term sustainability. Conducted in Katete district, the training aimed to equip participants, specifically district pharmacy in charges/program officers, with the knowledge and tools needed to independently manage and troubleshoot eLMIS-related issues.

Super Users and trainers after successfully completing the training

Joseph Lungenda, Chief Pharmacist – Eastern Provincial Health Office, shares, “We observed numerous issues being reported in the WhatsApp group used by eLMIS users, particularly during reporting periods. Many of these issues led to reporting delays. Thus, we conducted this training for super users to empower them with the capacity to resolve most issues locally. The impact of this training has been significant: there’s been a marked reduction in the number of issues posted in the WhatsApp group, and reporting timeliness has notably improved, positioning the Eastern province as a frontrunner. We aspire for this positive trend to continue. Streamlined report preparation not only enhances data accuracy but also ensures timely availability of health commodities for the communities we serve.”

The participants were strategically chosen to be the first-tier support for all eLMIS-related issues within their districts. This targeted approach acknowledged the importance of having on-the-ground experts who could address issues promptly before escalating them to the central helpdesk. The training was conducted interactively and practically, facilitating collective issue resolution among participants.

Empowering Through Knowledge

Reflecting on the training, Samwalu Milupi, Nyimba District Health Office Pharmacy In-Charge, emphasizes its transformative impact on pharmacy management, stating, “Throughout the training, I gained insights into the correct procedures.” He further articulates, “Specifically in pharmacy management, we learned how to correctly transfer stock from the hospital dispensary to community posts and accurately record such transactions in the system.”

Samwalu Milupi (right) assisting colleague with creating nodes for eLMIS satelite site

Local Troubleshooting: A Game-Changer

The training directly addresses a critical challenge faced by the district—troubleshooting issues requiring external assistance. With these newfound capabilities, Milupi can now provide both remote and physical technical support, significantly reducing reliance on external assistance and minimizing the need for frequent helpdesk calls. Milupi states, “After the training, we created a WhatsApp group with all the super users, which we use to help each other when stuck.” The establishment of a supportive network through the WhatsApp group with fellow super users further enhances problem-solving efficiency.

Milupi’s expertise translates into tangible improvements in district-wide reporting. He plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality, accuracy, and reliability of reports. The district achieves a remarkable 100% reporting rate since January, another impact of the training.

Continuous Improvement, Community Engagement and Reduced Expenditures

Milupi’s contribution extends beyond technical support. Actively engaging with facilities, he fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Milupi shares feedback and interacts weekly, ensuring facilities not only receive support but actively contribute to the evolving eLMIS ecosystem.

In the broader context, Milupi’s newfound capacity significantly reduces expenditures for the district and its partners. Milupi emphasizes the significant time and cost reductions achieved by becoming proficient in resolving various issues locally. Simple issues that once required physical presence can now be resolved remotely, showcasing the self-sufficiency achieved through collaborative efforts between the MOH, the USAID eSCMIS project, and dedicated healthcare professionals like Samwalu Milupi.