Training Course on Vital Flow: Health Commodity Supply Chain Training Course

Module 1: Introduction to Health Commodity Supply Chains
Subtopics:
Overview of health commodity supply chains
Key components and stakeholders
Challenges and bottlenecks in supply chains
Impact of supply chain efficiency on healthcare delivery
Case Studies:
Analysis of a successful vaccine supply chain in Rwanda
Lessons from stockout crises in low-resource health facilities
Learning Objectives:
Understand the structure and components of health commodity supply chains
Identify key stakeholders and their roles
Recognize common challenges and bottlenecks
Appreciate the impact of supply chain efficiency on patient care

Module 2: Procurement and Sourcing of Health Commodities
Subtopics:
Procurement planning and forecasting
Supplier selection and relationship management
Tendering, contracts, and cost optimization
Legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations
Case Studies:
Procurement strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Managing multi-supplier contracts in national health programs
Learning Objectives:
Apply procurement planning techniques to meet facility needs
Evaluate and select suppliers effectively
Understand regulatory and ethical considerations in procurement
Develop strategies for cost-effective and timely procurement

Module 3: Inventory Management and Warehousing
Subtopics:
Stock management methods: FIFO, FEFO, safety stock
Warehousing best practices and layout planning
Cold chain storage and temperature-sensitive products
Inventory tracking and loss prevention
Case Studies:
Cold chain management for immunization programs
Addressing stock discrepancies in district hospitals
Learning Objectives:
Implement effective stock management techniques
Optimize warehouse layout and storage conditions
Manage temperature-sensitive commodities safely
Monitor and reduce inventory losses

Module 4: Distribution and Logistics Management
Subtopics:
Transportation planning and route optimization
Last-mile delivery strategies
Cold chain logistics in distribution
Coordination with health facilities and stakeholders
Case Studies:
Distribution of essential medicines to remote regions
Logistics solutions during emergency response operations
Learning Objectives:
Plan and execute efficient distribution of health commodities
Ensure product integrity during transit
Coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders
Solve logistical challenges in low-resource settings

Module 5: Supply Chain Monitoring and Performance Evaluation
Subtopics:
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for supply chains
Data collection, reporting, and analytics
Risk management and contingency planning
Continuous improvement strategies
Case Studies:
Using dashboards to monitor stock levels in national programs
Lessons from supply chain disruptions during epidemics
Learning Objectives:
Measure and evaluate supply chain performance using KPIs
Collect and analyze supply chain data for decision-making
Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies
Implement continuous improvement in supply chain operations

Module 6: Technology and Innovation in Health Commodity Management
Subtopics:
Digital supply chain tools (eLMIS, ERP, mobile apps)
Emerging technologies: IoT, AI, and blockchain
Data-driven decision-making
Integration of traditional and digital supply chain practices
Case Studies:
Digital transformation of immunization supply chains in Kenya
AI-driven forecasting for essential medicines
Learning Objectives:
Apply digital tools for supply chain monitoring and management
Understand emerging technologies and their applications
Use data analytics to guide procurement and distribution decisions
Integrate innovative solutions into existing supply chain systems

Module 7: Practical Applications and Case Studies
Subtopics:
Hands-on exercises in procurement, inventory, and distribution
Simulations of stockouts and emergency responses
Developing facility-specific supply chain improvement plans
Group discussions and knowledge sharing
Case Studies:
Simulation exercises based on real national health commodity scenarios
Collaborative problem-solving for cold chain failures
Learning Objectives:
Apply theoretical knowledge in practical supply chain scenarios
Develop action plans to improve supply chain efficiency
Solve real-world supply chain challenges collaboratively
Share best practices and lessons learned with peer