Making every tablet count: working to improve medicine supply chains
From Mexico to Zimbabwe and Zambia, the journey of Praziquantel is one of global solidarity—linking pharmaceutical innovation, international partnership, and local health action. Manufactured in Mexico and donated by Merck, this vital medicine travels thousands of kilometres to reach children across Africa who are at risk of schistosomiasis—commonly known as bilharzia.
Ensuring that every donated tablet reaches those who need it most was the central goal of a recent joint technical mission by the Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) and Merck. The two teams visited Zambia and Zimbabwe to work with national health authorities to strengthen the systems that manage and distribute Praziquantel, ensuring that every dose counts in the fight against this neglected tropical disease.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as schistosomiasis continue to affect more than one billion people in 149 countries. In the WHO African Region, 45 of the 47 countries conduct annual mass drug administrations (MDA) using donated medicines for preventive chemotherapy to stop transmission and reduce disease burden. For schistosomiasis, Praziquantel remains the cornerstone treatment for millions of school-age children in endemic regions. Yet with every donation comes a shared responsibility—to deliver, track, and use these medicines efficiently and equitably.
During the mission, Ms. Namuchile Kaonga, ESPEN’s Supply Chain officer, worked closely with Ministry of Health officials, supply-chain officers, and health workers at both national and district levels. As an expert in supply chain systems for neglected tropical diseases, she worked collaboratively with stakeholders to assess the entire journey of donated medicines—from central warehouses to the most remote health facilities. The team provided practical guidance and co-developed recommendations to improve inventory control, prevent wastage, and strengthen reporting systems. Both governments expressed a strong commitment to implementing these improvements, supported by continued collaboration with ESPEN, Merck, and other partners.
In a global climate of tightening financial resources, the efficient use of donated medicines is more vital than ever. The mission revealed that while both countries have made progress in planning and coordination, data gaps and budget pressures still challenge the optimal use of resources. In one country, for example, paper-based records at peripheral levels contrasted with automated systems at the central level—creating reporting delays and limited visibility of stock levels. The team emphasized that digital integration and staff training could bridge these gaps and enhance real-time accountability.
Despite these hurdles, the mission also highlighted notable strengths—including strong national coordination, committed programme teams, and an openness to innovation. These qualities remain essential to sustaining progress toward NTD elimination.
The team also underscored the need for close monitoring of Praziquantel’s shelf life, as even small inefficiencies can lead to lost treatment opportunities and communities left vulnerable. The lessons and findings from Zambia and Zimbabwe will not only strengthen national medicine supply chains but also feed into regional efforts—ensuring that every tablet reaches communities in need.