Training workshop on Strengthening Supply Chain Coordination and Forecasting for PC-NTDs

Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo – – Every year, billions of donated tablets are mobilized through global partnerships to support the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These donations represent a significant investment in public health, but their impact depends on effective supply chain systems that can accurately forecast needs, coordinate shipments and ensure medicines and diagnostics reach communities on time.

To support countries in strengthening these critical functions, ESPEN will convene a Regional Workshop on Strengthening Supply Chain Coordination and Forecasting for Preventive Chemotherapy (PC)-NTDs from 15 to 19 June 2026 in Kintélé, Brazzaville.

As countries progress towards the targets of the WHO NTD Roadmap 2030, ensuring the timely availability of medicines and diagnostics is becoming increasingly important. Delays in customs clearance, gaps in forecasting and challenges in shipment coordination can disrupt mass drug administration campaigns and surveys, affecting programme implementation and progress towards NTD targets. Even short delays can create operational uncertainty, increase costs and reduce the timely availability of medicines and diagnostics for populations at risk.

The workshop will bring together supply chain officers from national NTD programmes and WHO Country Offices in selected countries across the African Region, together with technical partners and pharmaceutical donors. Through practical exercises, technical discussions and peer-to-peer learning, participants will strengthen their capacity in forecasting and quantification, greenlight coordination, customs clearance procedures and shipment planning, while sharing experiences and practical solutions to common challenges.

By strengthening national capacity and promoting closer collaboration among Ministries of Health, WHO, pharmaceutical donors and partners, the workshop aims to improve the efficiency and predictability of medicine and diagnostic deliveries across the Region. Ultimately, these efforts will help maximize the impact of donated resources, support the timely implementation of NTD interventions and accelerate progress towards the  and elimination of NTDs across Africa.