Last Mile Lifeline: Enhancing efficient delivery of donated NTD medicines in Africa

A Supply Chain Technical Support Mechanism, a five-year project implemented by JSI in partnership with WHO and ESPEN, aims to fortify supply chains system for NTD medicines in Africa, beginning with eight priority countries.  Generously funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation the technical support mechanism will collaborate with Ministries of Health, manufacturers of donated medicines, funding partners, and technical experts to sustainably improve NTD supply chains in the WHO African Region. By aligning with industry best practices for supply and demand management practices, this mechanism aims to not only enhance the delivery and accountability of preventive chemotherapy medicines but also significantly reduce wastage, ensuring timely availability for mass drug administration campaigns.

Medicines donated primarily by pharmaceutical companies through WHO are a pillar in the fight against Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).  Over several decades, eleven pharmaceutical companies have been donating medicines, covering a significant proportion of the cost of interventions against NTDs. The drug donation programme has however faced several challenges related to weaknesses in the drug donation ordering process and supply chain management of donated medicines. These shortcomings contribute to drug wastages, inefficient drug production (resulting in stock-outs and overstocks), increasing programme costs and causing delays in getting drugs into countries in time for mass drug administration campaigns.

Strong health commodity supply chains are a cornerstone NTD programmes, protecting investments in life-saving medicines and ensuring they reach targeted populations. ESPEN will work closely with JSI and Ministries of health to ensure that life-saving treatments reach the hands of those who need them most.

Join us in this journey towards a healthier future, as we bridge gaps, build resilience, and bring hope to communities across Africa by eliminating NTDs.