Workshop validates supply chain assessment, sets reform priorities
Originally written by Elis Germew , Management Sciences for Health (MSH)
Adapted with contributions from Tewodros Ewnetu and Mulugeta Mebratu , U3 Systems Work International
A national workshop to validate findings from a maturity-based assessment of Ethiopia’s health supply chain and pharmacy services has concluded in Adama, with stakeholders agreeing on priority gaps and actions to strengthen performance across the system.
The four-day event, held from 24 to 27 March 2026 at Robi Hotel, was organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Regional Health Bureaus and the USG Supply Chain Strengthening Project brought together pharmaceutical and medical devices management Directorate (PMED) directors and M&E focal persons from 12 regions, two city administrations, and supply chain experts from federal hospitals. There were 41 participants, including three women, at the workshop.
The workshop reviewed results from a baseline assessment conducted through targeted supportive supervisions, which aim to promote accountability, ownership and continuous improvement across all levels of the health system.
Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Rabira Hailu from the Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of data-driven planning: “This assessment provides us with a clear, evidence-based understanding of system performance across regions. It is a critical step toward strengthening accountability and ensuring that our supply chain systems effectively support product access and service delivery at all levels.”
Dr Fikru Worku, Deputy Chief of Party of the USG SCS Project, highlighted the importance of partnership and sustainability: Following this, Mr. Alemayehu Nigatu, Sub-National Lead, provided an overview of the baseline assessment, outlining the methodology, key findings, and priority areas for action across regions.
“USG-SCS is proud to support the Government of Ethiopia in building resilient and sustainable health systems. This workshop demonstrates the power of collaboration in identifying gaps and co- creating practical solutions that will have lasting impact.”
Participants examined the assessment methodology and findings, engaging in group discussions and plenary sessions to ensure the results reflected on-the- ground realities. The process culminated in the endorsement of the draft report and agreement on the most critical supply chain gaps affecting regions and federal hospitals.
Regional teams also developed Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) tailored to their priority challenges, setting measurable targets for improvement. Draft Memoranda of Understanding were formulated to clarify roles and responsibilities among the Ministry, regional bureaus and the SCS Project for the next phase of implementation.
Reflecting on the workshop, Netsanet Diro, Pharmaceutical Supply and Service Directorate Director at the Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau, said: “The TST (targeted supervision team) approach continues to strengthen supply chain and pharmacy services by fostering stakeholder ownership and aligning past USG lessons with the capability maturity model. This validation workshop itself is a clear demonstration of how meaningful engagement enhances ownership and drives our collective pursuit of excellence.”
Mr. Mohammed Yimam, Pharmaceuticals Supply Chain Case Team Leader from Afar Regional Health Bureau and a TST member, said: “This validation workshop on the TST-based supply chain and pharmacy services maturity baseline assessment, with the active engagement of stakeholders from all regional health bureaus and the Ministry of Health, is a clear testimony to our collaborative gap identification and joint planning for improvement. The capability maturity model gives us an important opportunity to align our local practices with global standards.”
Adding a frontline perspective, Nahom Tsegaye, a pharmacist and federal TST team member from Chiro Hospital, said: “The TST approach enables us to work in a more targeted and efficient way, making the best use of both time and resources through the involvement of technical expertise. Engaging stakeholders at all levels of the system has been critical in fostering ownership and ensuring that the assessment reflects the realities on the ground.”
He added that scaling the approach to more than 400 health facilities would strengthen capacity and accelerate improvements across the supply chain system, helping to improve the availability and efficiency of essential medicines and pharmacy services.
The workshop concluded with a shared understanding of priorities and a roadmap for action. The validated findings and agreed interventions are expected to guide efforts to improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery, contributing to a more resilient and high-performing health supply chain system nationwide.