The US Government funded Supply Chain Strengthening Project (USG SCS), implemented by Management Sciences for Health, took part in the CSOs Partnership Forum and exhibition organized by the Amhara regional Government in Bahir Dar. The event, which took place from April 28–29, 2026, brought together senior government officials, development partners, and CSOs to strengthen collaboration, enhance accountability, and advance regional development priorities.

The event was officially opened by H.E. Dr. Abdu Hussen, Vice President of the Region. He highlighted the critical role of CSOs in supporting government efforts to improve service delivery, strengthen governance, and reach vulnerable communities. He emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring efficient utilization of limited resources and achieving sustainable development outcomes.

There are 86 active local CSOs and 87 international organizations in operation in Amhara region at present, according to Atalay Tilahun, Head of the Amhara Finance Bureau, who addressed the opening of the Forum.

The MSH-led USG SCS Project was represented at the Forum by the project’s Chief of Party Edmealem Ejigu, along with Tesfaw Tefera, Last Mile Delivery (LMD) Manager, and Alemayehu Nigatu, Performance Improvement Lead-from U3 SystemsWork, a subcontractor of the Project, as well as Mulugeta Mebratu, USG SCS Regional Booster under U3 SystemsWork.

Visitors to the USG SCS booth, including the regional vice president were briefed about the project’s large-scale health supply chain operations. These included the distribution of life saving health program commodities worth over USD 6.8 million to Gondar and Bahir Dar hubs of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) using 17 long-haul trucks. The Project ensured last-mile delivery of key program health commodities for HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health to 1,180 dropping sites (health centers, hospitals and woreda health offices) in conflict-affected areas from September 2025 to March 2026.

The occasion also showcased the project’s contribution to strengthen supply chain and pharmacy service delivery through maturity-based baseline assessments in 75 health facilities, 28 woreda health offices and 11 zonal health departments. The baseline results are used to prepare performance improvement plans for priority gaps the region is facing. Moreover, SC system strengthening interventions such as forecasting and supply planning, data quality review, supply chain coordination forum, and monitoring of product availability were highlighted.

During the exhibition, the USG SCS Project team showcased three major technical interventions:

  • Last Mile Delivery (LMD) support in the Amhara Region, improving access to life-saving commodities in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas
  • Implementation of USG-supported supply chain strengthening activities, demonstrating field-level achievements and system improvements
  • Supply chain system maturity support, including baseline assessments to guide system strengthening efforts moving forward.

Overall, the occasion was used to present the Project’s efforts in strengthening supply chain systems, maintain access to health products across hospitals and health centers, and enhancing access to heath products and sustaining healthcare services and saving lives. The exhibition booth created a valuable platform for stakeholders to engage with the project’s innovative approaches while gaining deeper insight into its impact on strengthening Ethiopia’s health supply chain system. Complementing these interactions, the forum also featured presentations on regional performance and status, alongside a comprehensive gap assessment. Together, these sessions offered a clear understanding of progress achieved, existing challenges, and priority areas requiring coordinated action.

Exhibition team providing a briefing on Last Mile Delivery solutions

Team highlighting field-level progress and system strengthening efforts

 Team briefing on supply chain maturity support

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