ENABLING PUBLIC HEALTH SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSFORMATION IN SOUTH AFRICA SINCE 2017
LEADING EXAMPLES OF ARC’S WORK AND OUTCOMES IN SOUTH AFRICA
VISIBILITY AND ANALYTICS NETWORK SUPPORT
ARC has supported the National Department of Health to increase the return on investment for this large-scale transformation to develop a Visibility and Analytics Network (VAN) by providing independent expertise and applying best practices from the private sector. The VAN project created a realistic and comprehensive transformation roadmap for the different supply chain projects run by various consultancies and non-governmental organisations funded by multiple donors. ARC also developed and handed over the supply planning model to AMD. ARC developed a supply planning concept demonstrator using a fit-for-purpose online software solution, leveraging expertise from Deloitte Consulting that was made available by funding from Johnson & Johnson. This solution is available to share with countries across Africa to consider as a leading practice on supply planning.
TLD Transition
In 2021, ARC supported the National Department of Health on supply chain planning to support growing numbers on a combination of ARV drugs referred to as TLD. This transition had to occur while maintaining full availability of both the old and new regimens. The project methodology has been documented for re-use and scaling other regimen changes. The multidisciplinary team comprised both supply chain and clinical resources, and this coordination was critical for success.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY
The AMD has multiple projects and interventions that provide solutions and implementation capabilities to the nine provinces. A significant change management effort is required to entrench these projects and ensure sustainability into the future. ARC assisted the National Department of Health to secure funding for a change management team to lead the implementation of a change management strategy.
Articles and Resources on South Africa
Meet the Southern Africa Team
Current Opportunities and Jobs in Southern Africa
SUPPORTING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY ACCESSIBILITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
The National Department of Health began transitioning antiretroviral therapy recipients to TLD-based regimens and exploring alternative delivery channel solutions to decongest healthcare facilities.
5 technical initiatives that can contribute to sustainable public health supply chains
ARC developed this position paper on supply chain sustainability to contribute to knowledge and thought leadership. This paper describes five technical innovations ARC believes can sustain the availability of health products. ARC also makes recommendations for country ownership and governance.
Why pharmacist assistants matter in last mile medicine delivery
A new study into the role that pharmacist assistants play in the healthcare supply chain in South Africa shows that these mid-level healthcare workers can have a meaningful impact towards improved medicine availability at the last mile and help free up nurses’ capacity to care for patients.