ZAMMSA Reaches WHO Benchmark of 70% Drug Supply

The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) confirmed that it has achieved the World Health Organisation (WHO) benchmark of 70% drug availability at its central warehouse.

In a statement by ZAMMSA’s Head of Communications, Bradley Chingobe, the agency achieved this through a three-part strategy: a ‘mop-up’ exercise, obtaining 28,200 health centre kits, and engaging in bulk procurement from the UPA of Egypt, along with procurements from partners like UN agencies and the Global Fund.

Increasing the procurement of essential drug availability to 70% was a Presidential priority under the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), who originally aimed to achieve this by 2026. In addition to securing the drug supply, the PDU states that “a push for local pharmaceutical manufacturing will strengthen the industry, enhance the supply chain, and create jobs.”

“Through the diversification and streamlining of our procurement processes, we have effectively reinforced the medicines and medical supplies availability levels at central warehouse level, thereby consolidating the overall healthcare infrastructure in Zambia” said Chingobe.

The Agency has successfully distributed 100% of the medicines and medical supplies from the mop-up exercises to facilities in Lusaka and Southern Provinces. The remaining provinces are in the process of receiving their allocations.