Mozambique has embarked on a remarkable journey to transform its health sector by enhancing the skills of the supply chain workforce.
VillageReach is working with the Ministry of Health of Mozambique (MISAU) to develop Mozambique’s first Bachelor’s degree curriculum in Health Care Logistics Management, addressing existing logistical challenges, ensuring the continuous supply of essential health products and building a more resilient health care system aligned with Central de Medicamentos e Artigos Médicos’s (CMAM) strategic plan.
This course will drive towards a goal of a professionalized public health supply chain in the country, combining the fundamental principles of logistics management with the particular challenges of the health sector.
Building supply chain capacity is an investment towards the future of health care in Mozambique and responds to the needed profiles, skills and abilities required by professionals across the country.
Workshopping for the Future
Left to right: Dr Leila Monteiro; Rotafina Donco and Joaquim Durão (Photo Credit: Arsenio Manhice)
The development of this unique course started in 2023 when VillageReach and the Higher Institute of Health Sciences (ISCISA) signed a memorandum of understanding. In order to develop the course curriculum, VillageReach hosted a one-day workshop in May 2024, gathering inputs from the country’s stakeholders and reaching consensus on key content.
“VillageReach has been collaborating with the CMAM to address the need for a constant influx of trained, qualified professionals with a specific skill set to manage the national health care supply chain,” said VillageReach Mozambique Country Director Rotafina Donco.
These needs arise in the implementation of the Plano Estratégico de Logística Farmacêutica (PELF, Strategic Pharmaceutical Logistics Plan in English), which includes the use of IT systems for health product management, collaboration with the private sector for last-mile transportation and emergency situations demanding supply chain resilience, like COVID-19.
Collaboration and Curriculum Development
For next steps to develop this course, a consultancy team was hired, and over nine intensive months, a technical team composed of the four institutions was created. They dedicated themselves to assessing, consulting, reviewing, analyzing and incorporating proposals from various supply chain stakeholders.
“The Degree in Health Care Logistics Management integrates not only the fundamental principles of logistics management with the challenges and particularities of the health care sector but also the didactic-pedagogical challenges,” said Prof. Dr. Júlio Velho, Pedagogical Director of ISCISA.
The training is competency-based and intended for practical application.
Creating a Pipeline of Locally Trained Supply Chain Professionals
Initially, the course will be offered in Maputo, adopting a quota system to ensure the inclusion of students from different regions, with each class limited to 35 students. The first class will begin with the 2025 academic curriculum.
This curriculum aims to create a pipeline of locally trained supply chain professionals equipped with the skills, motivation and supportive environment necessary to optimize the performance of the public health supply chain. Additionally, it will serve as a foundation for developing short courses to enhance the capabilities of current HR personnel working in public health supply chains.
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
Left to Right: Marta Manjaze and Leonilde Nhaca (both from CMAM) and Esselina Brito (VillageReach) (Photo Credit: Arsenio Manhice)
Supply chain leaders have welcomed the new Bachelor’s degree and recognize its potential to fills major gaps in Mozambique’s health supply chain.
Leila Monteiro, CMAM Director, understands that the course aims to address major challenges within the supply chain, ensuring modernization and improved efficiency in the logistics management of health products.
“Through professionalization, on the one hand, we can have identity and prestige in the career within MISAU, attract and retain employees and on the other hand, we will have a directive to create a qualified workforce in both the public and private sectors,” said Monteiro.
“The introduction of the Health Care Logistics degree by ISCISA marks the fulfillment of a longstanding need in the sector,” said Dr. Joaquim Durão from the Africa Resource Centre (ARC).
“In four years, the first graduates will emerge, at which point a detailed evaluation of the degree will be conducted. The preparatory work has been well executed, and practical internships will be essential for students,” he noted.
For Dra. Marta Manjaze from ISCISA, the course represents a significant milestone in improving logistical management in the sector, with a direct impact on the quality of services provided to the population. “Graduates will be able to effectively handle logistical complexities across the country.”
Building Towards a Resilient Health System in Mozambique
ISCISA is committed to ensuring the excellence of the course by selecting the best teachers and providing necessary educational materials. With this course’s launch, ISCISA takes a significant step towards building a more efficient and resilient health system. The training of qualified professionals in health care logistics promises to transform resource management, bringing tangible benefits to Mozambicans.