In Côte d’Ivoire, the journey toward a digitally empowered health system is gaining momentum. A collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage (MSHPCMU) and VillageReach is propelling the country toward stronger, data-driven management of reproductive health products. This transformation is anchored in equipping local teams with vital IT skills, fostering more resilient supply chains and ultimately ensuring the consistent availability of essential health commodities.
Addressing Persistent Stockouts with Digital Solutions
Since the government decree in 2024, which made contraceptives free (Order No. 01181 of October 10), stockouts have remained a significant obstacle. Key challenges include the limited use of digital stock management tools, delays in resolving technical incidents, and insufficient coordination across support levels.
While the tools exist, underuse and weak data oversight mean health facilities often operate without clear visibility, jeopardizing the reproductive health supply chain.
Supporting IT Specialists to Lead the Change
To respond to these challenges, a six-day intensive training was held in Yamoussoukro from June 9 to 14, 2025. Supported by VillageReach, it targeted Territorial IT Specialists, focusing on mastery of mSupply (a key health product management software) and GIMS, the incident tracking tool.
Training modules covered:
- mSupply Fundamentals: Installation, client-server setup, architecture and hands-on use of inventory, ordering, receiving and distribution modules.
- Incident Management: Development and use of a national manual to standardize ticket handling, employing a three-level support system (levels 1, 2 and 3), alongside practical problem-solving scenarios including connectivity issues and hardware failures.
- Data Analysis: Introduction to GIMS and mSupply dashboards, with exercises on indicator review, ticket tracking and site performance analysis to convert data into actionable insights.
- Roles and Responsibilities: Clear delineation of IT roles at the regional level, ranging from data extraction to active involvement in deployment missions.
One participant from Abidjan reflected on the change:
“We no longer work blindly. Thanks to these tools, we know who is responsible for what and we act methodically.”
Building a Sustainable Foundation for Digital Data Governance
The training has already established a shared framework, equipped IT specialists with practical tools and fostered a robust national network. But beyond skill-building, this marks a shift toward a more structured, responsive and equitable model of data governance in health product management.
Ongoing and planned actions include:
- Creation of GIMS user accounts for ITs
- Provision of computers, reliable internet and remote support infrastructure
- Integration of trained ITs into the national project support group
- Updates to dashboards with enhanced indicators and program filters
- Regular follow-up workshops and preventive maintenance planning
Why This Matters
Côte d’Ivoire’s experience offers valuable lessons for the broader public health community:
- For Ministries of Health: Investing in technical capacity is as critical as procuring medicines.
- For Donors and Global Partners: Localized training yields tangible, scalable and sustainable improvements.
- For Global Health Advocates: A well-managed digital transition can improve supply chains, secure product availability and ensure no service point is left behind.
This is not the end but the beginning of a journey. With a trained, equipped and mobilized IT network, Côte d’Ivoire is laying the groundwork for a resilient, data-driven health system—where every health product reaches the right place, at the right time and for the right need.
Learn more about the work we are doing in Côte d’Ivoire here: https://www.villagereach.org/project/family-planning-supply-chain-cote-d-ivoire/