Support for Improving Medical Supply Availability in East Africa

The East African Community (EAC) is seeking support to enhance access to affordable and quality medical supplies, which is essential for public health. Many countries in the region rely heavily on imports for their health commodities, which can strain budgets and weaken healthcare systems, especially during global health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. This project aims to strengthen local capacities to improve healthcare delivery and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in health and gender equality. The focus is on increasing the availability of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) commodities, which are crucial for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections. The EAC is also addressing challenges such as limited procurement capacity, regulatory fragmentation, ineffective supply chain management, and local production constraints. By harmonizing regulatory processes and establishing a Pooled Procurement Mechanism (PPM), the EAC aims to collectively order essential commodities, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Key partners in this initiative include the EAC Secretariat, national health authorities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and various advocacy groups. The ultimate goal is to ensure better access to quality healthcare commodities and enhance preparedness for health emergencies.