Zambia Defense Force Health System Strengthening
Abstract
John Snow, Inc. (JSI) and the Zambia Defense Force (ZDF) will work together with the goal of strengthening the overall capacity of the ZDF to develop, implement, manage, and evaluate effective and sustainable health supply systems to assist the ZDF in expanding on their significant contributions to the National AIDS Strategic Framework priority areas. JSI has created a workplan laying out specific objectives and activities to meet those objectives. The first objective is improved internal quality control capacity at ZDF facilities. Lab staff from service delivery points will be trained on quality control procedures for the use of laboratory equipment. Ongoing joint monitoring will be done through quarterly supervision visits, allowing JSI and senior ZDF staff the opportunity to identify and address challenges and conduct supportive supervision. Objective two is improved supply chain management of ARV, laboratory, and HIV test commodities at health facilities. JSI and ZDF staff will co-conduct trainings for staff with logistics responsibilities on the logistics system to improve logistics management performance. Pre-service trainings will also be co-conducted for students from the Defense Force School of Health Sciences. In order to ensure logistics staff have the tools necessary for long-term success, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) will be reviewed and updated regularly. To verify the data being reported to the Logistics Management Unit (LMU) and provide on-the-job training to staff managing aspects of the logistics systems, regular monitoring and evaluation visits will be conducted at ZDF health facilities. The third objective is to strengthen diagnostic and testing capability at ZDF health facility labs. This will be achieved by procuring lab equipment for four selected health facilities and conducting ongoing monitoring of shipments. JSI will work with ZDF to track lab equipment for needed repairs and to adjust procurement plans, as well as working with partners to determine the long-term strategy for lab equipment maintenance. Objective four is increased availability of ARVs, HIV tests, and laboratory commodities at ZDF health facilities through performance monitoring and improvement of various logistics systems. Routine phone calls to ZDF health facilities will allow JSI staff to follow-up with facilities receiving commodities and support them to address challenges. Quarterly supervisors’ meetings will be conducted to address performance issues and discuss best practices. JSI will also work with ZDF health facilities to review data and use that information to reduce wastage. The final objective is to develop and implement a computerization plan for the logistics management information system for four selected ZDF sites. JSI, with ZDF, will conduct needs assessments for these sites to determine what is necessary for computerization, then JSI will procure the necessary equipment for installation of computers and software for an eLMIS system. JSI will also conduct eLMIS training at those sites. The government of Zambia is maximizing the public health benefits in regard to HIV prevention by making male circumcision an integral part of comprehensive HIV prevention programs. Male circumcision information services have been integrated into reproductive health services such as STIs and family planning, as well as counseling and education on sexuality, gender issues, e.t.c. (National MC Strategy and Implementation Plan 2010 – 2020). JSI will procure MC equipment, such as 18 autoclaves and related equipment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 09, 2016
- Source ID
- N002441510061
Entities
People
- John Sikasote