BACKGROUND

In Mozambique, over 70 percent of the population lives in rural and remote areas. Mozambique’s health system faces several major challenges to reach these communities with HIV drugs and test kits, essential medicines, such as TB drugs, and other medical supplies: limited funding, insufficient infrastructure, and a critical shortage of human resources. Additionally, as the government of Mozambique continues to decentralize, local private companies are increasingly involved in the delivery of medical commodities to health facilities and pharmacies throughout the more remote parts of the country. Many of the smaller local private companies are well-positioned to do this work, but currently lack the technical and management expertise to effectively take on this critical function.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

USAID CHEGAR will partner with local private transportation companies and medical facilities at the community, district and provincial levels to develop a more effective and efficient transportation system for getting medical commodities to patients, particularly those in rural areas where people are often at more risk for poor health outcomes. Activities include developing and implementing seasonality risk mitigation plans, conducting assessments of transportation routes, frequencies, and distribution processes and tools. The program will also develop a two tiered system for routine and emergency deliveries, so that deliveries make it to patients on time. As information sharing is critical to accuracy and efficiency, USAID CHEGAR will also work with the transporters and medical facilities to implement a single shared information management system that includes electronic proof of delivery and real-time tracking system.

EXPECTED RESULTS AND IMPACTS

• Appropriate control mechanisms are in place for distribution of medical commodities throughout the covered geographic areas.

• Improved access to medical commodities in underserved communities.