In 2023, the Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) worked closely with stakeholders in Nigeria to execute the rollout of more than 120 analyzers used for the loop-mediated isothermal amplification or LAMP method of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB) detection.
Most of the machines were procured and delivered in 2023, with ongoing supply chain support for the replenishment of reagents and consumables.
The rollout of the molecular analyzers is part of the country’s national strategic plan to reduce the prevalence of TB, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer to the point where they no longer pose a public health risk. Updating the testing infrastructure with appropriate TB detection technology helps the country strengthen its TB program in line with the national plan.
In 2023, PFSCM collaborated with three recipients to understand their TB procurement needs and plan for the extensive rollout of more than 120 devices. The procurement consultation included evaluating the equipment options to understand compatibility, performance, and possible limitations. The budget, total cost of ownership, and appropriateness of the installation sites were also explored.
Services like installation, maintenance, warranties, and training were negotiated with the manufacturer’s authorized distributor.
For the logistics and distribution planning, PFSCM worked closely with an authorized distributor who picked up the equipment in Germany, shipped the cargo to Nigeria, and distributed it further in the country to more than 100 locations. The authorized distributor also undertook the installation and training and will support the end users with after-sales service.
Tracking components throughout the supply chain
Though these machines are quite small, they are complex in that the complete system solution comprises many different elements, including accessories such as solar panels, batteries, additional machines, and reagents. It can be challenging to have all the items available at the same time. The stakeholders needed to work together to agree on which items would be delivered at what intervals. The items also had to be tracked for recording purposes, and the delivery schedule had to align with the installation and subsequent training.
Logistics planning for the replenishment of reagents and consumables is also being done. This is a key supply chain activity to ensure all the needed components are available when they are needed. Stakeholders have to keep collaborating beyond the equipment installation to ensure the devices have maximum uptime and perform fully.
Project-based procurement
PFSCM took on the role of project management to monitor the progress of the rollout.
PFSCM kept track of the production time, transport plan, planned delivery dates and locations, and recorded milestone information to provide the recipients and donors with frequent updates. PFSCM leveraged its experienced project managers, in-country staff, specialized partners, and digital tools for communication, scheduling, and tracking for these project management activities.
PFSCM also relied on its negotiation and budgeting skills and extensive experience in relationship and time management to ensure the project was completed on time and within budget.