Locally Led, Data Driven: Ethiopia Endorses NSCA 2.0 to Institutionalize Health Supply Chain Maturity
Locally Led, Data Driven: Ethiopia Endorses NSCA 2.0 to Institutionalize Health Supply Chain Maturity
In a significant step toward strengthening Ethiopia’s health system, the Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the USAID-funded Supply Chain Strengthening (SCS) Activity, has officially endorsed the National Supply Chain Maturity Assessment (NSCA 2.0) with additional local contexts for national implementation.
Chaired by H.E. Frehiwot Abebe, State Minister of Health, a high-level consultation brought together MOH leadership, the SCS Chief of Party, and technical experts to validate the tool’s methodology and chart its strategic rollout.
NSCA 2.0 is a comprehensive, data-driven tool designed to evaluate the maturity of Ethiopia’s public health supply chain across all tiers—from the federal level to frontline service delivery. Featuring 41 key performance indicators (KPIs) and 1,303 questions with an additional 300 to address the local context, the tool enables a rigorous assessment of supply chain and pharmacy service capabilities.
“Our shared goal is to ensure every data point leads to action—bringing life-saving commodities closer to patients,” said Mr. Edmealem Ejigu, Chief of Party for the USAID SCS Project.
Key Outcomes of the Consultation:
- Official endorsement of NSCA 2.0 for national use
- Formation of a Steering Committee and Technical Working Group to oversee the initiative.
- Upcoming technical validation of KPIs, tracer medicines, and formats
- Engagement of an independent consulting firm to conduct the assessment
It is well acknowledged that the NSCA 2.0 will inform Ethiopia’s mid-year FY2018 review, support the final evaluation of the country’s Health Sector Development and Investment Plan, and guide the next cycle of national health planning from supply chain perspectives.
In her closing remarks, H.E Frehiwot Abebe reaffirmed the government’s leadership in institutionalizing the tool. “This tool is not just a technical exercise—it is a strategic instrument for institutionalizing supply chain maturity within our health system. We are committed to owning this process, integrating it into our national platforms, and ensuring its sustainability beyond project timelines.”
The tool has been tailored to reflect national priorities and has gained consensus among both government and non-government stakeholders.