Stronger Planning, Stronger Access: USAID SCS Supports Ethiopia’s Health Commodity Supply Review

Timely access to life-saving medicines and supplies depends on a well-planned, well-coordinated supply system. That’s why the USAID-funded Supply Chain Strengthening (SCS) Activity, implemented by Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and its partners, is working closely with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) to improve national health supply planning.

From June 5-7, USAID SCS supported the Fiscal Year 2025 Quarter 3 Health Program Commodities Supply Plan Review Workshop in Adama. The event brought together 75 stakeholders from government and partner organizations—including UNICEF, UNFPA, Results for Development, Clinton Health Access Initiative, and JSI—to update national supply plans for HIV, TB, Malaria, and maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) commodities. For the first time, vaccine forecasting was integrated into the broader process, signaling a more unified approach to health commodity planning.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Workneh Abebe, Director of Demand Management at EPSS, emphasized the importance of robust supply planning in achieving Ethiopia’s health transformation goals and access to health commodities without interruptions.

“We are seeing a sharp increase in demand for health program commodities, driven by our national health transformation agenda,” said Mr. Abebe. “Supply planning is foundational for effective fund mobilization, timely procurement, and efficient inventory management. The contribution of USAID and its partners, especially the introduction of tools like Quantification Analytics Tool (QAT)—are helping us modernize our systems and keep pace.”

Build on Gains to Date 

USAID SCS played a central role in facilitating the workshop—leading technical sessions, analyzing national stock data, and supporting the revision of supply plans. The effort builds on past U.S. Government investments in Ethiopia’s supply chain systems, especially through the introduction of the QAT, which has improved forecasting and decision-making across programs.

 “We’re focused on translating complex data into clear, actionable plans that health leaders can use,” said Mr. Andualem Omer, Technical Advisor under MSH. “In the coming months, we’ll update the national quantification protocol and help stakeholders coordinate more effectively around real-time needs.”

While challenges such as funding gaps and inconsistent local manufacturing persist, the workshop achieved key milestones, including the development of action plans and identification of critical risks. USAID SCS has now helped finalize a national action plan to address these challenges and ensure health facilities continue to receive the commodities they need—without interruption.