Building Strong Health Supply Chain Systems: The Visibility and Analytics Network approach to improving the Nigeria Immunization Supply Chain

• Main Authors: Chibuzo Ottih, Kevin Cussen, Mahmud Mustafa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT 2018-12-01
• Series: Journal of Innovation in Health Informatics
• Subjects: VAN; Analytics; Immunization; Supply Chain; data management
• Online Access: https://hijournal.bcs.org/index.php/jhi/article/view/944

BACKGROUND: Health supply chain managers are unable to effectively monitor the performance of the Immunization supply chain in Nigeria. As a result, they are unable to make effective, data-driven decisions. This results in poor vaccine availability at some service delivery points. A lack of reliable data for evidence-based decision making is a significant contributor to this challenge. METHOD:The Visibility and Analytics Network (“VAN”) principles were introduced to enable end-to-end visibility in the immunization supply chain and logistics (ISCL) system and make more accurate data available to health supply chain managers. RESULTS: The application of the VAN principles has led to improved data collection, real-time stock visibility, enhanced data analytics framework. This enhanced visibility has promoted a culture of accountability and data-driven decision-making previously unattainable. Health supply chain managers are now equipped with better skills and tools to promote effective operation of the immunization supply chain. CONCLUSION: The introduction of VAN principles has been an effective approach to improving data visibility and creating incremental improvements in the ISCL in Nigeria.