OpenLMIS in Guinea
Timeline– Roll-out finalized in August 2018
Implementing Partners-Chemonics (GHSC Project), Catholic Relief Services
Software– The software utilizes 2 applications The District Health Information Software (DHIS2), a data analysis and reporting platform, and eLMIS (OpenLMIS v2). By connecting both applications, data is communicated and exchanged but not duplicated, and analysis and data visibility are improved.
Implementation Process– The USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program-Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) project provided the assistance needed to implement the new e-LMIS, including the development of a roll-out plan for the automation process detailing roles, responsibilities, and commitments of each stakeholder. The roll-out team entered all 2017 LMIS data, developed training materials, created a pool of trainers, and organized training workshops in regions. They also set up a post-training follow-up system on the use of e-LMIS to support users’ performance.
Meanwhile, the Guinea MoH set up a governance body for the e-LMIS, including a steering committee and a multidisciplinary technical team with representatives of DNPM, Bureau de Stratégie et de Dévelopement (BSD), the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) unit and Pharmacie Centrale de Guinee (PCG), USAID, GHSC-PSM, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The role of the steering committee is to i) ensure that the eLMIS project aligns with the vision and objectives of the MoH; (ii) ensure high quality contributions from entities; (iii) align the project with supply chain operational objectives; and iv) combine the efforts of the MoH entities for the project’s success.
Results-As a result of the new software, the monthly consumption of health commodities is now automatically calculated by the system and is based on real past consumption data.
Logistics information reporting has become a supply chain best practice for all health districts in Guinea and with the implementation of e-LMIS, the reporting rate is expected to be over 93% in July. Moreover, the formation of a pool of national trainers has allowed for all roll-out activities to be completed on time. Thanks to the e-LMIS, supply chain managers can identify which essential medicines and commodities are needed and can guarantee their continuous availability in the communities they serve.
The rollout of eLMIS is a result of effective coordination by the MoH and successful collaboration between USAID and the Global Fund. Through GHSC-PSM, USAID provided technical support for the rollout of eLMIS in all 38 districts. Also, USAID (through GHSC-PSM) provided funding to support eLMIS roll out in 19 districts while the Global Fund (through CRS) funded the eLMIS roll out in the remaining 19 districts.
Source: GHSC website