In Mozambique, ensuring the consistent availability of vaccines across vast and remote regions has been a significant challenge. To address this, the country implemented OpenLMIS. Known locally as Sistema Electrónico de Logística de Vacinas (SELV), this system has revolutionized the nation’s vaccine supply chains.

Addressing Mozambique’s vaccine supply chain challenges

Prior to SELV’s implementation, Mozambique’s vaccine distribution faced several obstacles:

• Limited data visibility: Health officials struggled with real-time tracking of vaccine stock levels and movements, leading to frequent shortages and distribution inefficiencies.
• Outdated manual processes: Reliance on paper-based systems and standalone spreadsheets hindered timely data collection and analysis, increasing the risk of errors and delays.
• Decentralized management: The absence of a centralized system made it difficult to coordinate vaccine distribution nationwide, affecting timely immunization efforts.

Implementation of SELV

In 2014, SELV was introduced to Mozambique to tackle these challenges. Developed in collaboration with VillageReach and the Mozambique Ministry of Health, the system was designed to operate effectively in environments with limited internet connectivity. It allows for offline data entry, with periodic synchronization when connectivity is available, ensuring continuous operation even in remote areas. By early 2017, SELV achieved nationwide coverage, serving all provinces and over 1,700 health centers.

Mozambique has also implemented SIGLUS, another OpenLMIS-based system focused on managing other essential medical supplies. While SIGLUS serves a broader range of commodities, SELV remains dedicated specifically to vaccine logistics, ensuring a streamlined and optimized approach to immunization efforts

Transforming vaccine logistics in Mozambique

Since its implementation, SELV has transformed Mozambique’s vaccine supply chain, addressing key logistical challenges and improving overall efficiency. Here are some of the most significant achievements that have strengthened processes across the country:

Enhanced data visibility and decision-making

SELV provides real-time insights into vaccine stock levels, consumption patterns, and distribution trends, allowing health officials to make informed decisions, reduce stockouts, and optimize vaccine allocation.

Optimized supply chain operations

The system streamlines the requisition and distribution process, improving order accuracy, reducing delivery delays, and ensuring vaccines reach health facilities when needed.

Advanced cold chain and inventory management

SELV plays a crucial role in monitoring vaccine storage conditions, tracking expiration dates, and ensuring temperature-sensitive vaccines are maintained within the required conditions, minimizing wastage and spoilage.

Improved workforce efficiency and training

The implementation of SELV has simplified inventory management, reducing administrative burdens on health workers and enabling them to focus more on patient care. Additionally, the system’s use has contributed to workforce capacity-building by standardizing logistics processes and increasing familiarity with digital health tools.

Collaborative efforts and system enhancements

The success of SELV is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various partners, including VillageReach and SolDevelo. SolDevelo’s involvement in the re-architecture of OpenLMIS led to the development of version 3.0, offering a unified codebase that improved system quality and customization options. Mozambique was among the first to benefit from this upgrade, enhancing SELV’s functionality and adaptability to local needs.

Client feedback

The implementation of SELV has garnered positive feedback from stakeholders:

• Reliability: Rated 9/10, indicating high dependability in operations.
• Performance: Scored 7/10, meeting expectations with potential for further optimization.
• Usability: Also rated 7/10, providing a solid foundation for logistics management.
• Support: Earned 8/10, demonstrating a satisfying collaboration.

The provided support has been recognized as responsive and effective. When asked about recommending OpenLMIS to other organizations, the response was positive. The system’s open-source nature, free from licensing costs, further enhances its appeal as a scalable, cost-effective logistics solution.

Conclusion

SELV’s implementation in Mozambique exemplifies how OpenLMIS can address real-world challenges in vaccine supply chains. By enhancing data visibility, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration, SELV has significantly improved vaccine availability and healthcare outcomes in Mozambique.

 

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The OpenLMIS implementation in Mozambique is supported by: