Our Belief
Well-functioning and resilient supply chains are essential to ensuring the timely availability of, and access to, vital medicines and medical products. They serve as the foundation of efficient healthcare systems and are a driving force in advancing equity, quality, and access to essential health services.
The Challenge
As part of its 2021–2025 strategic plan, EPN identified significant disparities in the quality and performance of pharmaceutical services across church health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. One of the key challenges in the development of Drug Supply Organizations (DSOs) is the limited capacity to carry out the prequalification of pharmaceutical products and suppliers. This process requires a high level of technical expertise and a well-established quality assurance system. Many DSOs currently lack the necessary capacity to independently conduct these critical evaluations, hindering their ability to ensure medicine quality.
The Opportunity
A recent survey among members of the EPN East Africa Community Pooled Procurement Initiative highlighted several benefits of EPN membership—most notably, the ability to share experiences, access manufacturers’ data, and leverage prequalification efforts already conducted by more experienced members. For DSOs with limited resources, access to reliable information on GMP-compliant manufacturers and quality-assured products presents a cost-effective and efficient way to strengthen procurement systems and improve service delivery.
Approach
EPN aims to improve DSOs’ access to reliable information about accredited pharmaceutical suppliers, enabling the procurement of medicines and medical products from trusted sources. This approach not only supports the improvement of supply chain systems but also reinforces quality assurance mechanisms, ultimately strengthening pharmaceutical services across the network.
The Supplier Database
The Supplier Database is a centralized, web-based platform that provides access to essential information on GMP-compliant manufacturers and prequalified pharmaceutical products. It features a comprehensive listing of accredited suppliers along with the medical products they offer, giving DSOs access to trusted and up-to-date procurement options. With this resource, DSOs can more easily identify and source from reliable suppliers that meet international standards of medical product supply and align their specific pharmaceutical needs. By streamlining the procurement process, the database enhances supply chain efficiency, supports quality assurance efforts, and ensures consistent access to safe, affordable medicines for the DSOs.