E-DRUG: Published article: .. health supply chain in Ethiopia: barriers and enablers
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Published article: Developing and sustaining human resources in the health supply chain in Ethiopia: barriers and enablers
Introduction:
The health supply chain is often the weakest link in achieving the
health-related Millennium Development Goals and universal health coverage,
requiring trained professionals who are often unavailable. In Ethiopia
there have been recent developments in the area of health supply chain
management. The aim of this study was to explore the current status of the
development of human resources in health supply chain management in
Ethiopia and to identify important factors affecting this development.
Methods:
A series of face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders was carried out
in 2014. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview
guide. The interview guide comprised 51 questions. A qualitative analysis
of transcripts was made.
Results:
A total of 25 interviews were conducted. Three themes were identified:
General changes: recognition, commitment and resources, Education and
training, and Barriers and enablers. Results confirm the development of
human resources in health supply chain management in many areas. However,
several problems were identified including lack of coordination, partly due
to the large number of stakeholders; reported high staff mobility; and a
lack of overall strategy regarding the job/career structures necessary for
maintaining human resources. Rural areas have a particular set of problems,
including in transportation of goods and personnel, attracting and keeping
personnel, and in communication and access to information.
Conclusions:
Ethiopia is on the way to developing a nationwide viable system for health
supply chain management. However, there are still challenges. Short-term
challenges include the importance of highlighting strategies and programs
for human resources in health supply chain management. In the long term,
commitments to financial support must be obtained. A strategy is needed for
the further development and sustainability of human resources in the health
supply chain in Ethiopia.
Key words: Ethiopia, health supply chain management, human resources,
medicines.
The full article is available at:
http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/showarticlenew.asp?ArticleID=3613
Citation:
Kälvemark Sporrong S, Traulsen JM, Damene Kabtimer W, Mekasha Habtegiorgis
B, Teshome Gebregeorgise D, Essah NAM, Khan SA, Brown AN. Developing and
sustaining human resources in the health supply chain in Ethiopia: barriers
and enablers. Rural and Remote Health (Internet) 2016; 16: 3613.
Available:
http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/subviewnew.asp?ArticleID=3613
(Accessed 15 August 2016)
Andrew N. Brown PhD BPharm
Health Systems Strengthening Consultant
*Adjunct Professional Associate, University of Canberra*
anbrown.hss@gmail.com