Training key to managing African challenges

Bolloré Africa Logistics has implemented a quality management system, with a strong focus on training, in all the African countries in which it operates. Furthermore, branches in 20 of the countries have had their full operations ISO 9001:2008 certified. “Challenges in Africa are multiple for health care logistics and range from quality assurance (QA) compliance of the supply chain to simply being able to reach the population in need while keeping costs down,” said Bolloré vertical head for the Healthcare and Aid & Relief sector, Isabelle Hagner, noting that training and quality management were therefore key to meeting customer demands. Fragmented supply networks that involve numerous players along the chain are adding risks and costs to the logistics chain, she says. As a result, many health stakeholders are looking to restructure their costly distribution network and increase their geographical coverage to ensure a reduction in costs. They’re also looking to take back control of the sales channels and reduce the risk of supply chain non-compliance as well as counterfeit issues. Changes to the distribution model do not only affect the private sector but also healthcare facilities, nongovernmental organisations and public health supply institutions where funds are most often even more scarce. “Having an experienced partner that takes quality management seriously and provides ongoing training to its staff provides greater peace of mind on issues around safety and compliance and also greatly reduces costs across the supply chain,” said Hagner. “With 250 subsidiaries in 45 countries and nearly 25 000 employees in Africa, Bolloré Africa Logistics teams focus on a single goal: providing efficient and reliable solutions to guarantee that populations throughout the continent enjoy the best possible access to drugs in compliance with international quality, safety and efficiency standards,” she said. INSERT & CAPTION Having an experienced partner provides greater peace of mind on issues around safety and compliance. – Isabelle Hagner