LUAPULA PROVINCE GETS CUTTING-EDGE ELMIS SYSTEM FROM UNFPA

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has handed over the Electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS) equipment to the Veronica Chikonda Adolescent Centre in Samfya district, Luapula province.

This brings the total number of health facilities equipped with cutting-edge logistics management technology in the province to 15 in 2024 alone.

The eLMIS technology enables real-time monitoring and tracking of medical commodities at the facility level, enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in medical supply procurement.

The UNFPA which supports 70% of reproductive medical supply procurement in the province is instrumental in strengthening integrated sexual and reproductive health services in three districts in the area.

The government has praised the The United Nations Population Fund for its unwavering partnership and support for the developmental agenda particularly the health system.

Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Prudence Mwansa Chinama acknowledged UNFPA’s critical support in promoting maternal health, combating gender-based violence, and advancing disability inclusion.

Speaking at the official handover of eLMIS equipment, Ms. Chinama stated that the government is collaborating with cooperating partners to leverage resources, expertise, and knowledge to enhance service delivery and improve the overall quality of life for citizens, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

She emphasized that eLMIS procurement will enhance transparency and efficiency, reducing logistical challenges.

UNFPA Country Representative Seth Broekman reiterated the organization’s commitment to ensuring adolescents and women have access to education, economic opportunities, and reproductive health services.

He pledged continued support for eLMIS rollout and capacity building in supply chain management.

Mr. Broekman emphasized the importance of integrating supply chain management into the curricula of healthcare professionals, ensuring that nurses, midwives, and pharmacy personnel acquire necessary skills from the outset of their careers.

He stated that additionally, UNFPA provides targeted on-site technical support in Luapula Province, focusing on eLMIS use, inventory management, and warehousing.

eLMIS empowers facilities to improve inventory management, data quality, and reporting rates, reducing stockouts and increasing essential medicine availability. UNFPA provides on-site technical support in Luapula province, covering eLMIS use, inventory management, and warehousing.

And Ministry of Finance and National Planning Director Population Charles Banda emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring quality health services at the grassroots level.

He noted that the eLMIS system will ensure timely delivery of quality reproductive health services, boosting productivity and improving rural livelihoods.