Strong partnerships built on shared goals and aspirations are crucial for advancing healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings.
In this context, Dr. James Lowasa, Deputy Governor of Isiolo County, recently hosted a high-profile delegation from The Gates Foundation and its grantee organizations—ThinkWell, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), and InSupply Health.
Their visit, a courtesy call to the Governor’s office, underscored the impact of strategic collaborations in strengthening healthcare procurement and supply chain systems in the region.
Transformative Impact of The Gates Foundation-Funded Initiatives
During the meeting, Dr. Lowasa emphasized the significant improvements in healthcare access and service delivery in Isiolo County, attributing these successes to the interventions implemented within the Health Products and Technologies Unit (HPTU).
“We have witnessed a complete transformation in healthcare access due to the systems strengthening of our HPTU by ThinkWell, InSupply Health, and CIPS,” he stated.
“Key achievements include timely ordering of Health Products and Technologies (HPT) from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), improved budgetary allocations for HPT procurement, and the certification of three candidates from our HPTU by CIPS.”
These milestones highlight how targeted investments and capacity-building initiatives can enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in healthcare procurement systems.
Strengthening Supply Chain Coordination and Policy Integration
Beyond improving procurement processes, Dr. Lowasa noted that the work of the three grantees has fostered better coordination among partners involved in supply chain activities.
This has led to stronger collaboration between the HPTU and other key county departments, including planning, finance, and procurement.
Such interdepartmental cooperation is essential for ensuring sustainability and institutionalizing best practices in public health supply chains.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Healthcare Improvements
The meeting also brought together key stakeholders, including Mohamed Boru, Deputy County Secretary for NGOs Coordination and Partnership Development, as well as representatives from the Center for Epidemiological Modeling and Analysis (CEMA), the Institute of Public Finance (IPF), and HECTA Consulting.
Their presence underscored the collective effort required to address healthcare system challenges and develop long-term solutions.
Road Ahead…
Isiolo County’s partnership with The Gates Foundation and its grantees demonstrates the power of collaboration in transforming healthcare service delivery.
By investing in procurement efficiency, supply chain management, and policy integration, the county has set a precedent for other regions seeking to enhance healthcare access.
Read also|Empowering Vulnerable Women in Isiolo: SCORE 2 Project Transforms Lives Through Financial Inclusion
As these initiatives continue to evolve, sustained commitment from all stakeholders will be key to ensuring lasting improvements in the health sector.
Share This Post