Tejitu Jango and Safiya Meribo live in West Arsi, Oromia Region, Ethiopia where they have served as health extension workers (HEWS) at Germama Health Post for eight and six years respectively. One of their main responsibilities as HEWS is to coordinate community health activities and deliver primary health services to the community.
Besides their health promotion and prevention role, Tejitu and Safiya are responsible for medical supplies at the health post which they have been trained to do by their health center. The health center staff participated in a training of trainers and used IPLS lessons developed by the Ethiopia Pharmaceutical Funds and Supply Agency (PFSA), SC4CCM, and USAID|DELIVER to ensure HEWs understood basic supply chain skills.
Tejitu and Safiya are now able to manage medicines and supplies using the skills and knowledge acquired on IPLS basic concepts including: proper storage of pharmaceuticals, completing a bin card and monthly HPMRR form, receiving products, and completing a physical count.
“I have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to manage health products [and] medicines after attending the health extension IPLS. I understand the basic logistics principles. My understanding about supplies and communication with health center in requesting and reporting consumption skills has also improved with this training.” Tejitu said.
As Safiya explains, “continuous supply of pharmaceuticals is crucial for program success.”
