Dejunking of Dire Dawa Administration Warehouse

Prior to improvements, the warehouse experienced issues with expired commodities and medical supplies due to poor management and a lack of technical skills in warehousing. The Regional Health Bureau sought technical assistance from the USAID | DELIVER PROJECT to address these problems. With support from the project, the Dire Dawa health bureau identified and disposed of expired and damaged drugs and medical supplies. A fund-raising workshop was organized to collect funds needed to improve the warehouse, with pledges from the Making Medical Injections Safer (MMIS) project and MSH's RPM Plus. The project oversaw the installation of standard shelving, resulting in a net increase of 240 percent storage capacity. Installation of shelf and sub-shelf locators significantly improved inventory management. The project provided warehouse equipment, including trolleys and electrical ceiling ventilators, to enhance storage conditions. Store managers and inventory management staff received three days of on-the-job training to help them sustain the new systems. This training enabled staff to maintain a stable inventory and manage the warehouse efficiently. Commodities are now easier to locate and put away properly, and storage area improvements will help keep products in good condition. The improvements to the warehouse have had a positive impact on the storage and management of health commodities. The project's efforts have resulted in a more efficient and effective warehouse operation, which is essential for maintaining a stable supply of medical supplies and ensuring the health and well-being of the local population. The Dire Dawa Administration Warehouse now serves as a model for other warehouses in the region, demonstrating the importance of proper storage and management practices. The success of the project is a testament to the collaboration between the Regional Health Bureau, the USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, and other partners in the region. The project's technical assistance and support have made a significant difference in the warehouse's operations, and the benefits of these improvements will be felt for years to come. The increased storage capacity and improved inventory management will enable the warehouse to better serve the needs of the local population, ensuring that medical supplies are available when and where they are needed.