eLearning Modules for Quantification of Health Commodities

The practice of quantification encompasses forecasting, supply planning, and funding analysis, influencing the availability of health commodities. This process demands meticulous execution of processes and steps, yielding tangible benefits through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been actively collaborating with the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) to capacitate human resources and institutions in quantifying health commodities to ensure uninterrupted supply. The MTaPS program has played a crucial role in bolstering the capacity of the DOH on quantifying for selected health program commodities, including TB, FP, and HIV. In 2019, MTaPS initiated this effort by providing essential training on the fundamental principles of quantification, reviewing and analyzing quantification data, and generating quantity and budget requirements for TB and FP commodities. Fast forward to July 2022, MTaPS conducted a four-day quantification training program for select DOH offices, including the Health Department and the Commission on Population and Development. This training was followed by a practical exercise on quantifying long-term HIV commodity requirements. Additionally, MTaPS supported the development of quantification guidelines outlining how to conduct health commodity quantification. In July 2023, MTaPS facilitated a learning session on quantification for over 300 participants across DOH offices, CHDs, and LGUs, emphasizing the importance of data and assumptions in quantification. This preparation paved the way for an advanced quantification training in August 2023, aimed at creating a pool of trainers capable of training CHDs, LGUs, and further improving quantification practices within the DOH central office. To ensure sustainability of the capacity development and enhance access to CHDs, LGUs, and service delivery points, MTaPS in coordination with the DOH converted training materials into eLearning contents to be hosted on the DOH Academy. The eLearning modules are designed to provide learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct quantification of health commodities. The modules are currently in the alpha version and are being reviewed for finalization. The eLearning modules have four modules, each focusing on different aspects of quantification. Module 1: Introduction to Health Commodities Quantification provides basic concepts, definitions, and principles of quantification, forecasting, and supply planning. It ensures learners can describe the steps and processes involved in conducting quantification of health commodities. This module demonstrates the different methods of quantification and their application and culminates in describing the minimum standards that should be implemented for effective and efficient quantification systems. Module 2: Data, Sources, and Assumption Making for Quantification describes the steps and processes in obtaining and using data for decision-making in quantification. It guides learners to define data requirements and sources necessary to conduct quantification of health commodities. This module also outlines the basic principles and approaches to making assumptions during quantification. Module 3: Consumption Method of Quantification dives into detail on one of the most common methods of quantification. It walks learners through the steps and calculations they need to apply when using the consumption-based method of quantification. This module provides learners with examples for each step until they generate the final quantification and budget requirements for the specified period. It also includes practical exercises for learners to accomplish. Module 4: Morbidity Method of Quantification, like Module 3, dives into detail on the morbidity-based quantification method. It walks learners through the steps and calculations they need to apply when conducting morbidity-based quantification of health commodities. This module provides learners with examples for each step until they generate the final quantification and budget requirements for the specified period. It also includes a practical exercise for learners to accomplish using the morbidity method of quantification.