Quarterly Activity Report for SIAPS Mali FY14 Funds: July–September 2015

The project's objective was to promote a systems strengthening approach consistent with the Global Health Initiative (GHI) to achieve improved and sustainable health impact. SIAPS provided technical leadership and assistance to developing countries in pharmaceutical system strengthening, with a focus on patient-centered services and health outcomes. SIAPS worked with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and its stakeholders to sustain the implementation of continuous interventions to improve key areas of the pharmaceutical sector. The project supported the development of new logistics management information system (LMIS) standard operating procedures (SOPs), including reporting tools for each level of the system. A regional pool of trainers was established to train users on the new SOPs. To improve the capacity of individuals and organizations on pharmaceutical management, SIAPS worked with key actors of the Mali pharmaceutical public sector to improve medicines forecasting and supply planning. Training on the use of standardized tools and procedures was provided to enhance the capacity of the MoH and its partners in pharmaceutical sector supply chain management. The project's activities were focused on three main objectives: strengthening pharmaceutical sector governance, increasing capacity for pharmaceutical supply management and services, and making pharmaceutical management information available and used for decision making at different levels of the Malian health system. The project also supported the implementation of continuous interventions to improve key areas of the pharmaceutical sector, including pharmaceutical governance, availability of information for decision making, medicines supply chain system performance, and services to patients. SIAPS supported the MoH and its stakeholders to sustain the implementation of continuous interventions to improve key areas of the pharmaceutical sector. The project's indicators levels depicted progress that was accomplished during the year 4 toward uninterrupted availability of essential medicines and other health commodities at all levels of the national health system. The project suggested areas where efforts should be maintained or increased in terms of support to health facilities and service to patients through continuous coaching and supportive supervision visits. The project's success stories included the development of new LMIS SOPs, the establishment of a regional pool of trainers, and the provision of training on the use of standardized tools and procedures. The project also reported challenges and difficulties encountered, including technical, managerial, and financial issues. Proposed solutions were provided to address these challenges and difficulties. The project's lessons learned included the importance of continuous coaching and supportive supervision visits to ensure the sustainability of project activities. The project also highlighted the need for ongoing training and capacity building for individuals and organizations involved in pharmaceutical sector supply chain management. SIAPS supported the implementation of gender equality activities, family planning compliance activities, and geographic information system data reporting. The project's annual indicators table reflected cumulative numbers of the progress achieved during the fiscal year. The project's environmental mitigation report was also included in the annex. The project's conclusion highlighted the progress achieved during the fiscal year and the areas where efforts should be maintained or increased. The project's summary narrative of activities achieved during the fiscal year provided an overview of the project's accomplishments.