Paper details
| Paper authors | Timna Eckschmidt, Prof. Dr. Maria Besiou, Dr. Jonas Stumpf, Caspar Hoeyng, Yi Huat Lim, Eva Carvalho, Eida Ouchtar |
| In panel on | Health Systems Resilience in response to mass displacement, conflict, and disasters |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting |
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Abstract
Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) hinges upon the accessibility and availability of primary healthcare (PHC). However, many low and middle-income countries struggle to maintain robust PHC services, especially during supply chain disruptions caused by epidemics. Enhancing the resilience of public healthcare supply chains plays a pivotal role in mitigating the repercussions of such disruptions by ensuring not only a rapid and effective response, but the ongoing functioning, and timely and cost-effective recovery of the public health supply chain.
In this project, we explore strategies to bolster the resilience of public healthcare supply chains during epidemic outbreaks, identifying key investment areas for preparedness that fortify the healthcare system's ability to manage disruptions. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, we map and model the public healthcare supply chain's dynamics before, during, and after epidemics. This approach includes system dynamics modelling, as well as interview analysis. It enables us to analyze the current state of healthcare supply chains and their readiness to withstand epidemic disruptions. Furthermore, it facilitates simulations of preparedness measures, empowering health authorities and practitioners to make informed decisions on epidemic preparedness.
This unique approach, developed by HELP Logistics and the Center for Humanitarian Logistics and Regional Development (CHORD), with the support of the World Food Programme (WFP) on tool development, is currently undergoing pilot testing, holding significant promise for improving healthcare supply chain resilience and epidemic response.
