Assessment of Contraceptive Logistics Management Information System in Addis Ababa City Administration
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: In order to attain contraceptive security in the country which is the guarantee that all
people have continuous access to the quality contraceptives they need for family planning requires
the presence of efficient contraceptive logistics system. The existence of a successful LMIS
produces current information on quantities of contraceptives dispensed to users which enables to
accurately estimate requirements for contraceptives – an essential precondition towards achieving
contraceptive security. Logistics data are collected, processed, and reported through a logistics
management information system (LMIS) which increases the likelihood of an adequate supply of all
contraceptives for all clients. Since a contraceptive supply chain cannot function effectively without
timely, accurate LMIS data, the LMIS is an essential tool for supply chain managers, clients, and
policy makers. A poorly functioning LMIS can either lead to
running out of contraceptives or overstock. The former leads to unwanted pregnancies and the latter
can lead to wastage of contraceptives, congestion of the stores, and incurs additional cost in
inventory control and disposal of the expired contraceptives.
Objectives: It is to describe how well the contraceptive logistics management information system
functions in the public health sector of Addis Ababa city administration and make recommendations
to all parties concerned, concerning what changes should be made, and how, to improve the
utilization of LMIS. It will assess and identify the nature and extent of the LMIS problems.
Methods: The list of facilities run by the RHB which either distribute to other facilities or provide
contraceptives to clients was made first and then stratified to sub cities, hospitals, health centers,
clinics and health posts. Sample size was calculated using the formula for cross-sectional studies.
Randomly selected facilities from each stratum proportionate to their size- 8 sub-city HDs, 3
hospitals, 21 health centers, 6 clinics and 28 health posts - were investigated through quantitative
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methods using structured questionnaires interviews. The principal person responsible for managing
contraceptives was interviewed by well trained interviewers using pretested questionnaires in each
facility. The results of the quantitative study were used for the design of the qualitative method –
the focus group discussion guide.
Results: There exists a well-designed contraceptive logistics system with trained personnel,
distributed standard LMIS formats and established inventory control procedures through support for
those activities from JSI/DELIVER. Although it was designed to operate in a pull system it was
actually found operating predominantly as a push system. Majority of the facilities (56.72%) were
stocked out for at least one contraceptive they manage in their facilities and the highest stock out
rate was for minipills. Expired contraceptives were found in six of the sub cities and the RHB in big
quantities. Only 24 facilities (35.82%) had stock cards or bin cards for at least one contraceptive
managed in their facilities. Keeping quality records and reports are very low mainly due to lack of
supervision and follow up from higher levels. Availability of separate stores for sub cities, training
of personnels managing contraceptives and supportive supervision are among the major
recommendations.
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Assessment of Contraceptive Logistics Management