In the heart of the Ashanti and Bono Regions, a groundbreaking collaboration between Women’s Health to Wealth (WHW) and Americares was quietly transforming the landscape of supply chain management. Their brainchild? A revolutionary Supply Chain Management (SCM) tool, designed not only to streamline processes across primary and secondary healthcare facilities but also to bring a wave of innovation to the often-overlooked world of supply chain logistics in healthcare. The application came in both web and mobile versions, but the mobile version was the real star. It was lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for the healthcare workers in remote districts, where access to computers was often scarce.
Picture 1: Logistics Officer demonstrating the mobile app to the participants.
Photo credit: WHW December 2024
Between July and December 2024, WHW undertook an ambitious mission to train 203 healthcare workers in 101 health facilities in eleven districts across Ashanti and one in Bono. The challenge was clear: many of the healthcare facilities had no dedicated computers for staff. However, this obstacle was swiftly overcome with the mobile version of the app, which became a vital tool for those working in these resource-limited environments.
At the beginning of the training, there was a sense of apprehension. Many of the healthcare workers were unfamiliar with digital technology, and the prospect of learning a new system while managing their already demanding roles was intimidating. But as the training progressed, the app’s intuitive design quickly won them over. What had initially seemed like a daunting task evolved into an empowering experience.
The app soon earned the affectionate nickname "Tap and Go," a nod to its simplicity—tap to select, tap to submit. Healthcare workers, once burdened by the slow, error-prone process of reporting, found themselves completing their tasks in a fraction of the time. During the sessions, what began as nervous hesitation transformed into excitement. There were smiles, laughter, and even celebratory chants as participants completed their first successful reports using the app. This moment of triumph wasn’t just about mastering a new tool; it was a victory for these workers, their communities, and the future of supply chain management in healthcare.
Picture 2: Participants trying their hands on the mobile app during practical session.
Photo credit: WHW December 2024.
The response to the training was overwhelmingly positive. Evaluation forms revealed that over 80% of participants believed the mobile app would be an indispensable part of their daily work. They were eager to introduce the app to their healthcare facilities, knowing it would not only simplify their tasks but also significantly enhance the efficiency of the supply chain.
By the time the final training sessions wrapped up, the atmosphere was one of genuine optimism. The app had become more than just a tool - it was a catalyst for positive change. Its simplicity and effectiveness had brought new life to healthcare logistics, enabling workers in underserved regions to perform their jobs more efficiently and with greater confidence.
Picture 3:Participants celebrating their successful completion of the practical work.
Photo credit: WHW, December 2024.
The WHW SCM app marked a new dawn in healthcare supply chain management, ensuring that healthcare workers, even in the most remote areas, were better equipped to serve their communities. This innovative tool wasn’t just about technology—it was about empowering those on the frontlines of healthcare, improving access to essential supplies, and ultimately, delivering better care where it was needed most.
Story By:
Yaw Sekyere Frimpong & Kwame Bene-Nkansah Duodu
Logistics Officer and Finance and Administrative Manager, Women’s Health to Wealth
January 15, 2025.