American People Partner with Danish Development Agency to Modernize Central Medical Warehouse in Zanzibar

January 7, 2013

U.S. Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt with Zanzibar President Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, other government officials & warehouse staff to launch the new Central Medical Stores warehouse funded by USAID and Danida in Zanzibar.

On January 6, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt attended the opening ceremony of the new Central Distribution Warehouse in Stonetown, Zanzibar. The event was also attended by Guest of Honor, His Excellency President of Zanzibar Dr. Mohamed Shein, Second Vice President, Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Sira Ubwa Mambo, and other senior Zanzibari officials.

This state- of-the-art structure was funded by the American people through the United States Development Agency (USAID) through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Danish International Development Agency (Danida). The USD $1.4 million venture increases the warehouse area of the Central Medical Stores (CMS) by 552 percent. In addition to increasing its physical space, warehouse management training is being provided to all Central Medical Stores staff. Continued support will be provided by a Supply Chain Management Advisor to be based at the Zanzibar Central Medical Store to provide technical and inventory management assistance.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, President Shein thanked the American people and Danida for their support to Zanzibar's health sector. Ambassador Lenhardt addressed guests by saying: “It is essential to the United States that Zanzibar has the tools to successfully manage health treatment for its citizens, starting from having the right health commodities on hand to be able to provide the high quality care that Zanzibaris deserve. Because of this, the American people’s substantial commitment to the supply chain system will ensure lifesaving commodities are available to all of Zanzibar’s residents."

The old warehouse’s size and location did not meet standards for the effective management of the medical commodity supply chain with inventory restrictions and failed to meet good warehouse practices. It was therefore recommended to construct a prefabricated structure which is now fully equipped with a computerized inventory system, air conditioning, security systems, racking, material handling, and spanning 1,050 meters.

USAID is proud to have partnered with Danida to continue to support the government of Zanzibar and the supply chain system that ensures access to health solutions for all Zanzibari residents.