News

The Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and Pamela Steele Associates (PSA) today announced a partnership that will bring globally recognized APICS professional certification courses to the Health Supply Chain sector of Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria, joining the network of APICS partners already active in Africa.

The deepening crisis in Human Resources for Health Supply Chain Systems in low- and middle-income countries, specifically in , is leading to poor performance of the health supply chain system. One of the key issues, reported by WHO, is lack of skilled, well-trained and motivated personnel, causing supply chains to break down or perform inadequately, resulting in stockouts of lifesaving products.

ASCM and its channel partners, now including PSA are working to develop local knowledge and capabilities through learning, certification, networking and other professional development opportunities. The collaboration will also assist supply chain organisations in these countries to optimise their operations and management through investment in education and certification of their workforce.

Pamela Steele, CEO, PSA, (in the photo above) said: “Promoting professionalism in the sector is my goal, as I believe it contributes greatly to supply chain efficiency for better health outcomes for the poor and vulnerable, who we endeavour to serve. Professionalism in supply chain practice also motivates practitioners and raises standards in the sector. I have a passion for developing credentialed professionals in Africa. That’s why I am delighted with this partnership.”  

APICS supply chain certifications and its body of knowledge have been at a global standard in learning and professional development for more than 60 years. Based on its supply chain transformation experience in these countries, PSA firmly believes that the various certification courses presented in the context of local applications  combined with a global ASCM membership, will motivate supply chain professionals, students and those who work to support them.

“Improved supply chains improve lives, especially when it comes to underserved communities,” ASCM Vice President of Global Channels and Alliances,  Jim Lahey. “Together with PSA, we will enable self-reliant supply chains that can help solve these critical health supply chain challenges.”

Although the current marketplace for supply chain professionals in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria is underdeveloped there is a strong desire to change the paradigm and professionalise supply chain management, especially for health supply chain systems.

To learn more about this collaboration and future training opportunities contact training@pamsteele.co.uk.

About ASCM

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) is the global leader in supply chain organizational transformation, innovation and leadership. As the largest nonprofit association for supply chain, ASCM is an unbiased partner, connecting companies around the world to the newest thought leadership on all aspects of supply chain. ASCM is built on a foundation of APICS certification and training spanning 60 years. Now, ASCM is driving innovation in the industry with new products, services and partnerships that enable companies to further optimize their supply chains, secure their competitive advantage and positively influence their bottom lines. For more information, visit ascm.org.