Deutsche Post DHL Group and Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance – are to team-up to provide efficient transport management and help improve vaccine supply chain for vaccine distribution in Gavi-supported countries.
Kenya is one of the first countries to benefit from the new partnership, announcing a new initiative with DHL – the logistics arm of the Deutsche Post DHL Group.
DHL says as immunization programs expand to include new, life-saving vaccines and strive to reach more people, often in remote areas, they are increasingly constrained by outdated supply chains and with vaccine volumes continuing to increase and the persistence of often weak or broken health systems, there is a critical need for improvements in immunization supply chain infrastructure.
Over the next three years, the new partnership will help to provide countries with efficient supply chain solutions to improve health care delivery.
Kenya is one of the first countries to benefit from the new partnership, and together Gavi, DHL and the Kenyan Ministry of Health will test a dedicated transportation management service for the efficient distribution of vaccines throughout the East African country.
Incorporating a control tower called a Transport Support Hub, to better manage and coordinate third-party transport carriers and the use of DHL’s own global transportation network, the solution will improve the speed and reliability of vaccine deliveries to hospitals, clinics and medical professionals in the country.
Deutsche Post DHL Group chief executive officer (CEO), Frank Appel says: “This enhanced relationship will allow Deutsche Post DHL Group to contribute its world class supply chain expertise and network towards making a real difference to vaccine distribution in the developing world – and, with this, to improve lives.”
Gavi CEO, Dr Seth Berkley explains: “Robust vaccine supply chains are a vital part of building strong health systems, so that children, parents, and communities can be reached wherever they live with life-saving vaccines.
“DHL’s expertise in healthcare delivery and its footprint in sub-Saharan Africa will help the partnership develop and test new innovative solutions aimed at increasing the health impact in Gavi-supported countries.”
