In order to strengthen the capacity of partners implementing the Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative grant (RAI Myanmar) in logistics management, UNOPS PSM team organized  a training on logistics management (23 June 2015) at UNOPS office in Yangon participated by all focal persons involved in logistics and supply chain management.

The training also provided a platform for all Myanmar partners of RAI to collectively come forward with solutions and best practices to strengthen logistics management based on the challenges and real needs for implementation at the field level.

Training presentations and discussions were facilitated in both Myanmar and English languages and training included demonstration of proper handling and storage using pre-packed mock pills to simulate malaria drugs.

Participants also had hands-on practice of the essential skills needed for efficient logistics management and quality assurance of malaria drugs and commodities, including inventory control; physical stock check; drugs indents; distribution; forecasting and quantification; and managing damaged and expired drugs.

Quality assurance of malarial drugs and commodities is one of the key activities under the Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative, the goal of which is to accelerate elimination of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Greater Mekong Sub-region and avert the spread of artemisinin resistance.