Several countries with support from international agencies have been adopting eLMIS based on target software standard (TSS) such as Malawi, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Gambia. In Malawi, cStock is a mobile-based logistics management information system, using RapidSMS, with a web accessible dashboard, which assists to manage and distribute child health and family planning products to health facilities. In Tanzania and Gambia, OpenLMIS is the open-source platform used for managing public health commodities (particularly vaccines). Feedbacks from such countries indicate the accuracy in data management, supply chain visibility, and reduced stockout that the recently adopted eLMIS tools have enabled.
Vision eLMIS from international level/scale
The benefits and development potential of eLMIS are focused and recognised by donors, international agencies, and organisations. The development of the Gavi eLMIS scale-up strategy will take place with a participatory and evidence-based approach to ensure the eLMIS benefits more people and LMICs adopt policy and programme development on a long-lasting basis. The Gavi eLMIS scaling up strategy will be aligned and support the overarching Gavi 5.0 strategy and the Digital Health Information strategy that has been developed at the same time, as well as the innovation strategy.
To support countries complete eLMIS investment, USAID provides the LMIS maturity model with a 5-level hierarchy and a structure that serves a useful heuristic purpose to swiftly assess where a country sits on the maturity scale. As a global organisation, USAID has invested in eLMIS in 33 countries, specifically 27 African countries, 2 South-East Asia countries, 2 Eastern Mediterranean countries and 2 from the American region.
Conclusion
Digitalisation of the supply chain information system is a critical approach and pre-condition to overcome data visibility and integrity barriers. The digital shift will improve supply chain system performance by automating data processes and tasks, while avoiding duplication of work and inconsistencies of data. Implementing eLMIS for immunisation is a part of the digitalisation process that requires countries to have comprehensive assessment and adopt new and improved processes. The final target is to achieve full immunisation coverage and equity for all.