Mozambique

Achieved

The project supported Mozambique’s Ministry of Health in securing Rapid Test Kits (RTKs) for HIV/AIDS and malaria by cutting time and costs in import procedures. 

Government health agencies in Mozambique had to acquire a paper-based authorisation to ship essential supplies, including RTKs, making for a lengthy and cumbersome process, often resulting in unforeseen expenses.  

Digitalising existing systems and streamlining procedures allowed government agencies to process shipments faster, reducing clearance times. Additionally, a greater collaboration with Customs on advance clearance for RTKs increased the certainty of supply. Shorter processing times and fewer delays saved private sector suppliers outlays associated with storage, product degradation, and inventory management. 

What we did

Alongside Mozambican government agencies and local and international companies, we supported Mozambique in improving and automating RTK approval processes. Government health agencies were able to benefit from Mozambique’s existing electronic Single Window and better secure the supply of RTKs through advance rulings and efficient pre-arrival processing. The project was implemented in cooperation with the Mozambique Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, Central Medical Stores within the Ministry of Health, as well as Customs and the National Trade Facilitation Committee. From the private sector, Alliance global business partners Abbott and DHL provided the project their industry expertise and relevant data. 

Benefits

The use of simplified digital systems is: 

• reducing the time and cost associated with paper-based approvals, allowing for faster movement of essential medical products 
• making shipping RTKs safer and more transparent by reducing the risk of loss or damage  
• increasing cooperation and collaboration between different border and government agencies, building trust 
• ensuring more streamlined processes and thus fewer disputes and delays related to Customs clearance 

Overall, the project can also improve general public health by making essential healthcare products more easily available. It can particularly benefit Mozambican women who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and malaria. 

Measurement

To assess our impact on the ease of trading, the Alliance is measuring the reduction in clearance times, the costs associated with shipment and storage, as well as levels of cooperation.  

Timeline

The project took 11 months and included the creation of a working group comprised of all stakeholders to improve visibility and ensure post-project sustainability of outcomes.