Angola and UN agencies strengthen health logistics to boost cholera response

Angola and UN agencies strengthen health logistics to boost cholera response

The Government of Angola, in partnership with the World Food Program (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), convened a three-day workshop in Luanda to strengthen warehouse management and digital health logistics for medical supplies in the context of the cholera response.

Held from 30 March to 1 April, the training brought together 40 government technicians from the health, energy, water, and fisheries sectors, reflecting the multisectoral approach essential to effective health logistics. The initiative aimed to enhance coordination, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the effective delivery of essential medical supplies. 

During the workshop, partners recognized the leadership of the Government of Angola, particularly the Ministry of Health, in coordinating a timely and effective response to the cholera outbreak, with a strong focus on protecting the most vulnerable communities. 

Implemented in collaboration with Katyavala Bwila University, this initiative forms part of a broader multisectoral project led by WFP, with funding from the Mastercard Foundation, in support of the Government-led response. The project includes the procurement of nutritional supplements, capacity-building of health workers, and the provision of logistics services to ensure continuity of critical health services. 

Ensuring that medicines, vaccines, and other health commodities reach the right place at the right time remains a complex challenge, particularly during health emergencies, requiring strong coordination, reliable digital systems, and rigorous logistics practices. 

“Strengthening the medical supply chain, from warehouse management to cold chain and traceability, is essential to ensure that life-saving commodities reach communities safely and on time,’’ highlighted Sandra Silva, WFP Head of Program, representing the Head of Office in Angola. 

The workshop builds on ongoing efforts, including the delivery of essential health supplies carried out by WFP on behalf of WHO in 2025. By reinforcing technical knowledge and practical skills in logistics management, the training is expected to improve efficiency and compliance, and to safeguard the integrity of medical products throughout the supply chain. 

“Strong and reliable supply chains are at the heart of an effective emergency response. Through this partnership, WFP and WHO are proud to support the Government of Angola in strengthening logistics systems that ensure continuity of essential health services and reach the most vulnerable populations,” stated Erna Van Goor, Team Lead for Emergency Preparedness and Response at WHO Angola. 

The participation of professionals from central and provincial levels is a key element of the initiative, fostering knowledge exchange, strengthening system-wide coordination, and supporting the adoption of best practices nationwide. 

“This training helped us strengthen best practices in the supply chain, explore innovative solutions and updated tools, and improve how we use data for better decision-making in the field,’’ said Jéssica Luís, Information Technology Technician at the Center for the Procurement and Supply of Medicines and Medical Supplies (CECOMA). 

The strong engagement of national and international partners, as well as the private sector, highlights the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in delivering sustainable solutions to address public health challenges. 

WHO and WFP reaffirm their commitment to continue working alongside the Government of Angola to strengthen the national health system’s resilience and support a safer, healthier future for all. 

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Pour plus d'informations ou pour demander des interviews, veuillez contacter :
Rosa Pedro

Communication Assistant
WHO Angola
rpedro [at] who.int (rpedro[at]who[dot]int)