By Rita Okoye

In a world still grappling with the lingering effects of pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks, the need for efficient and transparent procurement systems has never been clearer.

Recognizing this urgent need, a team of leading researchers, including procurement and sustainability specialist Mercy Odochi Agho, has published a timely and significant contribution to the field. Their paper, recently featured in the International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, delves deeply into how procurement strategies can influence the success or failure of infectious disease control programs.

Titled “Integrating Procurement Strategies for Infectious Disease Control: Best Practices from Global Programs,” the study is a collaborative effort by Patience Okpeke Paul, Anate Benoit Nicaise Abbey, Ekene Cynthia Onukwulu, Mercy Odochi Agho, and Nsisong Louis Eyo-Udo. Drawing insights from some of the world’s most successful global health programs, including those led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Fund, and GAVI, the paper presents a comprehensive analysis of procurement strategies and offers practical guidance for policymakers, public health professionals, and supply chain experts.

Speaking on the research, Ms. Agho remarked that procurement plays a crucial but often underappreciated role in public health systems. According to her, procurement is the engine that powers effective disease control efforts. Without efficient procurement mechanisms in place, vaccines, medications, diagnostic tools, and essential medical supplies simply do not reach those who need them. She highlighted that the team’s focus was not only on identifying best practices but also on ensuring that procurement systems are adaptable, transparent, and capable of supporting resilient health systems.

The study begins by framing the persistent threat of infectious diseases worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where health infrastructure is often weak. It emphasizes that procurement strategies directly impact public health outcomes, as they determine the availability, quality, and timely delivery of essential health commodities. Drawing from recent global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the research underscores the need for procurement systems that can withstand disruptions and maintain continuity in the face of emergencies.

One of the most valuable aspects of the paper is its detailed evaluation of the three primary procurement models used across global health programs: centralized, decentralized, and hybrid systems. Each model carries unique strengths and weaknesses, and the authors carefully dissect these through case studies and program analyses.

In centralized procurement models, a single authority—such as a national government or international agency—handles procurement on behalf of all stakeholders. This approach is often praised for its ability to secure economies of scale through bulk purchasing, maintain consistency in product quality, and streamline operations. Ms. Agho acknowledges these benefits but also points out that centralized systems can sometimes struggle with flexibility. She observed that large, centralized bureaucracies may be slower to respond to rapidly changing local needs, particularly in emergencies.

Decentralized procurement models, by contrast, delegate procurement responsibilities to regional authorities or healthcare facilities. This allows procurement decisions to be more closely aligned with local realities and specific health needs. However, Ms. Agho and her co-authors caution that decentralized systems can introduce fragmentation and inefficiencies, especially in regions where procurement expertise and infrastructure are lacking.

Recognizing the limitations inherent in both centralized and decentralized approaches, the research highlights the growing shift toward hybrid procurement models. These systems blend the scalability of centralized procurement with the responsiveness of decentralized decision-making. Ms. Agho supports this balanced approach, noting that hybrid models offer the best of both worlds. They allow for efficient, bulk procurement while giving local health authorities the autonomy to address unique regional challenges.

Beyond procurement structures, the study delves into the foundational elements that make procurement systems effective. Transparency is emphasized as a non-negotiable factor. Ms. Agho stresses that without transparent processes, procurement systems are vulnerable to corruption, mismanagement, and loss of public trust. Drawing from programs like the Global Fund, which prioritize open competitive bidding and clear supplier selection criteria, the authors highlight how transparency safeguards accountability and maximizes the impact of limited resources.

Efficiency is another core principle discussed at length. The paper underscores that streamlined procurement processes directly affect the speed and reliability of health commodity delivery. The WHO’s centralized model is cited as an example of operational efficiency, with its use of bulk purchasing agreements and pre-qualified supplier lists ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement.

Flexibility is highlighted as essential for procurement systems operating in environments prone to disease outbreaks and health emergencies. The research points out that organizations such as the Global Fund have successfully implemented hybrid procurement approaches that allow rapid adjustments without sacrificing quality assurance.

Throughout the paper, Ms. Agho and her collaborators examine how global health programs successfully align procurement with broader public health objectives. They specifically highlight the WHO’s efforts to standardize procurement for vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics worldwide through centralized coordination. The Global Fund’s model is praised for its ability to combine centralized purchasing with local autonomy, ensuring that procurement strategies are adapted to meet diverse country-specific needs. Similarly, GAVI’s centralized procurement mechanisms, including the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) model, demonstrate how innovative financing and coordinated procurement can ensure affordable and consistent vaccine supply for low-income countries.

Ms. Agho notes that one of the biggest takeaways from studying these programs is the critical role of stakeholder engagement. Successful procurement strategies are built on collaboration between governments, suppliers, healthcare providers, donors, and international agencies. Without such engagement, procurement systems become rigid and disconnected from the realities on the ground. She emphasizes that strong relationships between stakeholders create more responsive, accountable, and effective procurement processes.

Another emerging theme in the paper is the transformative potential of digital technologies in modernizing procurement systems. The authors highlight how digital supply chain platforms, data analytics, and electronic procurement tools can enhance visibility, improve forecasting accuracy, and ensure real-time monitoring of procurement activities. Ms. Agho underscores that technology integration is no longer optional. It is essential to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced global health environment.

While the paper identifies best practices, it also acknowledges the challenges that remain. Fragmented supply chains, limited technical capacity in LMICs, and fluctuating political environments continue to pose risks to procurement efficiency. The authors recommend addressing these challenges through sustained investments in capacity building, long-term strategic planning, and continuous improvement mechanisms.

Ms. Agho, in particular, emphasizes the importance of strengthening procurement expertise at the local level. She notes that empowering local procurement professionals with training, tools, and support will ensure that health systems are better prepared to manage their supply chains even after international donors and partners exit.

The paper provides clear guidance for policymakers, public health officials, and procurement professionals seeking to improve disease control efforts through procurement. It calls for procurement strategies to be transparent, stakeholder-driven, technologically enabled, and adaptable to evolving health challenges. The collaborative research team stresses that procurement must be viewed not as a passive administrative function but as a strategic pillar of public health success.

Reflecting on the significance of the research, Ms. Agho concludes with a clear message: procurement has the power to strengthen health systems, improve health outcomes, and build trust. But achieving these outcomes requires intentional, collaborative, and transparent strategies. She urges global health leaders to prioritize procurement innovation, particularly in regions where health systems face the greatest vulnerabilities.

The research, shaped by Ms. Agho’s insights and the combined expertise of the authors, serves as a timely resource for organizations committed to building resilient, equitable, and responsive health systems worldwide.