NMSA: National Medical Supplies Agency (2025)

25/07/2025

The Managing Director of the National Medical Supplies Agency, Madam Jatu Abdulai, was a guest on the Radio Democracy 98.1 "Good Morning Salone" show earlier today, discussing the role of NMSA in managing free healthcare drugs, with a focus on storage and distribution to health facilities.

19/07/2025

*Validation of Sierra Leone’s Revised National Guidelines for the Donation of Medicines and Medical Devices*

In 2004, the Ministry of Health established the National Guidelines for the Donation of Medicines and Medical Devices, a document that provided direction on the donation of health products to the country’s health sector.

Over twenty years since the guideline on donation was established, it now seems obsolete in meeting current trends. Hence, the review of the guideline aims to address gaps and incorporate global best practices and evolving national policies.

Following a series of consultations and stakeholders’ engagements, a revised guideline has been developed that seeks to address current realities, challenges, and opportunities.

This revised guideline on the donation of health products—including medicines, medical devices, and supplies—aims to ensure alignment with national priorities, improve transparency and accountability, and maximize public health impact.

Furthermore, the revised guidelines on donation aim to Maximize the value of donations to recipients, promote responsible, needs-based, and quality-assured donations, prevent risks such as expired or unsuitable items.

This guideline applies to all donors and recipients, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector partners, and individuals, engaged in donating or receiving health commodities in both emergency and non-emergency settings.

The revised guidelines also emphasize: Recipient needs first, quality assurance, transparency and accountability, sustainability, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, District and Hospital Teams, Donors, and Storage/Distribution Entities.

16/07/2025

*NMSA and DPS take a Strong Stance on Drug Mismanagement*

_By NMSA Public Relations_

In a bold step to address the challenge of drug mismanagement and theft, the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), together with the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services (DPS), supervised by the Ministry of Health, on 14th July 2025, engaged the media on steps to address this menace and actions against those found wanting.

As the Agency charged with the mandate of procuring, warehousing, and distributing drugs for and on behalf of all public health institutions throughout the country, the Managing Director of the National Medical Supplies Agency, Jatu Abdulai, said the Agency remains committed to ensuring the timely delivery of drugs on a quarterly basis to health facilities.

However, she noted that mismanagement and theft of drugs are major challenges, especially at the district level. Thus, reiterating that drugs being distributed are not for sale but rather should be administered free of cost under the Free Healthcare Scheme.

Madam Abdulai continued that, in curbing this challenge, NMSA has deployed the Msupply tool, which helps track drugs at facilities, hence boosting control in the system. She therefore appealed that monitoring of drugs must be a collective effort at all levels, noting that NMSA will continue to collaborate with local authorities, especially at the district level, to enforce control in the management of drugs and enhance quality health service delivery.

According to the Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Dr. Moses Batema, three cases of drug theft are currently under investigation in Pujehun, Kambia, and the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Freetown. He noted that, with the strong supervision of the Ministry of Health, the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services, and the National Medical Supplies Agency, they are going after anyone caught with strong actions.

Dr. Batema further disclosed that the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services has recommended the suspension of the professional licenses of three pharmacist personnel from the three facilities in Kambia, Pujehun, and PCMH as they face investigation. He continued that his Directorate is closely working with the Sierra Leone Police, Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), and the Anti-Corruption Commission to get to the bottom of these cases.

Stressing the Ministry of Health's commitment to quality health service delivery, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sartie Kanneh noted that the government, together with partners, spends millions to ensure drugs are made available.

He warned that the Ministry will not take it lightly with anyone who undermines the process by mismanaging and stealing drugs. He therefore charged leaders within the health sector, including District Medical Officers, Hospital Superintendents, and Hospital Secretaries, to enhance monitoring when these drugs reach their facilities.

As part of preventive measures, NMSA, together with DPS, will continue to strengthen the supply chain system by solidifying supervision and monitoring in hospitals and district medical stores, improving digital tracking of commodities, conducting refresher training on ethics and accountability, among others.

09/07/2025

In recognition and reward of his good performance as Internal Audit Manager, Ibrahim A Kamara has been promoted by the Board and Management of the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) to the position of Director.

Ibrahim joined National Medical Supplies Agency on the 8th of July 2022, as Internal Audit Manager; a position where he has excelled by demonstrating commitment, exceptional service delivery and professionalism that has earned him the recognition from the Board and Management.

As an experience finance professional with a career spanning over a decade in auditing and financial management, Mr. Kamara as part of his duties at NMSA, formulates and implements comprehensive internal audit plans and strategies aligned with the agency’s objectives and risk profile.

He also Conducts risk assessments to identify potential areas of risk within the agency’s operations thus, safeguarding NMSA’s work.
He has been instrumental in ensuring the agency’s operations adhere to relevant laws, regulations and industry standards hence, positioning NMSA to meeting international standards in the health supply chain industry.

Mr. Kamara’s promotion to the position of Director of Internal Audit is a news celebrated by staff as well-deserving, based on his track record and work out-put.

23/06/2025

As the logistics pillar lead in emergency supply chain management in the country, the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) with support from the Global Fund has together with other key partners has ended a two-day review and update workshop on the Emergency Supply Chain Playbook.

The Emergency Supply Chain Playbook was developed few years ago as a vital component of public health emergency preparedness and response, to serve as a guide in responding to health emergencies in Sierra Leone.

Since it was developed, the Emergency Supply Chian Playbook has been updated to reflect past emergencies that included; COVID 19, burn injuries, flooding, the Anthrax outbreak in Northern Sierra Leone and the Avian Flu in neighboring Guinea.

The current Mpox outbreak has ignited the critical need to review the Emergency Supply Chian Playbook to incorporate specific response strategies and strengthen Sierra Leone’s national preparedness.

The two-day review and update engagement in Bo Southern Sierra Leone, focused on lessons learnt from previous emergencies, and the integration of Mpox-specific response measures into the playbook.

Discussions from the engagement were centered on Coordination and Governance, Logistics and Distribution (pre-positioning of supplies), Data and Information Systems, Infection Prevention Control (IPC) and Case Management Integration, local capacity building (gap identification) and the enhancement of community engagement in distribution insights.

It is the believe that an effective emergency supply chain playbook is not only a vital tool for public health emergency preparedness and response, but serves as an investment in a robust supply chain system that not only save lives but also reduces the financial burden during public health emergencies.

The update and review of this playbook will be followed by a simulation of the updated work in the next few weeks to ascertain it application to current realities.

14/06/2025

**Rollout of NMSA HR Manual **

The Director of Human Resources at the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) Robert Dixon, has completed a two-day rollout of the approved Human Resource Manual.

The newly approved HR Manual according to the Director of Human Resources, is designed to acquaint employees of NMSA with the rules, standards, practices, expectations relating to employees, their relationship with the Agency and interactions in the work place.

This Manual serves as a guide of conduct and activities to facilitate the implementation of fair and consistent employment practices within the Agency thus, facilitating the creation of an equitable and transparent work environment.

This HR Manual according to Director Dixon, comprises policies that are based on the principles of which the success of the Agency is primarily dependent. These policies prioritize the quality and performance of the Agency’s human assets. It also seeks to develop highly motivated, dedicated and skilled employees that can effectively mobilize, manage and administer the Agency’s resources that are paramount to the achievement of set goals and objectives.

As custodian of the HR Policy Manual, the Director noted that it is his department’s responsibility to ensure implementation and enforcement. “This can only be achieved with better understanding from you the employees” the director stressed.

The rollout of the HR Manual is expected to help NMSA attract, develop, motivate and retain employees with the requisite skills and competencies, and strives to create and maintain a work environment that fosters optimal performance as well as job satisfaction.

04/06/2025

Please click on the link below to access our first quarter Newsletter for 2025.

https://nmsa.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NMSA-2025-FIRST-QUARTER-NEWSLETTER.pdf

29/05/2025

Sierra Leone Receives 300,000 Vials of Heat-Stable Carbetocin to Combat Maternal Mortality

Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 29, 2025

In a significant stride toward reducing maternal mortality in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health—through the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA)—today received a consignment of 300,000 vials of heat-stable Carbetocin. The life-saving medication was supplied by Cotton Tree Medical Group, with funding provided by the Large Anonymous Donor (LAD).

Heat-stable Carbetocin is a critical drug used in the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal deaths, particularly in low-income countries. Its heat stability makes it especially suitable for use in areas with limited cold-chain storage. The procurement was facilitated by the NMSA in collaboration with the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services.

Speaking at the handover event, Deputy Minister of Health I, Professor Charles Senessie, emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for women and newborns. “The introduction of heat-stable Carbetocin is a game changer,” Professor Senessie said. “This delivery marks another milestone in our journey to reduce maternal mortality and enhance maternal care nationwide.”

Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Clinical Services, underscored the drug’s importance, noting that heat-stable Carbetocin has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing maternal deaths, especially in settings where storage infrastructure is limited. “This medication is not just essential; it is lifesaving,” Dr. Kabba stated. “But our efforts go beyond drug procurement. We are also focused on strengthening infrastructure, human resources, and the availability of essential medical equipment.”
Dr. Kabba praised the NMSA and the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services for their successful handling of the procurement process and the timely delivery of the drugs.

Assuring stakeholders of efficient distribution, the Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Dr. Moses Batema,

speaking on behalf of his colleague the MD of NMSA, Md. Jatu Abdulai, pledged close coordination with the Directorate of Reproductive and Child Health to ensure that the medication reaches service delivery points across the country. He also promised to implement a robust monitoring framework to ensure the drugs are used effectively and for their intended purpose.

This initiative marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to achieve sustainable improvements in maternal health and reduce preventable deaths among women during childbirth.

26/05/2025

KENEMA DISTRICT RECEIVES SEVEN TRUCKS OF FREE HEALTHCARE DRUGS SUPPLIES

The National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) over the weekend handed over seven trucks fully loaded with Free Healthcare drugs to the Kenema District Health Management Team, received by the Medical Superintendent of Kenema Government Hospital in the presence of Civil Society Representative, Local Authorities, the Anti-Corruption Commission and some beneficiaries.

This is in fulfillment of the Agency’s quarterly distribution of drugs and medical supplies towards the implementation of the Free Healthcare scheme by the Government of Sierra Leone supported by UNICEF and FCDO. This supply is intended to benefit Pregnant Women, Lactating Mothers, Children under-five, persons living with Disabilities and Ebola and Covid 19 Survivors.

Handing over the consignment of drugs to the district, Robert Dixon Director of Human Resources at NMSA reminded the district health officials and healthcare workers of the strides government together with partners is making to ensure the drugs are available and administered to patients. He stressed on the need for these drugs to be provided to the beneficiary categories free of cost.

While stressing on the importance of these supplies to the success of the Free Healthcare program Robert Dixon, Director of Human Resources however noted distressing reports of theft and smuggling of Free healthcare drugs, citing a case in Kenema and Pujehun districts that are currently under investigations. He therefore appealed to local authorities and the Anti-Corruption Commission to serve as eyes for the monitoring of the Free Healthcare drugs, while also entreating healthcare workers to ensure the drugs are judicious use to the benefit of patients free of cost.

Receiving the drugs, the Medical Superintendent of Kenema Government Hospital Dr. Abdulai Tejan Jalloh thanked Government through the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) for making available these drugs to the district. He noted the coming of the drugs is a relief to health workers. Dr. Jalloh assured that the drugs will be properly utilized for it intended purpose, appealing to the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Police, Civil Society and local authorities to continue their monitoring to enhance proper utilization.

20/05/2025

At the just concluded three Days National Health Summit at the Bintumani Conference Center, the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) was in attendance with a booth showcasing its work towards improving health outcomes throughout the country, as a health supply chain Agency.

On day two of the conference, the Managing Director Madam Jatu Abdulai delivered a presentation on “Digital Innovation and last Mile assurance: What’s working and what’s not working” at a breakout session.
Speaking on what is working, the Managing Director of NMSA discloses the district piloting of the e-LMIS (Logistic Management Information System) that is intended to support the improvement of data accuracy, timeliness and integrity for effective decision-making commodity flow prediction and procurement of all health commodities across the health supply chain landscape in Sierra Leone.

As part of strides to digitizes the Health Supply Chain, Madam Jatu Abdulai also highlighted deployment of Msupply desktop in four Central Medical Stores, sixteen District Medical Stores and fifteen Hospitals. She also noted the piloting of Msupply mobile at twenty-five health facilities in three districts (Kailahun, Western Area Rural and Western Area Urban) and the district piloting of Msupply in 103 Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) in Pujehun district.

As part of the call to action, Madam Jatu Abdulai stressed the need to build a resilience, transparent, equitable supply chain for all and mapping out the donor landscape for Health products to align resources and guide coordinated procurement and supply, as key among others.

17/04/2025

As part of her transformative drive towards ensuring the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) enhanced service delivery in the Health Supply Chain system of Sierra Leone, the Managing Director Madam Jatu Abdulai together with Senior Management Staff on Wednesday 16th April 2025, held what was described by staff as the first of it kind general meeting of the Agency.

The meeting which brought together staff across all departments and working locations within the Western area, provided a platform for the Managing Director and Senior Management to interact and listen to them.

Commending the strides of staff towards ensuring the Agency live up to its mandates of procurement, warehousing and distribution, the Managing director reminded them of the number of Sierra Leoneans whose lives depend on the work the Agency does.

She hailed her staff for doing their very best regardless of the challenges and difficulties that comes with the job, further appealing to them to make good use of the little resources available to ensure drugs and medical supplies reach health facilities.

The MD also stressed on the need for effectiveness, efficiency and the importance of every staff in delivering the mission of the Agency.

The engagement also provided an opportunity to staff members to speak on issues that needed attention from the MD and Senior Management Staff, while also giving out recommendations to addressing same.

This was the first General engagement with staff of the Agency since her appointment as Managing Director in December 2024. She promised to continue such engagement on a quarterly basis.

03/04/2025

Commencement of the first Quarter Free Healthcare drugs distribution by NMSA.

NMSA: National Medical Supplies Agency

25/07/2025

19/07/2025

16/07/2025

09/07/2025

23/06/2025

14/06/2025

04/06/2025

29/05/2025

26/05/2025

20/05/2025

17/04/2025

03/04/2025

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