Our Experience:
Upgrading the Sokoto State Central Medical Stores Complex

In close collaboration with local authorities, Akesis led a series of infrastructure upgrades to support effective commodity storage.

November 2021

Situation

The Sokoto State Central Medical Stores houses the Sokoto Axial Warehouse, which is the regional hub for the Warehousing and distribution of USAID (PEPFAR/PMI) products for the GHSC-PSM project, Global Fund/GON-procured products and UNFPA family planning products. These products are distributed to supported health facilities across 6 states in the Northwest region of Nigeria on a bimonthly basis. In collaboration with the State Government, Akesis currently operates the Axial Warehouse within the CMS complex.

As a part of efforts to strengthen - in a sustainable way - the capacity of warehousing operations within the states where warehouses managed by Akesis are located, Akesis conducted a series of infrastructure improvements to the Sokoto State Central Medical Stores (CMS) complex in Nigeria.

Solution 

Akesis’ warehouse modernization approach focuses on creating sustainable solutions through human and institutional capacity development and infrastructure improvements.

In addition to ongoing management of the Axial warehouse, Akesis worked in close collaboration with Sokoto State government stakeholders to implement the following upgrades to select storage areas in the Complex:

• Pharma grade status achieved

• Climate control systems added

• Temperature monitoring devices added

• Enhanced lighting installed

Such facility upgrades will ensure the warehouse is able to most effectively manage incoming commodities, including the commencement of the USAID Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme.

Results 

The newly renovated storage spaces were successfully handed over to the Sokoto State Government on the 29th of November, 2021. Akesis will also continue to provide hands-on training and mentoring to relevant State Government staff at the Akesis-managed warehouse within the CMS complex.