Launched in 2009 and funded by DFID, the project, worth £4.5 million aims to increase access to and utilisation of comprehensive maternal and neonatal services in nine Zambian provinces.
Working with the Ministry of Health (MOH), Crown Agents procured essential medical equipment and raised awareness in local communities about available services and negotiating maintenance plans including the training of MOH staff.
In line with Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) Directives, Crown Agents has tendered
the procurement of 42 types of products ranging from delivery beds and incubators to autoclaves and surgical ware. Crown Agents' international offices have coordinated the programme with the Kenya office leading the contractual buying; the Sutton health team providing technical assistance and CASL Zambia coordinating local stakeholders.
Additionally, Medical Stores Limited (MSL) were contracted to store and distribute equipment to over 200 selected EmONC sites across Zambia, first in February 2011 and again in June.