Chipasha Mbuzi is Focused on Zambia's Future

Chipasha Mbuzi is a forecasting and supply chain analyst with the USAID Global Health Supply Chain Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) project in Zambia as well as a member of the first cohort of students in the University of Zambia's postgraduate supply chain management training, developed in collaboration with GHSC-PSM. ?From her early fascination with the white coat and microscope to her current role in managing critical health commodities, we’re taking a look at Chipasha’s path of discovery and growth. Join us as we explore her motivations, challenges, and the pivotal role she believes health supply chain management plays in shaping a healthier future for Zambia.

Chipasha’s interest in the biomedical sciences was sparked by a profound admiration for the tools of the trade: the white coat and the microscope. Reflecting on her early years, she recalls, “It’s fascinating how my journey into Biomedical Sciences began with a simple admiration for the white coat and the microscope.” This passion grew stronger during secondary school, where she excelled in pure chemistry and biology. Encouraged by her family, she pursued a degree in Biomedical Sciences, a decision that would lay the foundation for her future endeavors. “Within the initial week of my studies, I felt a strong sense of certainty that this was the right path for me,” she says.

Discovering the Health Supply Chain

After earning her degree, Chipasha began working as the Lab In Charge at an American organization based in Zambia. “My fascination with Health Supply Chain flourished during my tenure at an American organization,” she shares. Tasked with ensuring adequate stocks of reagents and commodities in the lab, she found herself perplexed by frequent shortages despite meticulous planning. “Procurement wasn't localized at that time; instead, we submitted quarterly quantity requirements, and all planning and procurement were conducted from the bureau office outside Zambia,” she explains. This experience ignited her curiosity and led her to explore health supply chain management more deeply.

Chipasha’s desire to understand and improve the health supply chain led her to join Chemonics, where she quickly found her footing in the field. “What particularly drew me in was the meticulous attention to detail and pursuit of excellence inherent in the work,” she says. The complexities of ensuring that the right products were available at the right time and in the correct quantities resonated with her. “Even to this day, this aspect continues to resonate with me, as it necessitates staying actively engaged and consistently on top of things,” she adds

A Pioneering Role in Education

In 2023, Chipasha became one of the first students to enroll in the University of Zambia’s postgraduate supply chain management training, a program developed in collaboration with the USAID Global Health Supply Chain Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) project. For Chipasha, this was a dream come true. “I was bursting with excitement! Right after completing my undergraduate BSc in Biomedical Sciences, I knew without hesitation that I wanted to dive straight into a postgraduate program in supply chain,” she recalls.

The course has provided Chipasha with invaluable insights and practical experiences, allowing her to apply what she’s learned directly to her work. “I've realized that I can't draw a distinct line and narrow down to one specific course. What I've discovered is that all the courses I'm taking are deeply interconnected and align with the work I'm currently engaged in,” she explains. A highlight for her was visiting the warehouse at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) as part of the Storage and Warehousing module, which she found both thrilling and enlightening.

Looking Ahead

Chipasha’s journey is far from over. As she continues her studies and work in the health supply chain, she is also looking toward the future. “In the next five years, I see myself sharing my expertise in supply chain management across various platforms. Teaching has long been an aspiration of mine, and I aim to become a lecturer in health supply chain programs,” she says. Her vision extends beyond personal success; she sees the broader impact of her work on Zambia’s health systems. “Zambia urgently requires the expertise and resources this course offers. While we've made progress in our health supply chain, there's much more to be accomplished,” she notes.

As a member of the first cohort in this groundbreaking program, Chipasha is not just learning—she is laying the groundwork for the future of Zambia’s health supply chain. Her story reflects the power of education, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in making a lasting impact on her country’s healthcare system.