The Strategic Training Executive Programme (STEP) 2.0, a 6-month leadership solution for supply chain managers, launched its first fully virtual course (vSTEP) in October 2021, engaging 30 professionals at the national and sub-national level in Zambia. Participants are paired with a private sector expert from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Johnson & Johnson, or Merck and engage in a curriculum facilitated by Yale’s Global Health Leadership Initiative that has been adapted to be relevant and feasible during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the programme, participants will have completed individual transformation projects that diagnose and address a complex supply chain challenge within their sphere of influence.
STEP 2.0 includes practical skill building in adaptive leadership, change management, and strategic communication, equipping supply chain professionals to ensure the availability of critical vaccines and essential medicines in even the most challenging contexts. The program traditionally includes a series of preparatory assignments, a 5-day in-person forum, and follow up private sector coaching culminating in support of a transformational challenge.
Yale’s experience adapting the Gavi-supported Expanded Programme on Immunization Leadership and Management Programme (EPI LAMP), the implementation of a systematic risk assessment, high levels of engagement from Zambia’s Ministry of Health, and enthusiasm from private sector coaches has allowed for the seamless transition to a fully remote programme. The virtual STEP (vSTEP) includes weekly live, virtual seminars and monthly coaching sessions with private sector coaches. Preliminary results show high levels of participant engagement, including attendance in live virtual sessions and routine completion of programme requirements.
The vSTEP Zambia course has been made possible through financial support from GSK to the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers, Inc. (IFPW) Foundation’s collaborations with Gavi.