A Logistician and Champion for Gender Equity in Supply Chain Management
Meet Elbethel Alemaw from Ethiopia
Elbethel Alemaw was awarded a LAPTOP Scholarship from the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition to pursue an online Post Graduate Diploma in Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the Empower School of Health. Based in Ethiopia, she is halfway through the yearlong course, which has not only deepened her technical expertise but also enriched her vision of tackling healthcare supply chain challenges and supporting young women in logistics.
A pharmacist by training, Elbethel’s interest in supply chain management grew during her university internship in medical stores, retail pharmacies, and hospitals. These experiences highlighted how a well-functioning supply chain is the backbone of effective medical care. Today, as a researcher and consultant at CHS Advisory — a healthcare advisory firm focused on Africa — Elbethel identifies gaps in Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical supply chain and manufacturing systems, providing strategic insights to improve healthcare delivery.
Applying learning
The LAPTOP-funded course has significantly advanced her understanding of procurement and supply management. Modules such as Quantification and Supply Planning and Global Health Procurement have provided her with tools to optimize resource allocation and navigate complex procurement processes. Through Inventory Management and Storage & Distribution, she has learned to design practical solutions for supply chain bottlenecks. These lessons have directly shaped her approach to solving supply chain issues in Ethiopia’s underserved regions, where infrastructure and logistics remain key barriers to equitable healthcare access.
Championing gender equity in logistics
Elbethel is an active member of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association, where she helped initiate the “Empowering Women in Pharmacy” program. This initiative advocates for greater leadership opportunities for women in healthcare, addressing the stark gender disparities in the sector. She has participated and helped in the organization of networking events and mentorship programs, creating a supportive community for women pharmacists and logisticians. She is a young leader committed to community services especially in the areas of women, youth and gender-related initiatives.
Looking ahead, Elbethel envisions a future where public health supply chains in Ethiopia are resilient and inclusive. Inspired by the Leadership in Global Health module, with her strong entrepreneurial streak, she wants to create jobs for women in supply chain management, increase networking opportunities for the community of female logisticians, and put an end to public health supply issues in Ethiopia.
