Optimization of Pharmaceutical Stock Management at the CAMESE Regional Distribution Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2023–2025)
Abstract
Background
Effective pharmaceutical stock management is critical for ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines, particularly in resource-limited settings. The Regional Distribution Center (CDR) CAMESE in Équateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), faces significant logistical challenges.
Methods
A descriptive and analytical study was conducted from 2023 to 2025 at the CAMESE/Equateur center. The study population comprised all 15 staff members directly involved in stock management. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, direct observation, and document analysis. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis.
Results
The majority of respondents were male (83.3%) and aged 36 years or older (47%). While all respondents (100%) confirmed that storage infrastructure met basic organizational and security norms, 100% reported experiencing both stock-outs and overstocking during the study period. Expiration rates were alarmingly high: 14.49% in 2023, 16.79% in 2024, and 35.18% in 2025—far exceeding the WHO-recommended threshold of <5%. Although 73% of medicines were acquired through purchase, stock management practices remained largely manual, and 27% of staff expressed reservations about supply chain conformity.
Conclusion
The CAMESE/Equateur center faces a critical paradox: adequate infrastructure but severe operational deficiencies, evidenced by high expiration rates, frequent stock-outs, and overstocking. Urgent implementation of digital stock management systems, staff training, and adherence to First-Expiry-First-Out (FEFO) principles is required.
Keywords
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How to cite
Lifofe Baambe, T. (2026). Optimization of Pharmaceutical Stock Management at the CAMESE Regional Distribution Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2023–2025). SDF Journal of Public Health. https://sfoundation.one/articles/sdf-2026-0016-optimization-of-pharmaceutical-stock-management-at-the-camese-regional