Washington, D.C., June 20, 2022 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization’s Procurement and Supply Management Team has won the World Procurement Award for Digital Impact for its deployment of new technology, which played a significant role in the response to COVID-19 in the Americas.
The award noted that the “Pan-American Health Organization deployed cutting edge robotic process automation technologies as it played a key role in the world’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak.” Procurement deployed two bots, named Max and Mia, which rapidly complete shipping notification documents and purchase orders – dramatically speeding up the organization’s ability to ship vital health supplies to those in need, and enabling the team to focus on more strategic activities.
“This recognition inspires us to continue to provide innovative and efficient support to Member States,” PAHO’s Procurement Director, Daniel Rodriguez, said. “It also recognizes the organization’s ability to see challenges as opportunities, and the power of collaboration to achieve great things when we listen to countries, empower our teams, and work together.”
PAHO has played a vital role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, using its Revolving Fund to deliver more than 140 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and 22 million rapid tests kits for COVID-19.
The implementation of Mia and Max allowed PAHO to respond efficiently and promptly to the dramatic increase in demand for COVID 19 health supplies, while sustaining the procurement of other vaccines, essential medicines, and strategic health supplies and equipment over the past two years.
The Bots are among several innovations currently being deployed by PAHO to advance the digitalization process and deliver technical cooperation to its Member States more efficiently.
A new Shipping Collaboration Portal allows suppliers, PAHO staff and National Authorities from Member States to share product and shipping information in real time. This expedites the customs clearance process and the provision of documentation for the national regulatory authorities.
This is the 15th year that the organization Procurement Leaders highlighted the achievements of procurement professionals and teams across the globe. This year 360 showcases in procurement were decided by 37 independent industry experts across regional panels.
