Fousseny TRAORE, an assistant pharmacist at Divine Mercy Pharmacy in Aboisso, Côte d’Ivoire shares his journey through the complexities of pharmaceutical management. He previously served as the president of the Pharmacy Students Association in Guinea, a role that allowed him to showcase his leadership skills and build a community with his peers. Additionally, he is the current secretary for Ivorian students in Guinea and was the president of students at the University La Source. His roles have cultivated a sense of responsibility and dedication to the healthcare field, where his leadership has already made significant impacts.
During his final cycle of internship, Fousseny had the opportunity to work with a wholesaler, gaining valuable experience in the pharmaceutical supply chain. He learned the intricacies of the distribution process, how to efficiently order products, and the critical management of stock shortages.
Reflecting on his experience, Fousseny states, “The ability to maintain a balance between supply and demand while reducing costs and maximizing efficiency is the real challenge of supply chain management. It involves effectively managing the flow of products, information, and funds throughout the chain while accounting for unforeseen events such as changes in demand, delivery delays, and production interruptions.”
His commitment to professional development is evident in his ongoing education and training. He successfully passed the CAC 1 exam with Bee Skilled, which allowed him to apply his newfound knowledge directly to his role. The training he received from Bee Skilled has not only enriched his understanding of supply chain management but has also empowered him to take part in critical decision-making processes. “The training was very beneficial for me,” Fousseny shares. “It helped me participate in decision-making processes that often involve supply chain management issues. The first step to gaining a strong knowledge base is to develop your foundations in supply chain management.”
He also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in his field, noting, “It is essential to continue training and improving to stay updated with new technologies, best practices, and industry trends.” His training with Bee Skilled Hive and USAID in early 2023 equipped him with the skills to conduct audits, forecast consumption, and implement a computerized stock management system that tracks inventory levels in real-time.
Looking ahead, Fousseny has ambitious goals for the next five years. He aims to further develop his skills and expertise to become a recognized leader in supply chain management, with a particular focus on Africa. Currently, he is building on his foundation from CAC 1 and is undertaking the CAC 2 course.
He shares, “My goal is to deepen my understanding of new technologies and innovative supply chain management methods and implement them effectively in my work. I want to help more organizations increase the availability of medications.” He is committed to leveraging his knowledge and network to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
He has actively worked with suppliers to improve delivery timelines and negotiate better pricing for pharmaceutical products. His efforts have resulted in improved medication availability, reduced storage costs, and minimized expirations, significantly enhancing the quality of care and the profitability of the organizations he serves. “The most important skill for success in the interconnected world of supply chain management is the ability to work together,” Fousseny notes. “Effective collaboration with stakeholders is essential to ensure that the supply chain operates optimally.”
Fousseny Traore’s journey shows the power of education, leadership, and collaboration in the field of pharmaceutical supply chain management. His dedication to continuous learning through Bee Skilled Hive and other platforms has not only advanced his career but has also positively impacted the healthcare systems he is a part of. As he continues to strive towards his goals, Fousseny is not only shaping his own future but also contributing significantly to the broader healthcare landscape in Africa.
