NEWS
Lighthouse Trust successfully handed over the responsibility for viral load (VL) plasma clinical sample transportation to R4H through a targeted orientation for healthcare workers from 16th to 24th March 2026 in target health facilities of Nathenje, Mitundu, Chitedze, Bwaila, Lumbadzi, Maula Prison and Chileka. Through the meetings, a total of 82 participants were trained on the Pull/Optimised Sample Transport System (OST) and the USSD-based reporting platform. The trainings were championed by R4H Route Optimization staff Kumbukani Komakoma, Steve Maluza, and Richard Nyali, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Officer.
Kumbukani Komakoma (blue jacket) explaining the USSD sample reporting system to healthcare workers at Bwaila District Hospital
OST is a demand-driven (pull) sample transport system initiated by healthcare facilities using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). Through this platform, healthcare workers submit reports using specific sample-type codes along with their facility code to indicate the quantities of samples ready for collection. These USSD submissions are received at the R4H central office, where the OST team plans courier routes for the following day, targeting facilities that reported samples the previous day.
In the same way, courier routes are also organized based on the availability of laboratory test results that need to be delivered to requesting health facilities. During the 8 years of implementation, the OST model has demonstrated improvements in the efficiency of sample transportation systems and has contributed to significant cost savings.
All the health care workers present at the orientations were registered on the USSD system, and R4H will further support them for improved efficiency and reliability in sample transportation, competence in reporting, and coordination procedures.
The orientation also provided a platform to identify operational challenges, such as network limitations and weekend coordination gaps, informing practical solutions for implementation.
