Case Study: Efficient Import, Storage, and Distribution of Diagnostic TB Kits for Research Study in Sub-Saharan Africa
Background & Challenge
Oximio recently received a call from a team of researchers in sub-Saharan Africa in urgent need of help for the import, storage, and distribution of diagnostic kits and medical devices to multiple study sites across the region. They were undertaking a study on tuberculosis (TB) which aimed to improve patient diagnostics in underserved areas. The trial involved sensitive diagnostic kits with strict temperature control ranging from frozen to ultra-low temperatures.
The challenge was to ensure that the diagnostic kits arrived at four study sites in Tanzania and Uganda in a timely manner, within the required temperature ranges, and ready for immediate use in patient diagnostics. Additionally, managing the customs processes and logistics across multiple countries, while maintaining regulatory compliance and minimising delays, was critical to the study’s success.
Solution: Streamlined Logistics and Temperature Control
To meet the demanding logistics requirements Oximio devised an efficient strategy that addressed both the regulatory complexities and the need for strict temperature control during storage and transit.
- Importation and Customs Clearance: Oximio coordinated the Import of Record (IoR) and cleared three bulk shipments through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya utilising our customs bonded warehouse near Nairobi to receive and store the shipments securely. The strategic location of our warehouse meant it was well placed to support the subsequent distribution to the study sites.
- Storage and Temperature Control: The diagnostic kits required careful storage under specific temperature conditions, ranging from -20°C to -80°C, in addition to dry ice replenishment. Oximio ensured that the equipment was stored in the appropriate temperature-controlled environments within the bonded warehouse. To maintain the integrity of the kits, we partnered with a local carrier specialising in temperature-sensitive goods for regional distribution.
- Regional Distribution: Acting as the Exporter of Record (EoR), we facilitated the distribution of 12 outbound shipments of diagnostic kits to four research sites in Tanzania and Uganda. This included handling the IOR for the goods into the receiving countries and ensuring that each shipment was appropriately packaged for transport at the required temperatures, with dry ice replenishment when necessary.
- Rapid Delivery: Oximio’s efficient logistics network ensured that the diagnostic kits reached the study sites within 72 hours—substantially reducing the standard delivery time from 6 days (if shipped directly from the UK) to just 3 days.
- Swift Regulatory Compliance: The complex process of securing Importation of Record (IoR) permits for each country was conducted in 7 days, half of the usual 14+ days it would normally take. This expedited the entire logistics process, avoiding any unnecessary delays.
Results
The complete logistics process—from importation to final delivery—was executed smoothly. The shipments arrived at the designated study sites in Tanzania and Uganda on time and within the required temperature range, ensuring the diagnostic kits were ready for use in patient diagnostics without compromising their efficacy.
The research team was able to begin their diagnostic procedures as planned, avoiding any disruptions to their study timeline. Additionally, Oximio is now poised to handle site returns and perform reconciliation and destruction of expired or used kits in compliance with the study’s protocols.
Conclusion
Oximio successfully navigated the complexities of international shipping, temperature-sensitive transport, and regulatory compliance to deliver critical diagnostic kits for a TB research study in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of our customs bonded warehouse for storage and regional distribution not only streamlined the process but also saved valuable time, ensuring that the study’s diagnostic efforts were not hindered by logistics challenges.
This case highlights the importance of local knowledge, efficient customs handling, and temperature-controlled logistics in supporting global health initiatives in remote and challenging environments. Through careful planning and strategic partnerships, we were able to deliver results that directly supported the health and research outcomes of the TB study, ensuring timely diagnostics and contributing to the fight against tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa.
Oximio sub-Saharan Africa
For further information on our clinical trial supply chain solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, please contact us. We’d be delighted to discuss your project requirements.