Quantification of Medicines and Health Products

Course programme
Online course (ENFAQ009) - February 2020


There are many challenges ensuing from the increasing number of stakeholders in the health sector of developing countries. Different stakeholders often have different funding mechanisms and reporting requirements, which makes quantification of essential medicines and medical supplies more complicated. The course addresses the challenges faced during the forecasting and quantification of essential medicines, including HIV/AIDS medicines, antimalarials and TB medicines. It aims at building up the participants’ capacity to master the forecasting and quantification tasks and to decide for the appropriate procurement planning process based on a profound analysis of the data.

Course objectives

After having successfully completed the module, students will be able to:

  1. Explain basic concepts of forecasting and quantification.
  2. Comprehend the importance of F&Q in the overall supply chain cycle.
  3. Describe the overall process of F&Q including key steps in the quantification process.
  4. Compare and contrast between commonly used quantification methods.
  5. Adopt and apply an appropriate quantification method in any given scenario.

Target participant group

The course is particularly suitable for people responsible for the quantification components of the supply chain especially, pharmacists and pharmaceutical buyers, physicians, senior health system managers, technical assistance professionals from governmental and non-governmental organisations and those managing drug supply organisations and hospitals.

Some prior knowledge and experience in supply chain management in the health sector is an advantage. 

Teaching and learning strategy

The course is taught online on i+academy, a Moodle e-learning platform, accessible from anywhere at any time. The interactive course materials are presented sequentially under the guidance of expert facilitators from i+solutions who assist the participants during their learning progress, answer questions and stimulate interactions. Lessons are complemented and enlivened by online activities such as discussion forums, quizzes, assignments, and exercises to practice the skills involved in quantification.

Assessment and grading

To successfully complete the course and obtain a course completion certificate and an e-badge, the participant needs to complete 75% of all online activities AND obtain a minimum of 7/10 in the post-test.

Course duration

6 weeks

Start date: Monday, 17 February 2020 13:00 (UTC)

End date: Monday, 30 March 2020 13:00 (UTC)

Level of effort: 4 hours per week

Course schedule

Week 1
Introduction to quantification
Week 2
Quantification process
Week 3
Quantification methods
Warm up exercises
Week 4
Practical exercises
Topic A. Practical exercises using consumption method
Week 5
Topic B. Practical exercises using morbidity method
Topic C. Practical exercises using demographic method
Week 7
Course completion
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