Ever wonder who is behind the ncd@idafoundation.org inbox?
As our NCDconnect journey continues, we’re delighted to introduce you to Sophie Eckhardt, a Procurement Services Officer from Belgium who has been weaving her expertise into the fabric of IDA for almost a decade. Join us as we delve into her world outside IDA, her impactful role in global health, and her insights into the importance of NCDconnect.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background, where you’re from, and your journey with IDA?
A: I come from Belgium, but have lived in the Netherlands for the past 15 years. I’ve been a proud member of the IDA family for nearly a decade. My role as a procurement services officer has allowed me to contribute significantly to global health, especially in malaria and HIV programs for the Global Fund. Over the last two years, I’ve transitioned to the NCDs department, actively involved in setting up and refining processes, testing, and providing feedback for the NCDconnect platform.
Q: Sophie, what’s your go-to way to unwind outside of IDA? Any favorite family activities or hobbies?
A: Living close to a forest, I find solace in cycling and walking amidst nature – my personal best medicine. Now that my children are a bit older, I’ve rekindled my love for playing the harp and diving into science fiction books.
Q: What motivates you to work in the field of global health? What keeps you driven?
A: Being part of the visible impact that IDA makes in bridging gaps in access to medicines is my primary motivation. Within my role, having direct contact with customers worldwide and leading collaborations with organisations, suppliers, and freight forwarders to collectively improve global health, keep me passionately engaged in this field.
Q: In your perspective, why is NCDconnect crucial, and what gaps is it addressing?
A: The rise of NCDs in LMICs poses significant challenges with medicines often unavailable or prohibitively expensive. Leveraging IDA’s strong relationships and competencies built over 50 years, NCDconnect becomes a vital bridge. Through pooled procurement, it creates a competitive environment, ensuring the best prices. Sharing baskets between organisations helps meet minimum order quantities, driving down costs. The enthusiasm witnessed during NCDconnect demonstrations reflects the profound impact it can have in addressing the gaps in the NCD market.
Q: Can you shed light on your role in the platform and the process involved?
A: I am the contact person who receives the buyer’s request to register and can grant access to the platform. I collaborate with our purchase and transport teams to find optimal prices and solutions, make and share the quotation with our buyers, and coordinate with the different departments the delivery of the goods at the end destination. With French as my mother tongue, I also provide crucial support for French-speaking countries.
Sophie’s dedication to the NCDconnect platform exemplifies the unwavering commitment of IDA in transforming global health. Stay tuned for more glimpses into the individuals behind NCDconnect.org, committed to driving positive change across the healthcare landscape. 😊
For inquiries and to explore potential partnerships, feel free to reach out to us at ncd@idafoundation.org.
And to stay informed on the latest updates and news from NCDconnect, follow us on Linkedin or access the NCDconnect platform.