Lack of global coordination and information sharing

Supply security is undermined both by resource shortfalls and by failing to make the most – through inefficiency, inaction, or duplication – of the resources that do exist. Though countries have a key role to play in addressing these challenges, all too often the solutions require global action. Calls to harmonize tools, apply universal quality standards, or adopt best practices are futile if the global community is not on board or cannot take common action when common action is required.

Another facet of the supply challenge is the diminishing priority of reproductive health (RH) relative to other health concerns and other disease-specific partnerships. The huge increases in funding for HIV/AIDS in particular have set up a competitive environment, one in which RH managers have not been especially successful or active in budgeting, advocating for, and securing the human and financial resources needed for their programmes. At the same time, recognition of the value and importance of working together with other health partnerships on issues of supplies, both globally and at country level, is growing.

Political sensitivities surrounding RH are yet another barrier challenging RH supply security. Conservative opposition to family planning and the principles of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) is not limited to any one country or region. Giving high priority to RH in these circumstances, therefore, requires significant political will and continuous advocacy on a global scale.

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