Through initiatives such as the Countries at Risk Group, the Coalition has demonstrated its ability to identify crises at country level and garner donor support needed to address them. It is a perfect example of the Coalition’s ability to maximize the resource base of its international membership in the service of those at country level. The Systems Strengthening Working Group (SSWG) believes this same model can be applied effectively in addressing another recurrent weakness at country level: namely, the variable track record of countries to forecast reproductive health (RH) supply needs.

Despite its pivotal role within the supply chain, the responsibility for forecasting national supply needs often falls to mid- and sometimes even low-level technocrats within the public sector health care system. Most, though by no means all, do undergo some training by key development agencies. But the responsibilities of these individuals, coupled with the financial implications of their recommendations, give rise to pressures that could be relieved by some level of international back-stopping.

The SSWG has proposed the establishment of a Forecasting helpdesk, which would offer technical backstopping, advice, follow-up and other support to complement the training of international supply entities. The helpdesk would draw on the technical expertise of WG members, but would also provide the opportunity for helpdesk users to share lessons learned and benefit from each others experience.

The purpose of the helpdesk would be to:

• Providing technical support and back-up to forecasting specialists at country level.
• When requested, validate/legitimate the work of forecasting specialists who meet accepted standards (ie. have undergone a minimum level of training in forecasting)
• Provide a forum for better harmonization of forecasting training materials.
• Legitimize the position and technical competence of individuals who, despite their training, occupy relative junior positions with the public sector.
• To alert major donor agencies/suppliers to potential staffing changes or turnover.

The Forecasting helpdesk would operate on various levels. At one level, it would utilize communication tools available through the Coalition’s new website. These could include a data bank of forecasting tools and materials; and any other services deemed appropriate by the group. At a more technical level, SSWG members themselves could offer the services of forecasting professionals who could assist in country-level forecasting efforts, including training and information sharing.

Still in its early stages of conceptualization, this workstream will be very much informed by the final results and recommendations of the ongoing software review of supply chain management tools.