The Market Development Approaches Working Group (MDA WG) contributes to the goal of reproductive health (RH) supply security through a greater focus on the "total market" which, by definition, includes the private and commercial sectors. It seeks to bring about changes that allow for greater movement "up" the value chain, from subsidized to non-subsidized products. It also aims to facilitate overall market growth, greater equity through the better targeting of subsidies, and wider private sector involvement.

Since its establishment, the MDA WG has broadened global awareness of market development approaches and helped to refine current understanding of the total market for RH supplies. Technical input from the WG was instrumental in shaping IPPF/ICON’s seminal work on second tier markets; which, in turn, focused the WG's attention on the need to assure the quality of the generic supplies on which those markets largely depend. Finally, the MDA WG is the only WG within the Coalition to have launched its own web-based "key issues guide" on market development approaches. The guide, which is available on the Eldis website, can be accessed by clicking here.

The MDA WG is currently engaged in the following workstreams:

• Market Segmentation Toolkit
• Market Development Indicators
• Improved Data Availability for Private Sector (a) IMS-Type Data-Base and (b) DHS Modification
• Facilitating the availability of quality Generic Supplies
• Facilitating an enabling environment for the non-public sector to complement the health stewardship role of the State
• Cultivating links with Manufacturers (Generic and OECD R&D based)
• Demand Creation
• Total Market Initiative

Ben Light
Technical Adviser
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Brussels Liaison Office
Email: light(at)unfpa.org