Director
English
Dear Members, Partners, Colleagues, and Friends,
Change is the only real constant, as philosophers and leaders have reminded us over the ages. From Heraclitus' reflections on a world in perpetual flux, to John F. Kennedy's observation that "change is the law of life", thinkers across the centuries have recognized that adaptation is a defining feature of the human experience.
We embrace change at RHSC. For 22 years, RHSC has remained relevant and effective by responding nimbly to evolving trends and emerging reproductive health needs. Our diverse funding base has enabled us to stay agile, flexible, and responsive, ready to meet unexpected challenges to reproductive health access, however daunting.
That adaptability continues to define us in 2026. In our second quarter, we launched a refreshed, fit-for-purpose member group architecture designed to better reflect the Coalition’s priorities, strengthen collaboration, and equip RHSC to meet future challenges.
Introducing a new membership model for deeper engagement
This new landscape has been developed through extensive member consultation and wide-ranging member feedback, including Coalition-wide surveys, recommendations from a dedicated Secretariat task force, and contributions from group co-chairs.
Adaptability continues to define us
In this evolved model, members will engage more deeply in specific health areas while addressing systems strengthening, advocacy and accountability, market development, and product introduction and scale-up in an integrated way rather than through separate, siloed efforts. A dedicated Policy and Financing Advisory Group will support members in navigating an increasingly complex funding environment shaped by MOUs that countries are entering with the US government, evolving global financing mechanisms, and their implications for domestic resource mobilization.
We recently hosted a well-attended webinar introducing this new group architecture which generated some thoughtful questions. If you missed it, here is a recording, and here are our comprehensive FAQs.
Shaping the future of reproductive health through AI and data
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, and data technologies are reshaping how information is generated, shared, and used across reproductive health systems. And RHSC is ideally placed to lead on this front. Our role as a trusted convener helps us align stakeholders around a more connected and effective reproductive health data ecosystem in which information can move seamlessly across organizations, support better decision-making, strengthen market visibility, and ultimately, improve access to supplies.
AI and digital technologies play a key role in strengthening demand planning and forecasting through the VAN, as well as in supporting our development of the next generation of data work on behalf of the community. This work focuses on data engineering, integration, warehousing, real-time analytics, and business intelligence to produce clean, standardized reproductive health datasets. This will enable members to integrate, aggregate, and analyze data more effectively, generating more robust evidence for decision-making.
If these systems are to truly serve everyone, they must be built with equity, safety, accountability, and human rights at their core from the very beginning
Yet, as AI becomes more deeply embedded in reproductive health systems, issues of data governance, transparency, accountability, and responsible use will become increasingly critical. Yes, digital public infrastructure and public goods can transform how people access information, services, and supplies. But if these systems are to truly serve everyone, they must be built with equity, safety, accountability, and human rights at their core from the very beginning.
RHSC is best placed to safeguard these principles, ensuring that equity remains at the center of this transformation, so that digital innovation helps reduce, rather than reinforce, existing disparities in access, visibility, and decision-making.
Furthering the conversation on reproductive health and climate resilience
While advances in technology are one force reshaping reproductive health, climate change is another increasingly urgent driver of change. In recent months, extreme heat in South Asia and a record-breaking heatwave across Europe have underscored the severity of a warming climate, while emerging El Niño conditions in the Pacific are increasing the likelihood of heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall in many parts of the world.
Across low- and middle-income countries, climate extremes are disrupting transportation networks, cold-chain logistics, provider capacity, and the continuity of care. Yet one area of reproductive health remains consistently overlooked in climate policies and preparedness planning: menstrual health. The omission leaves many without the resources they need to manage their periods safely, hygienically, and with dignity during climate-related crises and emergencies. Last month saw the release of our report The Bi-Directional Impacts of Climate Change and Menstrual Health offering practical recommendations for sustainable, climate-resilient solutions to menstrual health supply access.
RHSC Manufacturers welcome a new Representative
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Noha Salem of Organon as the Manufacturers Representative on the RHSC Executive Committee. She succeeds Frank Strelow of Bayer who served a two-year term. A long-standing RHSC member, Ms. Salem brings extensive experience in policy, government relations, and global health partnerships, further strengthening the Executive Committee's leadership.
I congratulate Ms. Salem on her appointment and look forward to working with her as she represents RHSC's manufacturing members and helps advance our shared mission over the next two years. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Strelow for his vision and guidance over the past two years.
Looking ahead
As we enter the second half of 2026 in the face of so much change, I promise you one thing. We are still — and will always be — the trusted Coalition you turn to for partnership, problem-solving, and progress on reproductive health supply access. In turn, I ask you to act as if the future of RHSC — your Coalition — relies upon your engagement and your energy. Because it does. It always has.
Yours in solidarity and resolve,
Martyn Smith