Availability

High-performing national supply systems depend upon the people who run them and an acknowledgement that good supply chain management forms an essential component of health systems. Regrettably, too many of those we rely on to fill this function are inadequately trained, poorly remunerated, and under-recognized. The Coalition and its members are well positioned to redress this reality. By strengthening educational opportunities, supporting partner efforts to raise the profile of supply chain managers, and disseminating proven strategies to enhance supply chain performance, the Coalition can improve the performance of supply chains, both upstream and downstream.

Strengthening a more stable, worldwide supply system also requires working with procurers and suppliers to improve and operationalize global demand forecasting. Typically, demand forecasts are short term, based largely on consumption data, and devoid of future demand projections. Longer-term forecasts would enable procurers to coordinate efforts and streamline ordering and manufacturers to more accurately plan production and implement contingency strategies when required. Global forecasts would also encourage new suppliers to enter the market.

Complacency and indifference can undermine even the best of plans. Through its global outreach, respected brand, and neutrality, the Coalition is well positioned to nurture the supportive policy environments for change. A new compendium developed under the Secretariat’s “Commitments Initiative” provides a unique point-of-departure for monitoring, spotlighting, and supporting governments and donors to deliver on contraceptive security promises. Similarly, mobilizing civil society to rally around supply availability will require clear and understandable “policy asks,” the contents of which can derive from the Coalition’s-work on a number of fronts: commitments, task shifting, and market dynamics.