The world has committed itself to the goal of universal access to reproductive health care by 2015. Reliable supplies are a prerequisite to achieving this goal. Without a dependable supply of contraceptives, condoms and other essentials, individuals are not able to fully exercise the right to reproductive health.

Millions of women in developing countries do not have access to these essentials. Without access to contraceptives, women often find themselves with children too soon, or more than they desire, or can afford or cope with. Many resort to unsafe abortions. Without access to condoms, women and men are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, as well as unwanted pregnancies. Condoms, contraceptives and obstetric care supplies are critical to protecting reproductive health in emergency situations.

UNFPA is the largest international public sector supplier of contraceptives, condoms and other reproductive health essentials. The Fund purchases nearly $80 to $100 million in goods and services each year for many partners in development.

Source: Global Estimates of Contraceptive Commodities and Condoms for STI/HIV
Prevention, UNFPA, 2002.

A Complex Process

Supplying reproductive health essentials is more complicated than it would seem.

It requires systems to get everything right: the right quantities of the right products in the right condition in the right place at the right time for the right price.

Many different kinds of equipment and supplies are required to support reproductive health, and a great deal must happen in order for these commodities to reach the people who need them. This requires partnership among UN agencies, national governments, nongovernmental organizations and others, often including the private sector.

A new global strategy for reproductive health commodity security provides a framework for such a system. It is the rallying point for numerous actions coordinated by UNFPA and carried out by partners around the world.

Leading the Way

UNFPA’s comparative advantage in this field is long experience and a global presence. Commodities have been an integral part of UNFPA’s mission throughout its more than 30 years in the sexual and reproductive health field. During this time, the Fund has established an extensive network of partners -- including donors, officials in health departments, NGOs, manufacturers and researchers.

The Fund has also developed a number of tools to assess demand, track and manage supplies, and monitor programmes. These tools help UNFPA build the capacity of developing countries to forecast and manage their own supply processes.

The cost of quality contraceptives and condoms needed to address the developing countries’ needs is projected to rise from $1 billion to $1.8 billion between 2004 and 2015. Many studies have shown that investments in reproductive health services and commodities yield significant and far-reaching dividends. Traditionally governments and individuals provided 60 per cent of contraceptive costs and donors 40 per cent. However, donor contributions have fallen in recent years to around 25 per cent.

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