ZAMBIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH Contraceptive Commodity Security

1. ZAMBIA MINISTRY OF HEALTHContraceptive Commodity Security Zambian Experience Kigali, 21-27 March 2010

2. Dark FP days in Zambia (before 2006) No formal national coordinating mechanism for FP commodities FP commodities mainly donor supported No government budget line for FP commodities (other RH commodities procured) No standard list of preferred FP commodities Weak logistic system for FP commodities Less private sector involvement in FP

3. Effects • Stock outs were widespread • Frequent changes in the type/brands of commodities available (based on donor) • Frequent change of methods among users • High fertility rates • Unwanted pregnancies leading to increased abortions

4. Opening New Chapter - 2006 and beyond • Advocacy for a coordinated response to FP to reduce commodity stock outs • RH commodity coordinator in place supported by donors based at MoH • A National contraceptive commodity security committee was formed • Terms of reference for the CSC were formalized

5. Opening New Chapter - 2006 and beyond (2) • National forecasting and quantification of commodities • FP TWG strengthened (Int’l and local NGOs, Govt Nat’l and district, Donors) • Increased donor support for RHCS: • Procurement of contraceptives: UNFPA, DFID, USAID, GF • Logistical support: JSI deliver, UNFPA • More partnership with social marketing and private sectors

6. FP TWG • Standardized process of introducing new commodities in Zambia • Make recommendations to MoH RH unit on new commodities • Forecasting and quantifying FP needs • Preparing a procurement plans based on above • Identifying possible sources of funds • Monitoring the pipeline of FP commodities and the commodity stock status • Support MoH planning, implementation, supervision for Family Planning

7. Role of the Contraceptive Commodity Security committee Enhance capacity/facilitate development of sustainable procedure to meet challenges of RHCS Advocate for increased funding and political commitment to RHCS at national level Mobilize resources for commodities Promote strategic support for RHCS Secure regular/dependable funding from donors and government

8. Role of the Contraceptive Commodity Security committee • Assist government to identify/mobilize partnerships for RHCS • Advocate for quality service, method mix; skilled and motivated personnel

9. Achievements in contraceptive commodity Security in Zambia Ongoing policy dialogue and advocacy for RHCS at policy level RHSC Logistics person in place Regular RHCS meetings Budget line for RH commodities (Government procuring contraceptives now) National Procurement plan for Contraceptives in place (2010-2011), circulated to partners.

10. Achievements in contraceptive commodity Security in Zambia (2) National RHCS assessment finalized Development of national RHSC Strategic Plan initiated Reduced rates of stock outs especially at central level ( more work needed at lower levels) Stronger collaboration and commitment of government and partners for RHCS

11. Challenges Logistics system still weak No consumption data available thus quantification based on distribution/issues data Some stock outs at SDPs Human resource crisis affects quality of data (one person responsible for all) Some donors not able to procure certain commodities New products registered by some partners but no funding available (eg, Sino Implant)

12. Way forward Strengthen coordination of partners Continue the RHCS committee meetings Logistics system strengthening (Medical stores pilot on how to improve LMIS) Advocacy for increasing government commitment and budget line.

13. Thank you for listening!