Progress towards the UN Commission on Life Saving Commodities recommendations after five years: a longitudinal assessment

• Main Authors: Bennett Nemser (Author), Diana Sera (Author), Nora Springstubb (Author), Paul Pronyk (Author), Howard S Friedman (Author), Theopista Kabuteni (Author), Asia Hussein (Author), Kyaw Aung (Author), Felister Bwana (Author), Nicholas Addofoh (Author), Miriam Musa (Author), Pascal Bijleveld (Author), Blerta Maliqi (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Inishmore Laser Scientific Publishing Ltd, 2020-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

# Background In 2012, the UN Commission on Life Saving Commodities (UNCoLSC) articulated a series of recommendations to expand access to 13 life-saving reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) commodities with the greatest potential to reduce preventable deaths. We conducted a five-year longitudinal assessment of progress towards achieving these recommendations among countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. # Methods Between 2013 and 2017, national reviews were undertaken at two time points among 14 countries with a high burden of preventable maternal-child deaths who were receiving support from a multi-UN agency RMNCH technical support and financing mechanism. Data were drawn from national health documentation (e.g. strategic plans, policies, guidelines); logistics management information systems; national household and health facility surveys; and interviews with governments and development partners. # Results Over time, the percent of health facilities with stock availability showed a statistically significant increase of five percentage points from 69% to 74% (median). Recent training at health facility also displayed a significant increase of eight percentage points from 38% to 46% (median). National RMNCH coordination mechanisms, treatment guidelines, and national training curricula and job-aids were near fully redressed. However, countries continue to face persistent supply chain challenges including national stock-outs, tracking commodities throughout the supply chain, and strengthening medicine control laboratories. # Conclusions While substantial progress has been made in improving access to life-saving commodities, including stock availability and workforce training at health facilities, additional efforts are required to improve regulatory efficiency, enhance commodity quality and safety, and reduce supply chain fragmentation.

Item Description

10.29392/001c.12745
2399-1623