In family planning programs, logistics refers to the selection, financing, delivery, and distribution of contraceptives and related supplies. Successful logistics management means delivering the right product, in the right quantity, in the right condition, to the right place, at the right time, for the right cost.

Logistics: Complex, Yet Critical To Contraceptive Access

Contraceptive supply chains consist of the organizations that are linked in the delivery of supplies from manufacturers to clients and in the flow of information about clients' contraceptive commodity needs. Because supply chains often involve many different organizations, people, and procedures, managing family planning logistics can be a complex task. Organizations must work together to make sure they accurately forecast demand and then efficiently order and deliver the right quantity of contraceptives so that they reach all of the family planning clients who need them. Consistent contraceptive supply depends on adequate funding and on well-run activities. These activities include accurate estimation of supply needs, efficient procurement practices, and reliable and timely deliveries.

The Family Planning Logistics Toolkit Can Help

Strong logistics systems help ensure access to contraception. The Family Planning Logistics Toolkit provides insight into how to achieve greater contraceptive security with smart logistics system design and supply chain management. The Toolkit provides essential information and tools for:

• strengthening the supply chain management workforce
• forecasting
• procurement
• storage, distribution, and waste disposal
• assessment, monitoring, and evaluation
• advocacy to raise awareness and foster policy change for greater commitment to contraceptive security

The Toolkit also shares lessons learned from various country-specific experiences with various aspects of supply chain management; see the Country Experiences page within each section of the Toolkit for these stories.