Increasing Access to Lifesaving Commodities for Women and Children: Estimating RMNCH Commodity Needs at the Country Level

These life-saving commodities include female condoms, emergency contraceptive pills, contraceptive implants, misoprostol, oxytocin, magnesium sulfate, amoxicillin, oral rehydration solution and zinc, antenatal corticosteroids, chlorhexidine, injectable antibiotics, and newborn resuscitation kits. The process of quantification involves estimating the quantities of these products required for a specific health program or service over a specified period of time. Forecasting is a critical component of quantification, requiring data on historical consumption, services provided, and demographic and/or morbidity data. However, challenges exist in forecasting, including the lack of standard commodity specifications, predictable and sustained funding, and poor data for supply chain decision-making. The RMNCH Quantification Supplement provides guidance and tools for forecasting the quantities of the 13 priority commodities. Section 1 of the supplement introduces the concept of quantification and forecasting, while Section 2 provides forecasting algorithms for each of the 13 priority commodities. These algorithms outline the types of forecasting data needed, potential data sources, and the process of building forecasting assumptions and calculating forecasted consumption. Section 3 of the supplement provides resources and tools to support quantification and forecasting, including information on product description, indications, and considerations for use, as well as guidance on incorporating product- and program-specific considerations into forecasting assumptions. The supplement also addresses additional products, consumables, or equipment required for each commodity. Bottlenecks exist throughout the supply chain, including lack of standard commodity specifications, predictable and sustained funding, poor commodity forecasting, and poor data for supply chain decision-making. To address these challenges, the UNCoLSC recommends that by 2015, all countries have improved the supply of life-saving commodities and built on information and communication technology (ICT) best practices for making these improvements.