For the procurement of commodities in particular, the report says the group should develop and promote arrangements with the wider public sector to take up the best deals.
In the last decade developing countries have witnessed an unprecedented increase in funds for the procurement of commodities such as drugs, vaccines and other medical supplies through the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiatives (GAVI) and other Global Health Initiatives (GHIs).
Flexibility and responsiveness in the procurement of health commodities are especially important to take advantage of new technology.
However, PMTCT funds have not been available for this purpose in Uganda [8], not least as some donors do not allow for the procurement of family planning commodities.
UNICEF will further promote the basic principles of infant and young child feeding in emergencies and will continue to support the Government's response to the polio outbreak through the procurement of quality health commodities, including vaccines.
Procurement Services can assist in the procurement of strategic essential commodities aimed at reducing under-five mortality, including vaccines, safe injection materials, essential medicines, medical and diagnostic supplies, bed nets, micronutrients, therapeutic food, equipment and supplies to ensure safe drinking water.
The teams recommended that procurement of commodities should be based on needs assessment and consultations with end users to ensure that appropriate products are provided (Table 1).
They also join many others in suggesting that more local procurement of commodities in the country or region will improve efficiency, improve dietary diversity and quality, and support local agriculture.
This framework asked participants to comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the program and its implementation, including training and ongoing support, procurement of commodities and equipment, involvement of relevant stakeholders, sustainability of the program and potential for scaling up.
This flexibility, along with real-time adaptation strategies to address contextual challenges, local procurement of commodities, and attention to the need for acceptable and affordable supplementary foods, will contribute to improved delivery of U.S. food assistance abroad.
With adequate technical capacity, shared information, and appropriate legal provisions, framework agreements can allow for flexibility and responsiveness in ordering and delivery while maintaining transparency and achieving greater value-for-money in the procurement of essential medicines and health commodities.
