Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117349

Carolyn Gibb Vogel, Population Action International, 1300 19th Street, NW Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 557-3400, cvogel@popact.org

RH commodity security is threatened by inefficient systems and insufficient financing, resulting in shortages of reproductive health supplies throughout the developing world. In January 2003, four NGOs (JSI, PATH, PAI and DSW) formally teamed up to establish the Supply Initiative - a global effort that facilitates greater coordination of supply-related activities amongst the diverse members of the RH community. The Supply Initiative (SI) serves as an example of global scale up effort with highlights of both the best practices and challenges at this level.

Quantitative scale up: - The SI typifies best practices and lessons learned for scale up related to horizontal aggregation. As a consortium of leaders in RH, each contributes distinct expertise in technology, logistics, advocacy and communications. However, the SI had to find a balance of varying philosophies and opinions. - Through its advocacy mandate, the SI has expanded and spread support for the issue.

Political scale up: - Advocacy efforts included a strategy to raise awareness and build commitment. The SI participates in existing collaboration opportunities (RH Supplies Coalition). - As supplies are an often forgotten and little understood component of reproductive health, the SI has tried to mobilize the community. The SI was challenged with getting the message out about the importance of supplies.

The SI has achieved much in two years, including the launch of the RHInterchange, raised awareness of the issue amongst donors, and facilitated the establishment of coordination mechanisms such as the RH Supplies Coalition.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand a model for maximizing multiple organizational strengths to produce results

Keywords: Advocacy, Reproductive Health

Related Web page: www.rhsupplies.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation