Leveraging technology and supply chain to improve family planning logistics in Pakistan

Pakistan and USAID have invested in improving the contraceptive supply chain data and commodity security. In 2011, the first digital contraceptive logistics management information system (cLMIS) was launched, enabling supply chain data visibility from the federal level to health facilities. The system has built-in modules on forecasting and supply planning, inventory management, consumption reporting, business intelligence tools, automatic email and SMS alerts. Using these features, policy-makers and health managers annually forecast needs, and procure contraceptives accordingly.

The objective of this research was to understand the existing technological platforms for family planning (FP) supply chain data visibility and the potential impact on contraceptive commodity security.

The authors reviewed available published and grey literature papers on contraceptives and supplies in Pakistan. We extracted data from the cLMIS, evaluated indicators including reporting compliance, reported stock-out rates, and contraceptive performance. The analysis was validated by reviewing supply chain and FP indicators, such as average monthly consumption, months of stock, and couple years of protection.

The cLMIS has resulted in improved distribution, early warning and accountability at the lowest tiers in the FP supply chain in the public sector. At the facility level, FP commodity availability increased from 40% in 2009 to 84% in 2018.

Contraceptive supply chain has seen significant growth over the past decade to meet expanding reproductive health evidence to inform strategic decisions; cLMIS is a prime contributor to improvements registered in FP stock availability at public sector facilities.