Chair of Logistics and Quantitative Methods becomes a Member of the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition

During the past two years the Chair of Logistics and Quantitative Methods conducted research in the area of reproductive health. For example, in a collaboration with researchers from the William-Davidson-Institute (University of Michigan) Felix Lauton, Alexander Rothkopf, and Richard Pibernik developed an analytical model to support decision makers from USAID and UNFPA on how to split procurement volumes once a new generics supplier joins the market for WHO-prequalified Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA). Using order shipment data and other parameters, the model provides insight into the trade-off between competition and potential supply risks. The outputs support strategic decision making and planning of tender documents and negotiations. (Link).

Other research projects consider volume guarantees (a market intervention recently employed by different global health organizations to improve market conditions), the benefits of coordination among global health procurers, and postponement strategies in procurement.

“We want to become more involved and support critical decision making with analytical tools to improve access to reproductive health products in low income countries. Becoming a member of the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition is the natural next step of our engagement in this area”, says Dr. Alexander Rothkopf.

The Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition is a global partnership of public, private, and non-governmental organizations dedicated to ensuring that everyone in low- and middle-income countries can access and use affordable, high-quality supplies for their better reproductive health. It brings together agencies and groups with critical roles in providing contraceptives and other reproductive health supplies. These include multilateral and bilateral organizations, private foundations, governments, civil society, and private sector representatives.