As a key driver of the UNFPA Strategic Plan, the Supplies Partnership is a flagship global health initiative focused on ensuring equitable access to modern contraceptives and life-saving maternal health medicines in 54 low-income countries.
The evaluation assesses the progress, effectiveness, and strategic positioning of phase III of the Partnership. It provides evidence and lessons around seven areas: design, country eligibility, governance and strategic alignment, strategic procurement, strengthening supply chains, enhancing domestic resource mobilization and the role and added value of the Partnership.
Quick facts
The evaluation finds that phase III strategically aligns with global development principles by pivoting toward government ownership, mutual accountability, and sustainable domestic financing. This success is underpinned by robust country eligibility and classification criteria and the effective use of innovative tools like the Compact and Match Fund, which catalyze national sexual reproductive health and rights financing commitments.
However, key gaps persist. The Partnership's role in the humanitarian-development-peace continuum remains to be clearly defined. A transition strategy for countries is lacking, and its collaboration with local partners and civil society is limited, constraining national ownership. A decline in donor funding and human resource gaps in areas like supply chain management and financing pose risks to sustainability.
The evaluation recommends the Partnership to clarify and consistently communicate its strategic focus, while simultaneously revising the classification of programme countries to reflect their diverse political, economic, and health contexts. This strategic clarity must extend to identifying programming contexts to strengthen the Partnership's role in humanitarian settings. Operationally, the Partnership should optimize Steering Committee and sub-committee processes for greater efficiency and governance, including bolstering country representation. The Partnership should also intensify resource mobilization by diversifying external funding sources and strengthening domestic commitments. Finally, support must be extended to UNFPA country offices to enhance collaboration with in-country partners.
