Citation
Kirtley, Shona & Thorp, John M., Jr. (2013). Women's Health––What's New Worldwide: UN Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children: Commissioners’ Report. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 120(1), 123-125.Abstract
This United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report outlines recommendations for action developed by experts and a technical working group to improve access to life-saving commodities. The UN Commission on life-saving commodities for women and children is part of the Every Women, Every Child movement and its main goal is to increase access to life-saving commodities in 50 of the poorest countries in the world that account for more than 80% of all maternal and child deaths. Initially 13 commodities were identified by the Commission, and if access to these commodities were improved, it is believed that the lives of more than six million women and children could be saved, including 230 000 maternal deaths being avoided through improved access to family planning services. The commodities identified by the Commission are: for maternal health, oxytocin, misoprostol and magnesium sulphate; for newborn health, injectable antibiotics, antenatal corticosteroids, chlorhexidine and resuscitation devices; for child health, amoxicillin, oral rehydration salts and zinc; for reproductive health, female condoms, contraceptive implants and emergency contraception. Clinicians in the developed world take it as a given that these basic products are readily available and never need worry about having access to them. Key barriers preventing access to these commodities are also highlighted in this report including: under-resourcing of regulatory agencies; issues with product quality; market failures; challenges with user supply and demand. The report highlights the Commission's ten recommendations for improving access to life-saving commodities for women and children: shaping global markets, shaping local delivery markets, innovative financing, quality strengthening, regulatory efficiency, supply and awareness, demand and utilisation, reaching women and children, performance and accountability, and product innovation.URL
https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.12114Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2013Journal Title
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & GynaecologyAuthor(s)
Kirtley, ShonaThorp, John M., Jr.