WHO program, PATH workshops designed to aid procurement professionals, producers of reproductive health supplies

Globalization means that developing countries have more options than ever before when it comes to making purchases. But when ministries of health go to purchase reproductive health supplies such as contraceptives and medicines for safe birth, it can be difficult to sift through the range of choices to find the highest-quality products at the best prices. Some health officials are challenged by lack of knowledge and experience in procuring goods from the international market: what should they buy, how, and from whom?

Having worked in the global health field for more than 30 years, PATH has developed substantial expertise in international procurement. We recently held workshops, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund, to help purchasers and suppliers make use of the WHO prequalification program.

The WHO prequalification program helps governments obtain affordable products that their citizens can rely on. Prequalification means that products meet global standards for quality, safety, and efficacy.

Our workshops for public purchasers of reproductive health supplies helped participants understand and use the prequalification program.

Our workshops for condom manufacturers helped participants understand the prequalification process and addressed bottlenecks that could prevent developing-country manufacturers—who can often produce supplies at the best prices—from meeting the requirements.

Materials from both workshops are available for download.

Photo: PATH.