In San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire, a routine supply chain delivery marked a significant milestone in expanding access to reproductive health services. VillageReach, known for its work in health logistics, has successfully supported the first mission to deliver contraceptive products, signalling a deeper commitment to supporting family planning across the country.
Despite growing awareness and demand, many communities in Côte d’Ivoire continue to face barriers to accessing modern contraceptives. Logistical hurdles—including fragmented distribution, delayed restocking and weak visibility at local health facilities—contribute to unmet needs in family planning services. Compounding the challenge is the lack of consistent trust and collaboration between health service providers and community stakeholders.
To address these gaps, VillageReach partnered with the San Pedro Regional Health Directorate and a local partner to implement a targeted delivery to the Sassandra Public Hospital Establishment (EPHD).
The shipment included:
- 3 intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- 100 female condoms
- 52 mother-child health booklets
While the mother-child health booklets fall outside VillageReach’s typical scope, their inclusion served a strategic purpose—strengthening community engagement and trust and fostering openness to continued collaboration.
Several key innovations in supply chain management made this mission possible:
- Real-Time Stock Tracking through the national eSIGL system
- Automated Low-Stock Alerts via the Early Warning System (SAP)
- Streamlined Monthly Ordering for timely replenishment under the national free healthcare policy
- An Emergency Response Protocol that ensures urgent supplies are processed and delivered within 72 hours
With this successful pilot, VillageReach is now poised to scale its support nationwide. Next steps include deepening partnerships with regional health authorities, expanding the range of contraceptive products delivered and continuing to strengthen digital supply chain tools.
As this work expands, VillageReach remains committed to one goal: ensuring that every woman in Côte d’Ivoire has timely and reliable access to the reproductive health services she needs to make informed choices about her future.
For more information on the Family Planning Supply Chain Strengthening project in Côte d’Ivoire, contact Alassane Kamagate at alassane.kamagate@villagereach.org