This report on the effects of health sector reform (HSR) on contraceptive logistics is part of a four-country comparative study. Its purpose is to describe the elements of Zambia’s HSR program and relate them to specific developments in contraceptive logistics.
The report reveals that although product availability at service delivery points improved over the span of HSR, the most likely reason was continuity of bilateral funding for contraceptive supplies and technical assistance aimed directly at the contraceptive logistics system. HSR’s effects on contraceptive logistics were mixed in that it improved some operations, such as central storage and distribution, but caused deterioration in others, such as logistics management information systems. HSR-sponsored training activities were ineffective in transferring logistics skills to district and service delivery point staff.
The report’s sections include discussions of (1) background and study methods, (2) HSR in Zambia, (3) operation of public sector logistics, (4) developments in contraceptive and drug logistics, and (5) findings and recommendations.
Donor and country-based decision makers can use this report to identify lessons learned in the design and implementation of HSR programs. Researchers can use it as a reference for methods used to investigate logistics operations.