Reproductive Health Commodity Security (RHCS) Analysis and Planning System (RAPSYS): A Synergistic Model

by Bongs Lainjo

Background: Maternal and infant morbidity and mortality remain a global challenge and based on latest reports, mitigation efforts have not been encouraging. Africa and our aboriginal communities remain vulnerable. Canadian aboriginal infant mortality rate is four times the national average. Of all the MDGs, the least progress has been achieving maternal goals. Reasons for these dismal performances range from limited commodity access to inadequate logistics management. General Objective: RHCS Programming strengthened. Specifics: 1. Defining RHCS; 2. Identifying RHCS Determinants; 3. Describing RHCS determinants; 4. Ranking RHCS Determinants; 5. Scoring RHCS Determinants based on level of achievement; 6. Identifying RHCS gaps; 7. Conducting an RHCS Programming rapid needs assessment; 8. Developing RHCS Strategies; 9. Developing an RHCS Action Plan. 10. Developing an M & E System. Target Groups:
Program Managers/Officers, Supervisors, Mid/Senior level professionals, Coordinators,
Medical/Multidisciplinary/Research Professionals. Activities – Model: A sustainable RHCS remains one of the major interventions required to achieve relevant results with regard to improved MNCH. Using RAPSYS, a group of experts is able to produce a carefully developed base line and strategic plan that contribute substantially in facilitating the achievement of intended program objectives. The framework is a comprehensive, multi disciplinary and participatory model. Experts use the model’s key determinants – utilization, demand, access, supply and procurement; cross cutting components – coordination, supervision, funding, advocacy, capacity building M and E; including an enabling environment to rapidly produce a base line report and a strategic plan. The model enables agencies to be more proactive by providing them with relevant tools that include: qualitative assessment, Delphi ranking, action plan, commodity projections and an M and E framework. RAPSYS has been successfully implemented in ten Asian countries. Deliverables: Comprehensive RHCS base-line report and a strategic plan developed. Implications: The model enables institutions to develop evidence-based policies and promote exploratory research protocols. FOR THE PRESENTATION, ACCESS THE FOLLOWING LINK: http://1drv.ms/1NosnxD