Publication

Access to medicines is an issue of life or death for millions of people in poor countries. Yet the global supply chain does not work well. A key problem is poor forecasting of effective demand for products. This report analyzes the problem and provides recommendations on how to rectify it. Suggestions include creating a neutral third party to collect data for forecasting demand and recommending that donors, the major purchasers of medicines, accept more of the risks associated with unforeseen shocks to actual demand.