ABSTRACT
In a health or family planning programme, the end user–for example, the family planning client–is the final beneficiary of supply chain management. From acquiring raw materials to delivering finished products to end users, logistics operations include all the activities along the logistics cycle, from 'the suppliers' supplier to the customer's customer'. When the customer is the focus of logistics improvements, programme managers can streamline and improve supply chain management to provide their ultimate customers with a reliable supply of contraceptives and other essential health products. Customers of public health and family planning programmes depend on the logistics system for a continuous supply of contraceptive products. Family planning customers need: a dependable supply of contraceptives of their choice, quality contraceptives in good condition and ready to use, contraceptives available when and where they want them, and contraceptives available at an affordable cost. The logistics system exists to supply quality products to every customer.
