Description

Policymakers, development partners, program implementers, health professionals, private-sector leaders, civil society activists, and community members all have a critical role to play as advocates in ensuring improved and equitable access to lifesaving commodities for women, children, and newborns. This toolkit provides information about the U.N. Commission on Life Saving Commodities, for Women’s and Children’s Health, its 13 priority commodities, and examples of how its ten recommendations to improve access and availability are being applied globally and within countries. It also provides advocacy resources for utilizing the Commodities Commission platform to raise awareness and engage stakeholders in addressing commodity-related gaps in global and national plans, policies and initiatives, as well as providing strategic input to advance implementation of the recommendations. The toolkit is organized into four major sections:

What you need to know: Page 4

Background information on the Commodities Commission, including linkages with other global initiatives, an overview of country funding and support mechanisms, and analysis of the recommendations.

What you can do: Page 17

Guidance on realizing the recommendations through strategic advocacy, including tangible actions and tools that advocates can adapt for use within their countries to mobilize support for the integration of the Commodities Commission recommendations and reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health commodities into relevant plans, policies, and programs.

What there is to say: Page 28

Outlines messages to inform relevant audiences about the Commodities Commission and to engage with relevant decision-makers and stakeholders.

Spotlight on commodities: Page 35

Overview of maternal health and family planning commodities, including issues and barriers to their access and use, and specific advocacy needs. Spotlight on child and newborn health commodities coming soon!

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