Challenge

Supply chains in developing countries often fail to give timely access to quality medical products through government-run distribution systems. Highly fragmented local businesses in health supply chains further lack accreditation and hamper distribution.

How can we design a first-of-its kind strategy for leading global wholesalers to strengthen health supply chains in global health, united under the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers (IFPW), bringing together over 40 multinationals spanning six continents?

Journey

We worked with leading CEOs from AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Quimica Suiza and others to design the first ever strategic framework for their engagement in global health. Drawing on market insights, comprehensive knowledge of health ecosystems and bottlenecks in Africa and Asia, we mapped opportunities for new partnerships with key international and local actors. Together with IFPW, we drew up a holistic vision and business plan focused on four strategic pillars for IFPW’s companies.

We led the process to operationalize these collaborations, commencing with a multi-million dollar 3-year collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In parallel, we developed a communication and advocacy plan for IFPW to raise awareness about the industry’s unique capabilities for lasting impact.

We continue to support the implementation of the IFPW’s four-pillar strategy to improve health supply chains.

Impact

• Delivered a multi-million dollar 3-year partnership and Memorandum of Understanding with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to improve access to life-saving vaccines starting in East and West Africa
• Developed IFPW’s 5-year commitment to the UN’s Every Woman Every Child movement with a new IFPW “Global Access to Medicines Team” providing support to governments
• Catalyzed a wholesale accreditation program in developing countries, commencing in India
• Engaged IFPW in the global anti-counterfeiting initiative “Fight the Fakes”

Additional Resources:

IFPW Press Release, New industry partnership with Gavi

IFPW and GD – History of collaboration