Uganda is grappling with significant gaps in funding and stock availability for essential Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) commodities, according to the latest stock status report from the Department of Pharmaceuticals and Natural Medicines (DPNM).
The report highlights challenges in family planning, maternal and child health supplies, and the impact of international funding constraints.
Family Planning Commodities: Stocks and Challenges
While Uganda’s national stock of family planning commodities is generally stable, some key supplies face shortages. Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) are in low supply, though a shipment of 150,000 units from UNFPA is expected later in March. Emergency contraceptives, hormonal IUDs, and male condoms are adequately stocked for now.
However, commodities procured by the U.S. government (USG) remain undistributed due to waiver restrictions, limiting access to crucial reproductive health products.
In some instances, overstocking has also been observed, particularly with Depo-Provera, which is in no immediate danger of expiration. However, redistribution efforts are needed to ensure balanced availability across healthcare facilities.
Maternal and Child Health Supplies: A Looming Crisis
The report also underscores critical gaps in maternal and child health (MCH) commodities. Many of these supplies fall under the government’s credit line (Vote 116), meaning distribution to healthcare facilities depends on financial planning at the facility level. Essential products such as Mifepristone + Misoprostol (for maternal care) and maternity kits are expected by mid-March, but gaps in supply planning and funding persist.
The availability of life-saving medicines like Tranexamic acid (for postpartum hemorrhage) and caffeine citrate (for neonatal care) remains constrained, with limited allocations to higher-level health centers. While additional stock is expected from UNFPA and the government, distribution delays pose risks to maternal and newborn health.
Impact of U.S. Funding Freeze on RMNCAH Commodities
A major concern outlined in the report is the impact of the U.S. government’s executive order restricting the distribution of health commodities. The funding freeze affects approximately UGX 29.6 billion (USD 7.8 million) worth of RMNCAH supplies, including family planning commodities, condoms, and nutrition products.
Currently, RMNCAH stock worth UGX 2.6 billion remains undistributed, and the corresponding distribution cost of UGX 158.7 million has stalled efforts to supply essential items to healthcare facilities. Moreover, USD 2.1 million worth of pipeline stock, including 108,000 units of Implanon NXT and 39 million male condoms, is on hold. Future orders under USAID funding have also been suspended, leaving procurement dependent on government and UNFPA resources.
Funding Gaps and Future Outlook
The financial shortfall for RMNCAH commodities remains alarming. The estimated procurement need for family planning supplies in FY 2025/2026 is USD 22.7 million, but current commitments cover only USD 10 million, leaving a gap of USD 12.7 million.
Similarly, for maternal and child health commodities, Uganda needs USD 28.7 million for the next fiscal year, but available funding covers only USD 8.9 million, creating a USD 19.8 million shortfall.
With stock levels projected to last about seven months, shortages are expected in the final quarter of 2025 unless additional resources are secured. The government and partners must prioritize commodity optimization, advocate for more funding, and streamline distribution efforts to prevent critical supply gaps.
As Uganda navigates these challenges, collaboration between the government, development partners, and stakeholders is crucial to ensure continuous access to life-saving RMNCAH services across the country.