13 Life Saving Commodities
In 2010, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health called on the global community to save 16 million lives by 2015 and achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 & 5 – to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health. The strategy highlighted the impact that a lack of access to life-saving commodities has on the health of women and children around the world, which catalyzed the formation of the UN Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women’s and Children’s Health (“the Commission”). The Commission – part of the Every Woman, Every Child (EWEC) movement – was formed to increase access to life-saving medicines and health supplies for the world’s most vulnerable people.
The Commission identified a priority list of 13 overlooked life-saving commodities across the reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) ‘continuum of care’ that, if more widely accessed and properly used, could save the lives of more than 6 million[1] women and children.
Although demand generation is a persistent weakness across all the commodities, this I-Kit focuses on 9 priority commodities most ripe for demand generation activities: Contraceptive implants, emergency contraceptive pills, female condom, misoprostol, magnesium sulfate, chlorhexidine, ORS, zinc and amoxicillin. Resources for the other commodities may be added in the future, depending on country needs.
Reproductive Health |
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Female Condom
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Contraceptive Implants
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Emergency Contraception
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Prevent HIV and unintended pregnancy
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Prevent unintended pregnancy
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Prevent unintended pregnancy
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A female condom is a plastic pouch made of polyurethane that covers the cervix, the vagina, and part of the external genitals. Female condoms provide dual protection by preventing STI infection, including HIV, and unintended pregnancies.
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Contraceptive implants are small, thin, flexible plastic rods that are inserted into a woman’s arm and release a progestin hormone into the body. These safe, highly effective, and quickly reversible contraceptives prevent pregnancy for 3‐5 years.
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The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is the most widely available emergency contraceptive in developing countries. It is optimally taken in one dose of 1.5 mg as soon as possible after sexual activity. An alternative product of 0.75mg is also widely available.
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Maternal Health |
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Oxytocin
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Misoprostol
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Magnesium Sulfate
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Post-partum hemorrhage
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Post-partum hemorrhage
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Eclampsia and severe
pre-eclampsia |
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WHO recommends oxytocin as the uterotonic of choice for prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage.
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In settings where skilled birth attendants are not present and oxytocin is unavailable, misoprostol (600 micrograms orally) is recommended.
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WHO recommends MgSO4 as the most effective treatment for women with eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia.
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Child Health |
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Amoxicillin
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Oral Rehydration Salts
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Zinc
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Pneumonia
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Diarrhea
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Diarrhea
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Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is used to treat pneumonia in children under five. Amoxicillin is prepared in 250mg scored, dispersible tablet (DT) in a blister pack of 10 DTs.
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Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) is a glucose‐electrolyte solution given orally to prevent dehydration from diarrhea. ORS is packaged in sachets of powder to be diluted in 200 ml, 500 ml or 1 liter of fluid, prepared to an appropriate flavor.
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Replenishment with zinc can reduce the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes. Zinc is prepared either in 20 mg scored, taste masked, dispersible tablets or oral solutions at concentration of 10 mg/5ml.
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Newborn Health |
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Injectable Antibiotics
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Antenatal Corticosteroids
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Chlorhexidine
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Resuscitation
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Prevent newborn sepsis
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Prevent Pre-term RDS
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Prevent umbilical cord infection
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Treat asphyxia
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WHO recommends benzlypenicillin and gentamicin, in separate injections, as first-line therapy for presumptive treatment in newborns at risk of bacterial infection.
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ANC are given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to prevent respiratory distress syndrome in babies born in preterm labor.
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Chlorhexidine digluconate is a low cost antiseptic for care of the umbilical cord stump that is effective against neonatal infections.
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Birth asphyxia, or the failure of a newborn to start breathing after birth can be treated with resuscitation devices.
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