The more things change: contraceptive distribution in former Soviet countries.

This paper reports the results of the survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in three cities in Russia to examine the contraceptive prevalence and the effectiveness of the existing Reproductive Health Program. The survey findings can be summarized in three main heading: rationing distribution decisions and lack of knowledge of basic logistics/supply principles. It was found that the rationing procedures of contraceptives being provided by the US Agency for International Development differ in every oblast. In Ivanovo the whole shipment is equally divided instead of dividing it based on population or demand while in Moldova and Tver the contraceptives are only given to women in risk groups. Pertaining to distribution decisions it is the people at the top level not the person managing supplies that usually made the decision. They do keep records because they have to but do not know how to use the data. Furthermore almost common to all oblasts the distribution of supplies are done regardless to current supplies on hand or demand and they do not keep a reserve for emergencies. They have no stock ledgers to monitor supplies. Lastly the lessons learned are mentioned.