Reaching the last mile: Strengthening supply chain management in UNFPA Palestine

For UNFPA to achieve its transformative results of reducing unmet need for family planning,  reducing preventable maternal deaths, and reducing gender-based violence and harmful practices, it is vital that quality-assured supplies reach communities on time. The UNFPA Last Mile Assurance (LMA) Process is a central part of strengthening UNFPA’s supply chain management and last mile assurance capabilities. LMA is also a platform for co-creation with implementing partners, identifying bottlenecks and generating evidence for broader health systems strengthening efforts. 

For the first time, an LMA workshop was organized in a humanitarian context. Facing the escalating humanitarian crisis in the State of Palestine, UNFPA professionals in youth programming, women’s protection, logistics, and last-mile assurance were brought together in the West Bank. The purpose was to strengthen the supply chain management capabilities at UNFPA Palestine; to better track life-saving supplies, flag shortages early, and prevent life-threatening delays in delivering essential reproductive health supplies to the communities. A challenging task given the humanitarian crisis and blockage in Gaza. 

The situation in the West Bank is also becoming increasingly tense and volatile. Escalating military operations and tightening restrictions on movement are shrinking humanitarian access, amplifying the risks for people in the area, especially pregnant women and families. Over 161,400 women of reproductive age and 71,000 adolescent girls in the West Bank are already unable to access vital SRH supplies and services as a direct consequence of the instability.

“The workshop helped us understand how getting supplies where they’re needed empowers young people,” said Sarah Erbash from the Youth Support Team, UNFPA Palestine Office.

In a context where nearly 90% of the population in Palestine has been displaced from their homes, the consistent and reliable delivery of life-saving supplies such as maternal health kits, dignity kits, and essential medicines is a lifeline that protects the health, rights, and dignity of affected communities.

“Getting dignity kits on time isn’t just helpful. It changes lives for women in Gaza,” said Mohammad Sinokrot from the Women’s Protection Team, UNFPA Palestine, underscoring the tangible impact of timely deliveries on the ground. 

The workshop also fostered critical engagements with key partners, including officials from the Palestine Ministry of Health and the central warehouse located in Ramallah, West Bank. These discussions aimed to assess the existing supply chain landscape and pinpoint critical areas where support and collaboration can be strengthened.

 

The growing need for life-saving supplies in Gaza is reflected in the soaring value of supplies for delivery. In 2023, the value of distributed supplies was under half a million USD. This figure surged to over 4.1 million USD in 2024, demonstrating the rapidly growing humanitarian imperative. Currently, 190 UNFPA trucks loaded with urgently needed supplies remain at the border, denied entry into Gaza. This underscores the immense complexities of supply planning and the dire humanitarian situation. 

“The workshop made it clear how closely logistics are tied to impact. For instance, cash assistance is only effective when the right supplies are actually available,” explained Jumanah Amireh from the cash support team.

Comprehensive accountability for life-saving SRH supplies, including tracking losses and damages, is crucial for accurate and timely supplies allocation and distribution. This is especially critical as the dire humanitarian situation is driving risks of warehouse lootings. 

“The dedicated and resilient team at UNFPA Palestine, both in the country office and on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank, are expertly navigating complex supply chain challenges to reach the people we serve in the most affected areas," stated Amit Dhungel, Regional Supply Chain Management Specialist at the UNFPA Arab States Regional Office. "This workshop supports streamlined documentation processes, ensuring every product can be allocated and distributed precisely when and where it's needed."

The LMA workshop held in Palestine strengthens local capacity and is poised to improve coordination and collaboration with the Ministry of Health. It also supports the enhanced integration of emergency response protocols within the supply chain framework - a crucial step as UNFPA prepares to activate its Emergency Preparedness Plan in Gaza. By ensuring that supply chain systems are responsive, resilient, and ready to navigate even the most challenging and fragile circumstances, UNFPA is reinforcing its commitment to reaching the last mile and delivering essential SRH supplies and services to the women and girls who need it most.

Learn more about UNFPA’s Last Mile Assurance Process.