Forecasting and supply planning are the initial processes in the continuum of supply chain management operations aimed at predicting the demand for products and determining when, where and how much quantity of each product needs to be delivered to meet the expected demand and to maintain adequate inventory levels throughout the supply chain system. The Immunization Forecasting and Supply Planning Toolbox (IFSP Toolbox) contains relevant and adaptable tools and guidance intended to support national-level government professionals and other immunization partners who are involved or interested in strengthening capacities in forecasting and supply planning for vaccines, immunization supplies and cold chain equipment (CCE).
Resulting from UNICEF Supply Division's collaboration with key global immunization partners (WHO, JSI, VillageReach, PATH, and Clinton Health Access Initiative), it is expected that the toolbox will contribute to the achievement of national immunization programme targets, the Sustainable Development Goal on Universal Health Coverage (Goal 3.8), as well as other global and national strategies, by enhancing access to safe, effective and quality vaccines for all, including reaching zero-dose children. The toolbox will continuously be updated with relevant materials and country examples, and it is structured in a simple and intuitive manner to align with the chronological activities involved in forecasting and supply planning.
The toolbox is organised into the following sections: