Nigeria's PHC system needs SILMD and Supply Visibility to end stockouts
Federal authorities must institutionalize Integrated Last Mile Delivery (ILMD) and Supply Visibility (SV) as core components of national primary health care and supply chain policy, supported by sustainable domestic financing. State governments and local authorities must scale proven models, use data for decision-making, and hold facilities and delivery systems accountable. This is critical to address persistent stockouts of family planning commodities and essential medicines at community health facilities, which undermine Universal Health Coverage and reproductive health access. SILMD and SV improve supply-side efficiencies through real-time visibility into stock levels and consumption rates, enabling proactive planning and reducing mismatches between demand and supply. The approach has already strengthened accountability, reduced losses, and improved the availability of family planning methods and other essential health commodities. For women seeking family planning services, consistent availability builds trust and normalizes the service, driving increased demand. The time for action is now: Nigeria must treat ILMD and SV as core health system functions, not pilot projects, to ensure every PHC is functional and every Nigerian has access to lifesaving care.