Supplies and procurement

Introduction

A British Airways jet sits on tarmac in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after flying 40 tonnes of aid free from UNICEF's Supply Division in Copenhagen. The relief supplies on board were to be trucked across the border into Haiti.

Supplies are essential to fulfil children’s rights – to a healthy start, basic education and protection from harm. A child needs simple equipment such as a pencil and exercise book to attend school, and be immunized against basic diseases to stay healthy, for example.

These pages explain how UNICEF helps children through providing supplies, how to register as a UNICEF supplier, and how development partners can utilize UNICEF’s procurement expertise via Procurement Services. The supply catalogue gives detailed information about what UNICEF buys.

In 2008, UNICEF procured $1.46 billion worth of supplies from suppliers all over the world.

The organization ensures that quality, good value supplies reach children and their families quickly, through fair, open procurement.

In emergencies, UNICEF can respond within 48 hours using its network of supply hubs located strategically around the world, including its main warehouse in Copenhagen.

UNICEF’s supply activities support the organization’s priorities: young child survival and development, basic education and gender equality, fighting HIV/AIDS and child protection, thus contributing to fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals.

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