Health and Humanitarian Logistics - Panel 3: Matching Supply with Demand in Emergency Response

Abstract

The challenges in matching supply with demand in the context of disaster response is a much discussed topic with no one easy solution. The unpredictability of the demand, donations, market conditions and unwanted in-kind donations all challenge how effectively a supply chain can operate in emergency scenarios. In addition, shifting from “routine” demand and supply planning to “response” planning requires a supply chain and its managers to be flexible. Fortunately, the humanitarian and disaster response communities have been implementing new tools and better coordination mechanisms to face these challenges. The panelists will highlight some of these tools and mechanisms as well as discuss a variety of issues including how to effectively dual use emergency response and ongoing operations supply chains, emergency demand forecasting, recyclability and reuse of the emergency supplies, identifying the right supply chain modalities, and better coordination mechanisms.