Bridge funding increases access to quality supplies in Chile

13 Apr 2023

With the RHBF, Chile could access short-term, interest-free bridge financing to meet their procurement needs.

Empowerment at all levels is necessary for improving women's and adolescents' access to sexual and reproductive health. The UNFPA pilot programme, Reproductive Health Bridging Fund (RHBF), helped increase access to quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and maternal health supplies by addressing financing challenges faced by Chile’s Supply Center for National Health Services System (CENABAST).

Collaborating for quality-assured supplies
CENABAST was challenged in accessing UNFPA’s quality-assured and affordable supplies as the Government’s financial laws were preventing them from taking advantage of the lower cost and quality supplies that UNFPA offers.

“Since CENABAST cannot make payments in advance, the RHBF allowed us to overcome procurement challenges and save time during the procurement process compared to the procedures we usually have with independent suppliers. The products have also proven quality and at convenient costs for the people of our country.” said CENABAST

With the RHBF, CENABAST could access short-term, interest-free bridge financing to meet their procurement needs. Through the collaboration, CENABAST benefitted from USD 426,000 in savings in the first delivery. Overall, CENABAST estimates a total of USD 1.55 Million in savings through UNFPA which represents savings of 42% of the total initial value.

More than a credit line
Though significant financial savings were made with the RHBF, it is more than a credit line for the people in Chile. The outcome of the RHBF supports needed access to quality-assured sexual reproductive supplies for women and adolescents in the country.

“The collaboration with UNFPA allows us to have a strategic ally for our acquisitions. It will be a relationship that will last long-term and we hope to continue incorporating quality products that can save costs for the Government and contribute to the reproductive and sexual health for the people in Chile” said CENABAST

The savings from the RHBF has the potential to provide further impact when invested in SRH. The achieved savings has the potential to: