The United Nations procures goods and services from suppliers all over the world for humanitarian aid purposes. Health remains the largest procurement sector of the UN system. In response to COVID-19, the procurement value of medical equipment and supplies by UN agencies has increased 4 times, compared to the prior Covid time, to ~$2.4bn in 2021.
This trend is expected to carry on due to the humanitarian activities for the civilians and countries affected by the war in Ukraine.
Among the categories of goods, clinical nutrition, i.e. formulas and products for nutrition support, contributes more than 20% of the total procurement value in medical products. Meanwhile, the procurement value of respiratory, anesthesia and resuscitation products has increased significantly driven by the demand caused by COVID-19.
The category “No data” means the procurement was reported at a higher category level, and more specific category information on United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is unavailable.
Among UN agencies, UNICEF is leading the procurement of medical products as its mandate focuses on the well-being of children. It is worth mentioning that UNICEF is also playing an important role in the “UN procurement from other UN organizations” (UN-to-UN procurement).
