Review of public health commodity distribution models in Nigeria

Abstract The distribution of public health commodities is a challenging activity directly responsible for the success of a public health program or intervention. Getting the distribution strategy right is a major concern of many health program implementers and stakeholders in Nigeria. This study intends to look at available models previously or currently used for the distribution of public health commodities in Nigeria. Literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar on articles related to the public health commodities distribution models in Nigeria. Websites of health organizations operating in Nigeria and publicly funded health institutions were also visited for gray literatures on public health commodities distribution strategies. The study shows the absent of scientific publication as source of information on the distribution model; instead, most of the research publications were review publications in addition to program reports from international nongovernmental organizations and health authorities in Nigeria. Direct delivery and information capture, pull and push, hub and spoke, 5 tier, vertical distribution, integrated distribution models were some of the models identified from the study. Analysis from the review suggests hub/spoke model and integrated model as a desirable model for the distribution of public health commodities.