DSV, a leading global transport and logistics company, has announced a new partnership with UNICEF aimed at enhancing rapid emergency responses and strengthening global supply chains. This collaboration will see DSV providing in-kind flights for the swift delivery of essential supplies during emergencies, along with flexible funding to support timely aid for children worldwide.
Carla Haddad Mardini, UNICEF’s Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships, highlighted the pressing need for this partnership: “In 2023, UNICEF delivered 2.79 billion vaccine doses to 105 countries, supporting national vaccination targets and outbreak response. However, millions of children around the world missed out on life-saving vaccines, indicating significant challenges within global supply chains, especially in remote areas. This new partnership with DSV targets these vulnerabilities to ensure the rapid deployment of essential supplies. This will allow us not only to address immediate needs but also to work towards long-term improvements in how we deliver critical supplies to children.”
Children are particularly vulnerable during emergencies, facing increased risks of disease and malnutrition. DSV’s commitment to providing in-kind flights and flexible funding ensures that UNICEF can mobilize resources swiftly, often within 24 hours of a crisis, guaranteeing that supplies reach children in the most remote locations.
Jens H. Lund, Group CEO of DSV, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership: “The world faces continued challenges that require effective solutions and support. This is why we have chosen to partner with UNICEF to ensure efficient humanitarian logistics for crisis-affected areas. A pre-established in-kind flight agreement is a cornerstone of this strategic partnership, enabling the delivery of critical supplies to children and their families anywhere in the world when it is needed. In the event of an emergency, DSV is ready to support UNICEF in delivering life-saving supplies within the first 72 hours to help children survive and recover following a crisis.”
As part of this partnership, DSV will leverage its industry expertise to work with UNICEF on strengthening supply chains, with a regional focus on Latin America. This initiative aims to improve children’s access to essential goods and services by enhancing the capabilities of the supply chain workforce. Currently, 40% of resources in global health are lost due to inefficiencies, often linked to workforce challenges.
The partnership will utilize the UNICEF Supply Chain Maturity Model to assess and improve key operational and technical aspects of supply chain management, such as budgeting and planning, transportation, distribution and storage, and end-user monitoring. The insights gained will help governments in Latin America develop evidence-based national supply chain strengthening plans, focusing investments to maximize improvements in supply chain resilience and access to healthcare supplies and services.