The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
UNOPS and Honduras strengthen partnership to advance healthcare
UNOPS is procuring much-needed medicines and medical supplies for the Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS) to ensure timely access to essential supplies nationwide.
This article was originally published on 7 December 2021. It has been updated to reflect recent developments.
Project updates
19 March 2025
An $82 million amendment to the project was signed to ensure the timely purchase and delivery of 312 additional types of essential medicine throughout 2025. More than 95 per cent of the medicines under a previous amendment (signed in December 2024) has already been delivered to IHSS.
“UNOPS [...] are able to deliver medications immediately. We are convinced that this acquisition of medications will largely address the medication needs of the IHSS-affiliated population”, said Carla Paredes, President of the IHSS Oversight Commission.
“We are entering a new phase and reaffirming our commitment to continue working together for the well-being of the population,” added Claudia Valenzuela, UNOPS Director in Honduras.
Read more (in Spanish)
16 January 2025
More than 427,000 units of medicine were delivered to IHSS in Honduras’ capital city, Tegucigalpa. This marks the third delivery under the project amendment signed in December – totalling more than $16 million in delivery to date – and reflects UNOPS continued commitment to ensure a timely and efficient supply of medicines and essential medical supplies to Honduras.
2 January 2025
UNOPS procured more than 80 per cent of the medicines and medical supplies listed in the project amendment (signed in December 2024) – totalling $14.5 million in delivery to date.
30 December 2024
The first batch of medicines under the project amendment – signed in December 2024 – was delivered to the Hospital de Especialidades in Tegucigalpa. The delivery included 100 vials of human immunoglobulin that helps treat immunodeficiency disorders, among other health issues.
20 December 2024
UNOPS and IHSS signed an $18 million amendment to the project to enable the purchase of more than 250 types of high-priority medicines – ensuring timely access to essential supplies for thousands of patients.
10 December 2024
As of December, UNOPS concluded the procurement of medicine for 2024, with a total annual delivery of more than 73 million units of medicine – equivalent to $36 million.
September 2024
As of September 2024, UNOPS has purchased $90.8 million worth of medicines and surgical medical supplies under the current agreement with IHSS.
A total of 197 million units of medicines have been delivered to the IHSS and 70 personnel have been trained – strengthening IHSS capacity in planning, control and overall resource management.
Since 2014, UNOPS and IHSS have signed nine agreements – totaling more than $294.7 million.
To date, the ongoing partnership with IHSS has benefited more than 1.9 millions of Hondurans.
19 July 2023
As of June 2023, UNOPS has contracted $46.5 million to purchase medicines and surgical medical supplies.
250 types of medical supplies and 298 types of medicines have been distributed to 44 health centers across the country.
To date, the ongoing partnership with IHSS has benefitted more than 1.8 million people in Honduras.
Working with IHSS, UNOPS will procure essential medicines and medical supplies to Honduras throughout 2022, thanks to a new $59 million agreement.
“This new agreement consolidates the efforts we have made together with IHSS and will continue to help benefit thousands of people across Honduras," said Martín Arévalo, UNOPS Country Director in Honduras.
UNOPS will carry out the procurement of medicines and supplies across the IHSS network of health services centres, as well as provide contract management and logistical support during the distribution.
Working from the foundation that effective public spending can empower institutions, UNOPS will also help optimize the Institute's supply chain and provide market intelligence and medicine price analysis to ensure IHSS receives greater value for its money. The project will help develop transparent, efficient and sustainable processes that include gender, diversity and inclusion elements.
From 2014 to date, IHSS has achieved millions of savings in the procurement of medicines and medical supplies, thanks to UNOPS technical support.
Since 2014, UNOPS and IHSS have signed eight agreements – totaling $270 million – to help strengthen its supply chain, and supply medicine, medical equipment, hemodialysis services and ambulances. This new agreement will procure the largest variety of medicines to date.
