Estimates for global markets for medicines and vaccines predict a 30% increase by 2030 (IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, 2017). Population growth, new products in the pipeline, and changes in public health–such as the growing burden of non-communicable diseases that require lifetimes of treatment–all contribute to the increased demand. Systems for procurement and supply chain management (PSM) must adapt accordingly to reach the ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals towards Universal Health Coverage to prevent, treat and manage diseases. The invaluable role of supply chains within health systems is indeed underscored by the past three decades of investments by ministries of health, the international development community and other actors. Despite the investments, progress remains fragile in many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and the complexity of this problem as a public health issue may not be sufficiently recognized.