Title: Humanitarian supply chain framework in context of pandemic: a review

Authors: Kishor Wamanrao Kale; Shyamkumar Devidas Kalpande

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, MET's Institute of Engineering, Bhujbal Knowledge City, Nashik, India; Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, MET's Institute of Engineering, Bhujbal Knowledge City, Nashik, India; Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India

Abstract: This review paper systematically analyses the literature on the humanitarian supply chain (HSC) framework in the context of pandemics, with a focus on identifying efforts, gaps, and future research topics. The study critically reviews 150 articles published between 1992 and 2024. The methodology includes a detailed examination of themes such as sustainability, resilience, health supply chains, and technological advancements. Key findings reveal that 40% of the literature focuses on resilience, 30% on sustainability, 20% on health-related supply chains, and 10% on technological innovations. The paper highlights the novelty of systematically analysing HSCs specifically during pandemics, providing new insights into the structural challenges and opportunities for improvement. This study will aid researchers and practitioners in developing efficient, resilient, and sustainable methodologies. Future research directions include exploring advanced technological solutions, data-driven decision making, and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance HSC resilience and effectiveness.

Keywords: humanitarian supply chain framework; pandemic; methodologies; sustainability; resilience; data-driven decision making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPSCM.2026.152837

International Journal of Business Performance and Supply Chain Modelling, 2026 Vol.16 No.1, pp.1 - 41

Accepted: 07 Jun 2025
Published online: 13 Apr 2026 *

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