Access and Utilization of Family Planning Information and Commodities: FP2030’s Vision for Collaborative Success

Following the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) meeting held in Ghana in October 2023, Knowledge SUCCESS conducted interviews with representatives from diverse implementing organizations in the Family Planning/Sexual Reproductive Health (FP/SRH) sector. This is the second blog in a  series that captures their perspectives on the crucial role of private sector engagement in driving access, inclusivity, and innovation within FP/SRH. This blog is written in the words of Yusuf Nuhu, one of the interviewees for this blog series. 

As we engage with professionals shaping FP/SRH initiatives, join us in unraveling the transformative power of private sector collaboration—moving beyond traditional financial contributions. This series aims to provide insights, experiences, and aspirations, shedding light on the untapped potential in private sector partnerships for achieving universal access to essential services in FP/SRH. You may view the initial article in this series here.

In the array of global health initiatives, family planning stands out not merely as a personal choice but as a cornerstone of well-being. Family planning use, once considered an individual decision, has shifted into a collective responsibility—a public good that requires collective commitment. 

In the face of significant global changes (COVID 19 and climate change, just to name two), the challenges within the family planning landscape are intensifying. Governments, recognizing the pivotal role of family planning in shaping population dynamics and influencing quality of life indicators, often struggle with financial limitations. This struggle creates gaps in access for some populations that demand innovative and sustainable solutions.

Amidst these challenges, FP2030 emerges as a leading force, poised at the forefront of addressing the complexities inherent in the current family planning paradigm. The partnership acknowledges that the status quo is insufficient to meet the escalating demands for contraceptives and essential commodities.

By positioning the private sector not merely as a financial contributor but as a strategic partner, FP2030 catalyzes change. This partnership becomes a catalyst for ensuring that family planning evolves into a universally accessible reality. As the global community navigates this narrative landscape, collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility become key pillars in the pursuit of a more inclusive and effective family planning strategy.

Private Sector as the Anchor: A Paradigm Shift

In the vision of FP2030, the private sector emerges as a crucial player, transcending the traditional role of financial contributors. Rather than being mere sponsors, private sector entities step into the arena as strategic partners, contributing not only funds but also valuable expertise and innovative solutions to enhance the family planning ecosystem.

FP2030 advocates for a paradigm shift, recognizing that the involvement of the private sector goes beyond closing financial gaps. These entities bring a nuanced understanding of intricate supply chain dynamics and strive to improve distribution efficiency within the family planning landscape. 

“The private sector also offers a valuable resource to increase domestic resource mobilization and reduce the reliance on international funding for family planning, a critical area of interest for many countries as they develop and implement their FP2030 commitments. FP2030 commitments made by country governments embody key priorities for countries and outline several strategies to reach national, subnational, and local family planning goals. An aspect of FP2030 commitments that many countries have in common is a focus on increasing domestic resources to finance family planning commodities and services and reduce or eliminate a reliance on international financing. Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mali, and Senegal, among others, have included private sector strategies in their FP2030 commitments to increase domestic resource mobilization.”

Collaboration in Action: Beyond Financial Contributions

FP2030’s vision transcends conventional notions of collaboration. It isn’t solely about financial commitments; it’s about cultivating shared ownership of the mission to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services. It’s about governments, private sector entities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in synergy to create a comprehensive and sustainable framework that addresses the multifaceted challenges of family planning.

“As a part of the commitment-making process, FP2030 recognizes the importance of having the private sector included as a key stakeholder, and encourages countries to include representatives from the private sector in all commitment-making discussions. A commitment analysis at the FP2030 Northwest and Central Africa Hub level shows that more than 14 commitment making countries have a private sector related commitment. As such, we provide technical assistance to countries to implement activities towards fulfilling that private sector commitment.”

Embarking on a Collaborative Journey: Key Components

The private sector’s role, as envisioned by FP2030, extends beyond financial infusion. It is about leveraging existing structures and capacities for efficient distribution. It’s about innovative approaches that balance financial sustainability with the societal impact of reducing out-of-pocket expenditures. For example, a partnership with Bayer Contraceptive Security Initiative (through USAID) worked with drug shops to bring Microgynon closer to endline users. FP2030 recognizes the private sector as a dynamic force for change, capable of not only contributing resources but also reshaping the very fabric of family planning implementation.

In exploring FP2030’s vision, we go beyond words to focus on collaboration, innovation and shared responsibility. As we navigate this journey, the private sector isn’t just providing funds; it’s a vital strategic partner—a force for change in making family planning universally accessible.