We are pleased to introduce our new blog series, FP in UHC, developed and curated by FP2030, Knowledge SUCCESS, PAI, and MSH. The blog series will provide valuable insights into how family planning (FP) contributes to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with perspectives from leading organizations in the field. This is the second post in our series, focusing on engaging the private sector to ensure that FP is included in UHC.
Adapted from the soon to be published article “How Enhanced Engagement with The Private Sector Can Expand Access to Family Planning and Bring the World Closer to Universal Health Coverage” developed by Adam Lewis and FP2030.
The private sector in Nepal is an important source of short-acting reversible contraceptives. It represents a critical opportunity to increase contraceptive access and choice. The Government of Nepal (GON) has emphasized the importance of strengthening social marketing and the private sector (National Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan 2015–2020). Nepal CRS Company (CRS) has introduced contraceptive products and services in the country for almost 50 years. Recent innovations in social marketing, through the use of marketing methods, intend to bring about social and behavioral change to improve citizens' quality of life.
Pharmacies play a critical role in providing access to reproductive health services in low-resource settings in Kenya. Without this private-sector resource, the country would not be able to meet the needs of its young people. Kenya’s National Family Planning Guidelines for Service Providers allow pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists to counsel, dispense, and provide condoms, pills, and injectables. This access is critical to the health and well-being of youths and the overall achievement of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals.
September 26 is World Contraception Day, an annual global campaign that aims to raise awareness about contraception and safe sex. This year, the Knowledge SUCCESS team took a more personal approach to honor the day. We asked our staff, What’s the one thing that FP/RH program managers, tech advisors, and/or decision-makers should be thinking about on World Contraception Day?”
The Uzazi Uzima Project's work to build the capacity of healthcare workers to provide high-quality services has improved access to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services—including family planning—in northern Tanzania's Simiyu Region.