As part of the Global Health Science and Practice (GHTechX) conference, CHAI, FHI 360, PATH, the Population Council, PSI, and WCG hosted an April 22, 2021 session to synthesize lessons learned across contraceptive introduction of implants, DMPA-SC self-injection, hormonal IUS and other methods. During the session, experts from Kenya, Madagascar, Uganda, and the United States outlined essential steps for the process of contraceptive product introduction, described common challenges, and shared tools and approaches based on experiences with the three methods. Session slides are available below. To watch the recording of this and many other sessions, register for free on the GHTechX website.

Quality of family planning counseling is likely associated with whether or not women continue to use the same contraceptive method over time. The Method Information Index (MII) is a widely available measure of contraceptive counseling quality but little is known about its association with rates of method continuation. Using data from a prospective cohort study of 1,998 social franchise clients in Pakistan and Uganda, we investigated the relationship between reported baseline MII and the risk of method continuation over 12 months using survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. Higher scores on the 3-question Method Information Index (MII)—measuring client-reported receipt of contraceptive information—was associated with continued use of family planning over 12 months. We recommend incorporating use of the MII in routine assessments of family planning service quality.

Global Health: Science and Practice. March 2019, 7(1):87-102. https://doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-18-00407

Background: Nigerian policymakers are debating task-shifting injectable contraceptive services to Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs). Methodology: One hundred fifty-two PPMVs were trained to provide injectable contraceptives in Oyo and Nasarawa states. Data were collected before and 1, 3 and 9 months post-training. χ2 tests were conducted to assess associations between survey time points. Main findings: Few PPMVs had the necessary knowledge to provide injectables pretraining. A majority demonstrated increased knowledge after the training. Knowledge required for screening and counseling clients was lower than knowledge on administration. Conclusion: PPMVs should be trained before providing injectable services. Additional research is needed on the benefits of job aids for screening and counseling.