To describe a demand estimation exercise conducted in response to an initiative to introduce Sayana Press in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Secondary data sources were used to develop estimates of the number of Sayana Press units needed for countrywide introductions in 12 countries. To estimate uptake, the number of women who had stated an intention to use injectables was calculated. Two sets of assumptions (one conservative, one more ambitious) were used to assess conversion to actual use. Even with the use of very conservative assumptions, and assuming no method switching, Sayana Press was estimated to have the potential to cumulatively reach 3–6 million women by 2016.This projected uptake in a relatively short period and at the very beginning of an adoption curve suggests that Sayana Press has promise for countries looking to expand their list of contraceptive choices.

A new presentation of the subcutaneous (SC) injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) increases the possibilities for home and self-administration of this popular contraceptive method. Sayana® Press is DMPA-SC in the prefilled Uniject™ injection system and consists of one dose that provides 3 months of contraceptive protection. Studies indicate that lay caregiver and self-injection of various medications, including other injectable presentations of DMPA-SC, are acceptable and effective. Introduction of Sayana® Press in developing countries could extend injectable contraceptive delivery safely and effectively beyond the clinic and, eventually, into the home, allowing lay caregiver or self-administration. Research needs for low-resource settings include assessing the acceptability and feasibility of self-injection with Sayana® Press. Feasibility studies necessary for implementing a sustainable home-based delivery program include assessment of training, health systems, policies, infrastructure needs and programmatic considerations to optimize women’s ability to manage their self-injection schedule.