Women, young girls to access family planning services in pharmacies

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), commonly known as coils, are small T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to ten years. [iStockphoto]

Family planning has long been considered a crucial aspect of reproductive health, with its roots dating back to the early 20th century when contraceptives became widely available to married couples.

Historically, family planning services have been centered around traditional healthcare facilities, primarily targeting married women who seek to space or limit childbirth.

In Kenya, like in many parts of the world, family planning methods such as oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injectables and implants have been predominantly offered in hospitals and clinics.

While these services have been instrumental in reducing unintended pregnancies and promoting maternal health, they have largely excluded teenagers and unmarried youth due to cultural, social and systemic barriers.

Many young women and girls face stigma when seeking contraceptives, fearing judgement from healthcare providers, family members and the wider society.

Now, these services will be accessible in a nearby pharmacy.

“The bureaucratic process, cost implications and time constraints associated with accessing contraception through hospitals deter many from seeking these essential services,” said Bridget Deacon, Managing Director at Shujaaz Inc.

Deacon spoke last week during the Landscaping Workshop for Advanced Family Planning in Pharmacy by inSupply Health.

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In many counties across Kenya, particularly in upcoming urban and peri-urban areas, there is a growing trend of individuals seeking medical solutions, including family planning, from pharmacies rather than general practitioners or gynaecologists.

The reasons for this shift include convenience, affordability, confidentiality and reduced stigma.

“Pharmacies offer a more accessible and less intimidating environment where young women can access contraceptives without the fear of being judged,” said Wairimu Munene, Regional Manager at inSupply Health.

Fear of unintended pregnancies, combined with misinformation about contraceptive methods, often drives young women to self-medicate or rely on unverified sources for family planning solutions.

By making pharmacies a central point for family planning services, Kenya can ensure that women and girls, regardless of marital status, have access to quality reproductive health services without unnecessary obstacles.

Recognizing the need for expanded access to family planning, inSupply Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other stakeholders, has been at the forefront of advocating for the Optimizing the Pharmacy Channel (OPC) Project.

This initiative aims to strengthen the role of community pharmacies in delivering quality family planning services, including contraceptive counselling, provision of implants and self-injectable methods such as Depo-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-SC a self-injectable contraceptive that prevents pregnancy for up to three months.)

The project aligns with the Total Market Approach (TMA) by reducing the burden on public health facilities and ensuring that even private-sector pharmacies contribute to reproductive healthcare.

The implementation is already present in 10 counties, including Narok, Nakuru, Kiambu, Nairobi, Meru, Kajiado, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kisii and Kericho.

The initiative has garnered support from industry leaders and healthcare advocates who have championed the push for an optimised pharmacy channel.

During a recent forum, notable speakers provided insights into the significance of expanding family planning services through pharmacies.

Yasmin Chandani, chief executive, inSupply Health emphasised the importance of leveraging pharmacy networks for reproductive health.

“The pharmacy channel presents a unique opportunity to bridge gaps in family planning access. By equipping pharmacists with the necessary training and resources, we can ensure that more women and girls receive the contraceptive care they need in a timely and discreet manner,” she stated.

According to Wairimu Munene, the project’s implementation has already yielded positive outcomes, particularly in improving the accessibility and feasibility of contraceptive implants at pharmacies.

“We are seeing an increasing number of women choosing pharmacies over hospitals due to convenience, confidentiality and affordability. Our goal is to continue expanding these services while ensuring high-quality standards,” she noted.

Deacon echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of youth-friendly services. “Many young women face barriers when seeking contraceptive options at hospitals due to stigma and long waiting times. By integrating family planning into pharmacy services, we are breaking down these barriers and empowering more women to take control of their reproductive health.”

From a policy perspective, Charles Korir from the Division of Health Promotion and Education Management under the Ministry of Health, highlighted the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and public awareness campaigns to support the initiative.

“We must ensure that policies are in place to maintain the quality of family planning services offered in pharmacies while promoting safe and informed contraceptive choices.”

The role of pharmaceutical suppliers in sustaining the success of the OPC project was underscored by Nelson Siele, Representative at Phillips Therapeutics Limited (PTL).

“Ensuring a consistent supply of quality contraceptives in pharmacies is crucial. We are working closely with stakeholders to streamline the distribution chain and avoid stock outs,” he said.

Recent data from global and Kenyan health organizations reinforce the need for expanded pharmacy-based family planning services.

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 45 per cent of sexually active unmarried women use modern contraceptive methods, yet many still struggle to access them due to stigma and limited service points.

A 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that pharmacy-based family planning services have increased contraceptive uptake by 30 per cent in various low- and middle-income countries.

Research by the Ministry of Health Kenya indicates that over 60 per cent of young women prefer obtaining contraceptives from pharmacies rather than hospitals due to cost and convenience factors.

The Optimizing the Pharmacy Channel (OPC) project represents a significant step towards making family planning services more accessible, especially for young women and marginalised populations.

Moving forward, continued stakeholder collaboration, policy reinforcement and public awareness campaigns will be crucial in sustaining the progress achieved so far.

Expanding training programs for pharmacists, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of contraceptives, and leveraging digital platforms for contraceptive education will further strengthen the initiative’s impact.

As more counties embrace pharmacy-based family planning services, Kenya moves closer to achieving universal access to reproductive healthcare, ensuring that every woman and girl can make informed decisions about their reproductive health without fear or obstacles.