Community-Based Distribution of Injectable Contraceptives: Introduction Strategies in Four Sub-Saharan African Countries

Abstract

Improving access to family planning services and expanding method choice are two fundamental proven strategies for increasing contraceptive prevalence in resource-poor settings.[1-4] Community-based family planning programs are designed to improve access by bringing services to hard-to-reach communities.[56] Such services are typically delivered by community health workers who are trained in family planning but lack formal clinical credentials. Working outside the health facility community health workers provide health education to promote family planning distribute contraceptives and refer clients for clinic-based services. For decades community-based distribution programs have been credited with expanding access to family planning services in otherwise underserved communities in Africa Asia and Latin America.[5].