Sale and provision of injectable contraceptives in drug shops in developing countries: conclusions from a technical consultation

Key Role of Drug Shops and Pharmacies for Family Planning in Urban Nigeria and Kenya

“…Literature shows that regardless of the regulatory environment and the training level of staff, drug shops in Africa are providing injectable contraception 13 . Major policy shifts in recent years toward expanded access to certain forms of family planning (such as implants and injectables) down to a community level, as well as successful trials of Sayana Press in multiple countries, indicate that drug shops and pharmacies may play an increasingly important role in the provision of new methods for certain populations 9 , 14 , 17 . For instance, in 2012, Nigeria approved a policy to allow trained community health extension workers (CHEWs) to administer injectables and implants.…”

“…Pharmacies and drug shops offer easy access to a number of common contraceptive methods including condoms, oral contraceptive pills, and emergency contraception. Women are able to purchase injectable contraceptives in some contexts in the private non-medical sector, but they are often not able to obtain the injection at the same site; however, regulations are beginning to change to expand access 9 , 14 …”

“…While the legal criteria of drug shops vary by country, usually they are permitted to sell prepackaged patent drugs that are considered to be safe for public use 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 . Notably, they are generally not allowed to dispense drugs outside of their manufacturer package unlike pharmacies 9 , 12 , 16 . In the context of Nigeria, pharmacies and drug shops are distinct.…”

“…Shortages of trained manpower have limited the number of pharmacies in sub-Saharan Africa; consequently, many countries permit licensed drug shops to offer a limited range of medicines to increase access to more medicines 18 . In general, drug shops and pharmacies are convenient because they are usually neighborhood-based; sometimes more affordable compared with other private facilities; have the ability to provide services rapidly; operate long hours including weekends; and sometimes offer services in a more confidential manner than other types of sources 9 , 12 , 15 …”

“…In many cases, drug shops and pharmacies are more accessible to marginalized groups including rural populations and the urban poor 9 , 11 , 12 , 15 . A study among sexually active women in rural and urban Nigeria showed that younger respondents, single people, Catholics, and Muslims preferred to obtain contraceptives from drug shops than other sources; by contrast, older groups and married respondents made use of hospitals 10 .…”