Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

8-1-2021

Abstract

In Nigeria, Community Pharmacists (CPs) and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) are the first point of care for many common illnesses. Although CPs and PPMVs are not formally recognized as family planning (FP) service providers, 22% of modern contraceptive users report receiving their last method from a PPMV and 12% from a private pharmacy. PPMVs are popular for FP because of their widespread availability, consistent drug stocks, extended hours, personable interactions, and lack of separate fees for consultations. As the Federal Ministry of Health explores expanding its task sharing policy to include CPs and PPMVs, evidence is needed on an effective regulatory system to support CPs and PPMVs in providing high-quality FP services. The IntegratE Project (2017-21) seeks to increase access to contraceptive methods by involving the private sector in FP service delivery in Lagos and Kaduna states. The Project seeks to establish a regulatory system with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to ensure that CPs and PPMVs provide quality FP services and comply with regulations. To achieve this, the Project is implementing a pilot accreditation system for PPMVs. CPs function outside the pilot accreditation system but would receive the same training. This brief compares knowledge of FP and quality of care received among PPMVs and CPs as reported by FP clients served.

DOI

10.31899/sbsr2021.1018

Language

English

Project

IntegratE Project

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