Introduction of Injectable Contraceptive Demonstrates Successful Public-Private Partnership
As part of the National Family Planning Campaign, USAID/Senegal, and Pfizer West Africa, held a launch for the introduction of the pre-filled injectable contraceptive Depo-provera for use in the private pharmaceutical sector. The launch marks the successful public-private partnership of the U.S. Government with Pfizer Inc., a research-based pharmaceutical company: Pfizer is providing the product at a subsidized price to pharmacies and other private clinics, while USAID, through ADEMAS, a local implementing partner, will carry out the social marketing to increase access beyond the public sector.
The objective of the approach is to improve access to modern, high-quality contraceptive methods at an affordable cost. The contraceptive has a 99 percent effectiveness rate, if used correctly. This is an important first step toward the eventual registration of the Depo uniject, which will be an easy-to-use injection that could be provided by community-based workers. The leadership at the Ministry of Health in Senegal fully supports the effort and the Head of the Reproductive Health Division is keen to continue to move contraceptive method provision to the lowest level possible.
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