Introduction/Objective
In Togo, according to the MICS6 2017, the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) is 24%, while unmet need is 30%. TheUSAID/AmplifyPF project has implemented two community-based approaches, namely the Family Planning Special Days (FPSD) and community-based distribution (CBD) in the Kloto and Blitta health districts with the objective of reducing financial and geographical barriers to access to FP services and to reduce unmet need.
Methodology
In each district, The FPSD approach consists of organizing a three-day event at each health facility during which providers offer FP services with a wide range of contraceptives free of charge to clients. The CBD approach consists of training, equipping and setting up community health workers (CHWs) to offer pills, condoms and DMPA-SC.
Results
Between October 2021 and September 2022, 72 FPSDs were organized and 210 CHWs distributed contraceptives. The share of the two approaches represented 63% of the 22,260 total users and 65% of the 8967 new FP users. The Couple-Years of Protection show a considerable contribution of the FPSD of (61%) of the 31,028 CYPs for the year against 32% for routine and 7% for CHWs. Routine service delivery reveals a method mix of 71% injectables, 20% implants, 5% IUDs and 4% pills, while the FPSD method mix shows 18% injectables, 61% implants, 11% IUDs and 9% pills. The method mix of the CHWs shows 90% injectables and 10% for pills.
Conclusion
We note a significant quantitative change in the increase in contraceptive use stemming from FPSDs and CHWs as well as in the CYPs, which positively impact the method mix. In the intervention districts, the two community-focused approaches have shown to be promising in augmenting CYPs through increased uptake of long-acting methods.
