Background
In Bauchi, Kebbi, Ebonyi, and Sokoto States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), women in remote underserved communities have limited access to family planning services. Innovative approaches to improve availability, access and utilization of family planning services are needed to prevent unintended pregnancies and avert mortalities and morbidities.
Methodology
The U.S. Agency for International Development Integrated Health Program (IHP) implemented Primary Healthcare (PHC) Extension Services (ES) between May and August of 2022 in partnership with 462 primary health care facilities in Bauchi, Kebbi, Ebonyi and Sokoto states and FCT to increase access to an integrated package of quality services, including FP in remote and underserved communities. FP services rendered included long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), injectables, and DMPA-SC. DHIS2 data revealed PHC extension services contributed to increased utilization of FP in participating PHCs.
Results
Comparing monthly LARC utilization at PHCES participating facilities before (October 2021) and after (August 2022) in the four states and FCT , modern contraceptive use rose from 22,671 to 29,436 women of reproductive age, new acceptors grew from 13,752 to 21,023, and postpartum family planning doubled from 1,000 to 2,213. Monthly uptake of injectables increased from 13,337 in October 2021 to 16,614 in August 2022, IUD insertions rose from 367 to 622, and implant insertions rose from 5,397 to 7,825.
Conclusion
Implementation of PHC extension service has led to improvements in availability, accessibility, and utilization of LARC by women in the remote and unserved communities. Strengthening and scaling PHC extension service is recommended to improve utilization of quality of FP services, particularly LARC.
