Contraceptive Security

© 2003 CCP, Courtesy of PhotoshareTo succeed, a family planning program needs an uninterrupted supply of a variety of contraceptives so that clients can choose and use their preferred method without interruption.  Successful programs provide contraceptive security—that is they ensure that people are able to choose, obtain, and use high-quality contraceptives whenever they want them. Offering a full range of contraceptive options is also important. Contraceptive security requires planning and commitment on several levels to ensure that the necessary commodities, equipment, and other supplies are always available.

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Interviews with Family Planning Experts (5 resources)

Included in this section of the Toolkit are a series of audio and video interviews with family planning experts discussing issues related to contraceptive security. Specifically, interviewees talk about contraceptive method mix and having a broad range of services; supply chains and "choke points"; and examples of national contraceptive success stories, such as Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

    Lessons Learned (7 resources)

    This section of the Toolkit provides briefs and reports that summarize programmatic experiences, challenges and lessons learned for improving contraceptive security.

      Tools (7 resources)

      Several resources are available to help programs understand the local context and ensure contraceptive security. This section of the Toolkit includes several tools, including tools that can help decision-makers measure a country’s level of contraceptive security and tools that help program managers plan optimal procurement and delivery schedules for health commodities as well as monitor their orders throughout the supply chain.

        Contraceptive Options & Choice (7 resources)

        Contraceptive security involves users being able to make informed choices from a full range of methods and services. Ensuring access to short-term, long-term, permanent, and natural methods is part of contraceptive security. This section of the Toolkit includes resources on the importance of contraceptive choice, innovations on how to make contraception more available, and a comprehensive database on hormonal contraceptives. Also included in this section are resources on introducing new contraceptives to the method mix.

          Program Management and Planning (4 resources)

          Successful family planning programs provide contraceptive security. Contraceptive security requires planning, training, coordination and commitment on several levels to ensure that the necessary commodities, equipment, and other supplies are always available. Programs need to ensure clients have access to quality products and services. Service providers need to be able to offer clients the information they need to make an informed choice on which method best fits their needs and lifestyle. This section of the toolkit includes resources that address program planning and management as it relates to contraceptive security.

            Logistics (31 resources)

            An effective and efficient logistics system is critical for the success of any family planning program. A well planned and implemented logistics system ensures the necessary commodities, equipment, and other supplies are always available to provide family planning methods. In this Logistics section of the Elements of Family Planning Success Toolkit, the resources included provide information on how to design and manage an effective logistics system and how to maintain adequate supplies and equipment to ensure contraceptive security.