Long-acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) are a class of four highly effective approaches to family planning. Two of the methods -- intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants -- are long-acting, reversible options for women and couples who wish to delay, space, or limit their pregnancies. The other two -- female sterilization and vasectomy -- are permanent options for women and men who are certain they want no more children.
This newsletter examines the unrealized potential of LAPMs to help family planning programs meet the needs of clients and improve public health. Although there are some challenges associated with the provision of LAPMs, these can be overcome by improving service delivery and educating potential clients. FHI and its partners have identified several ways to improve access to LAPM services, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where there is a high unmet need for these services.
This issue of the newsletter is intended to help you improve LAPM services in your region. Please let us know if you found it useful.
In this issue:
Long-Acting and Permanent Methods
LAPMs can enhance family planning programs in Africa if we can overcome the challenges to their availability, access, and acceptance. These methods can meet the needs of many people, they are cost-effective, they help improve the health of mothers and their children, and they help prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
LAPM Interventions in Kenya
The Kenya Ministry of Health assessed three different interventions to increase the use of LAPMs in Kenya. Although all three interventions increased LAPM use, the assessment found that long-term strategies are needed to sustain the results.
The Future of Contraceptive Implants in Africa
The cost of contraceptive implants is decreasing, and simpler implants are entering the market. A modeling exercise by scientists at FHI found that if some oral contraceptive users in Kenya chose implants instead, more unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths could be avoided.
Vasectomy in Tanzania
An examination of the acceptability of vasectomy in Tanzania identified several reasons why men and their partners choose vasectomy. The study also identified new strategies to improve the delivery of vasectomy services.
Resources
Online resources for health professionals include continuing medical education on the intrauterine device, two publications on providing the newest contraceptive implants, and an electronic forum about LAPMs.
