223787 Monitoring progress toward achieving contraceptive security: Contraceptive Security Index 2003–2009

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 12:48 PM - 1:06 PM

Dana G. Aronovich, MHS , John Snow, Inc., Arlington, VA
Nadia Olson , John Snow, Inc., Arlington, VA
Marie Tien , John Snow, Inc., Arlington, VA
Contraceptive security (CS)—ensuring that every person is able to choose, obtain, and use quality contraceptives—is a critical component of family planning (FP) programs. Without a reliable supply of contraceptives, programs cannot provide quality services to clients. Increasing access to and use of FP helps combat poverty and reduce social inequities. The CS Index was developed to measure CS based on a set of 17 indicators covering the principle components of CS: supply chain, finance, health environment, access, and utilization. By studying trends in component scores for individual countries, stakeholders can identify broad areas of strengths and weaknesses needing focused attention and resources. The indicators are also compiled to establish composite scores for more than 60 countries. To minimize data collection costs and maximize data reliability, the CS Index uses only secondary data from reliable sources. The data were collected in 2003, 2006, and 2009, allowing for monitoring progress over time. Results show some global progress toward CS since 2003. The average CS Index score across countries increased from 51.4 in 2003 to 53.4 by 2009, a statistically significant increase. Stakeholders can use these results to emphasize the importance of CS for better FP program outcomes and to monitor progress toward reaching this goal. The CS Index can be a strong tool for raising awareness about CS and the interrelationships between different program components. The results can also be used to set priorities and to advocate for more rational resource allocation to achieve a secure supply of quality contraceptives.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Program planning
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe trends over time between the 2003 and 2009 CS Index at the national, regional, and global level. 2. Demonstrate how the data from the CS Index can be used to identify priority areas for additional support by examining different indicators and components to inform program planning. 3. Explain how the data from the CS Index can be used to advocate for improved resource allocation by country governments, global donors, and lenders.

Keywords: Family Planning, Public Health Advocacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified because I am the lead researcher for all 3 versions of the Contraceptive Security Indices.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.