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

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.