Impact of supply on contraceptive use: Building evidence in Rwanda

Research has shown that the use of effective contraception prevents unwanted pregnancies and increases the likelihood of women and children living healthy and productive lives. While there has been a concerted effort in recent years among global donors and national governments to coordinate and increase access to contraception, most research has concentrated on factors influencing demand. Little evidence exists on the effect of product availability and supply of modern contraceptive methods on contraceptive use. Current analysis conducted under the USAID | DELIVER PROJECT demonstrates how the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) can be positively influenced by an effective supply chain that ensures the reliable availability of modern contraceptive methods.

According to 2010 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data, the modern CPR in Rwanda has tripled in the previous five years, due primarily to increased use of orals, injectable contraceptives, and implants. This significant growth is also reflected in logistics management information system (LMIS) data from the same time period; quantities of commodities issued increase at a similar rate. Analysis has shown that this is partially due to improvements in supply chain efficiency. Further sub-national temporal and spatial analysis is being conducted to further understand the relationship and effect of supply chain performance and product availability on CPR.

This analysis suggests that increasing the efficiency of the supply chain improves product availability and leads to growth in CPR. Therefore, sustaining the efficiency of the family planning supply chain plays a critical role in preventing unwanted pregnancies.