Evaluating the success of long-term reversible family planning method initiatives in Ethiopia

The government of Ethiopia supports family planning (FP) as one strategy to improve maternal and child health and overall development. Programs are being implemented to increase access to and demand for quality FP services through expanding the contraceptive method mix--emphasizing long-acting methods at lower-level service delivery points. As part of this strategy, the FMOH launched Implanon and IUCD scale-up initiatives.

To evaluate the IUCD and Implanon initiatives, we conducted a comparative analysis of data from 71 health centers in 2011 and from 120 health centers in 2013 in four regions and two cities (Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa). Quantitative data were collected using three structured survey instruments targeting providers, clients, and facilities. Analyses showed improved knowledge of IUCDs (21% in 2011; 60% in 2013) and Implanon (66% in 2011; 80% in 2013). Provision of IUCD and Implanon services also increased at health centers (85% to 98% for Implanon; 61% to 86% for IUCD). Similarly more health facilities had the methods in-stock on the day of the survey (77% to 89% for Implanon; 52% to 87% for IUCDs). In conclusion, the data demonstrate improvement in knowledge of long-acting FP methods and availability of the services. However data also showed low uptake of IUCDs associated with low demand creation activities.