Table 3 Selected WHO policy guidance recommendationsa for FP compared to country policy guidance
WHO Recommendation | Related Guidance in Country Policies | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kenya | Mozambique | Uganda | Zimbabwe | |
If a woman’s regular contraceptive method is not available, other contraceptive options should be made available (including barrier methods, fertility awareness-based methods, and emergency contraception [EC]). | For clients interested in surgical methods, alternatives to be offered (OCs, condoms, short-term injectable) | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Clients interested in LARCs to be counselled on alternative methods when LARCs are not available |
Relax requirements for a prescription for OCs, EC, or self-injectable contraception, and provide clear information for referral care for adverse reactions. | Condoms, combined OCs, combined contraceptive patches, and progesterone-only pills to be refilled without strict prescription requirement | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
Provide multimonth supplies of contraceptives. | Recommends provision of 3-month supply of OCs, contraceptive skin patches | Recommends 3-month supply for new users; 6-month supply for subsequent consultations | Recommends 3-month supply of OCs, DMPA-SC | Recommends 3-month supply of OCs |
Enable pharmacies/drug shops to increase range of contraceptive options; allow for multimonth prescriptions and self-administration of DMPA-SC if available. | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Scale availability of FP services at all levels, including pharmacies and trained drug shops | Not mentioned |