As new contraceptive methods are developed, a better understanding of whether they are acceptable to users and providers and whether their introduction would be feasible is needed. In addition, many existing methods of contraception are underutilized in developing countries. With a limited method mix from which to choose, women are more likely to go without or discontinue use of a method, risking an unwanted pregnancy.

PROGRESS worked both to understand the factors that affect how new methods such as depo-subQ provera 104® in Uniject and Sino-implant (II) will be used and to revitalize the use of methods such as the intrauterine device (IUD) and vasectomy. Activities to expand the contraceptive method mix include the following:

• Acceptability of depo-subQ in Uniject: Working with ministries of health and additional partners in Senegal and Uganda, PROGRESS conducted research on the acceptability of introducing a new subcutaneous form of injectable contraceptive.
• Research on the Multiload 375 intrauterine device: PROGRESS-supported research demonstrated the feasibility of introducing the Multiload 375 copper IUD into India’s National Family Planning Program.
• Situation analysis to assess readiness to expand long-acting methods: A PROGRESS-supported situation analysis by Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health found that most health facilities had the basic infrastructure to provide IUDs and implants. Results of the situation analysis are being used to strengthen IUD revitalization efforts.
• The Rwanda Ministry of Health scaled up vasectomy services, working closely with PROGRESS to monitor the expansion to all 30 districts. Details on the innovative vasectomy technique and the monitoring findings are available in this brief [PDF, 484 KB].
• Preliminary findings from two PROGRESS-supported studies showed that Sino-implant (II) was safe, effective and acceptable in routine service delivery settings in Kenya and Pakistan. The findings are available in this presentation [PDF, 554 KB] from a technical meeting in Washington, DC.
• PROGRESS conducted a study among postpartum women in Kenya to measure the uptake of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in comparison to other contraceptive methods. Preliminary results, available in this presentation [PDF, 565 KB] from a technical meeting in Washington, DC, showed that 16 percent of women chose the intrauterine system.
• With support from PROGRESS and additional partners, the Kenya Ministry of Health developed and began implementing a national training plan for long-acting and permanent methods of contraception. The goal of the five-year plan, available here [PDF, 1.4 MB], is to create demand for these services and expand provision by 2016.

PROGRESS (Program Research for Strengthening Services) was a five-year project awarded to FHI 360 by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in June 2008. The project sought to improve access to family planning among underserved populations by providing global technical leadership and working in selected countries.