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Three Approaches to Community-Based Distribution of Contraceptives in Northern Nigeria
Date Published: 27 October 2008 Document Type: Research Report Issue: Family Planning & Reproductive Health Languages: English Country: Nigeria Purchase Method: Download |
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In northern Nigeria, low female literacy, cultural norms, and high rates of polygamy and early marriage have contributed to high total fertility rates and very high maternal mortality (WHO, 2008). Since 2001, CEDPA has implemented a community-based family planning (FP) project with 11 local NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in northern Nigeria. To address barriers to accepting FP, CEDPA adopted a multi-faceted strategy that included community-based FP services delivered at the doorstep by traditional birth attendants (TBAs), community health extension workers (CHEWs) and peer health educators (PHEs); referrals for clinical methods and other services; and community mobilization, advocacy and media campaigns using community advocates and male motivators promote FP and address barriers. Between December 2007 and May 2008, CEDPA conducted an operations research that compared the three models of community-based distribution of contraceptives used in its family planning programs in Northern Nigeria. This report summarizes those findings.