Expanding Access to Contraception in Uganda Through Drug Shops

Achieving universal health coverage in Uganda necessitates expanding access to the full range of contraceptive methods. Given their proximity to communities, drug shops are poised to play a key role in expanding access to contraception. In March 2021, the USAID/Uganda Family Planning Activity (USAID/FPA, 2020-2025) began supporting 16 drug shops in 3 districts in Uganda to offer quality contraceptive information and counseling, a range of short-acting contraceptives, and referrals for long-acting reversible and permanent contraceptive methods. Between March 2021 and June 2022, use of these services steadily increased, as did the proportion of young adults accessing contraceptives via drug shops. The intervention’s success thus far demonstrates that contraceptive service delivery through drug shops is a sustainable, efficient, equitable way to increase access to contraceptives using a total market approach.