Abstract
Family planning is most successful when clients have a variety of methods to choose from and a variety of service delivery sites from which to obtain them. (1)
The private sector plays a critical role in family planning (FP) and can contribute to a total market approach to providing contraceptives (2). The private sector accounts for around two- fths of contraceptive provision worldwide (3), with the share higher in some countries; in Nigeria 60% of women obtain contraception in the private sector (4). The private sector ranges from nongovernmental and faith-based organizations, usually providing free or subsidized services, to for-pro t medical providers, pharmacies and drug shops. Workplaces also o er a private sector venue for providing health services, including FP.
As countries move towards their FP2020 goals and increase domestic resources to do so, the private sector is a critical partner (5). Among private sector service options, social marketing, social franchising, and pharmacies and drug shops most readily contribute to sustainable markets for contraceptive services. Corporate sector workplace programmes also show promise for reaching millions of women.
