Abstract
Why does this topic matter?
- Private drug shops & pharmacies are the first point of health care for many communities
- Supporting drug shops and pharmacies is recognized as a promising high impact practice (HIP)1 for family planning
- These groups are fundamental to HRH and health system strengthening efforts
- While these providers are important sources for care, challenges remain for:
- Drug quality
- Service quality
- Policy restrictions
- Fragmentation
- APC supports a Community of Practice to exchange information, and create an agenda for global advocacy
