Long-Acting and Permanent Methods: Addressing Unmet Need for Family Planning in Africa

This series brings together eight advocacy briefs on using long acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) of contraception to address unmet needs in Africa.

From the Introduction;

"The class of long-acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) of contraception comprises four highly effective methods for delaying, spacing, or limiting births. These include the intrauterine device [IUD], contraceptive implants, vasectomy, and female sterilization. Despite their many advantages, LAPMs are the least accessible and least used methods of family planning in sub-Saharan Africa. Increasing access to high-quality LAPM services will ensure that women and men can choose from a balanced mix of contraceptive methods and fulfill their reproductive intentions. FHI [Family Health International] has developed a set of eight advocacy briefs on the benefits of LAPMs and the rationale for introducing or revitalizing them within national reproductive health and family planning programs. These briefs will inform policy-makers, program managers, and donors committed to evidence-based policies and programs that respond to people's changing reproductive needs. They will also provide diverse stakeholders with ideas on how to improve and expand LAPM provision within their communities.

• Brief 1: The Case for Long-Acting and Permanent Methods
• Brief 2: The Benefits of Long-Acting and Permanent Methods for Individuals
• Brief 3: The Role of Long-Acting and Permanent Methods in National Programs
• Brief 4: Strategies to Improve Availability, Access, and Acceptability
• Brief 5: Contraceptive Implants: Safe, Effective, Long-Acting, Reversible
• Brief 6: IUDs: A Resurging Method
• Brief 7: Female Sterilization: The Most Popular Method of Modern Contraception
• Brief 8: Vasectomy: Safe, Convenient, Effective and Underutilized"