Project Title: Optimizing the Pharmacy Channel (OPC) for Expanded Family Planning Access in Kenya

Background

Expanding access to high-quality family planning (FP) services remains a priority for Kenya. While most women currently obtain contraceptives from public health facilities, private retail pharmacies are often the first point of contact for primary health care and represent an underutilized channel for delivering FP services. However, systemic barriers—such as limited provider training, weak regulatory implementation, low public awareness, poor referral systems, and inadequate data reporting—restrict pharmacies from offering a broader range of contraceptive options. 

The Optimizing the Pharmacy Channel (OPC) project seeks to address these barriers and strengthen the role of pharmacies in expanding access to modern contraceptive methods, including implants and self-care options. The project builds on earlier implementation research (Market Test) funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which identified key ecosystem gaps preventing pharmacies from effectively delivering FP services.