FG approves self-injectable contraceptive for use

The Federal Government has approved Sayana Press injectable contraceptive for self-injection by users, a change which advocates hope will improve access to the product.

The United Kingdom has already approved self-injection. Other countries are considering doing the same.

A press release signed by the Country Director of DKT Nigeria, Dimos Sakellaridis, states that Sayana Press is the three-month progestin-only injectable contraceptive that combines the drug and needle in a Uniject injection system.

“It is small, light, easy-to-use, and requires minimal training, making it ideal for rural settings and community-based distribution efforts and, increasingly, for women to administer themselves,” the release states.

Since it was introduced in 2014, Sayana Press has been hailed as a “game-changer,” because of its ease of use and ability to be administered by lesser-skilled health professionals and now, even users themselves.

In 2014, DKT Nigeria became the first programme to commercially introduce Sayana Press through social marketing in Africa, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and in partnership with Pfizer.

DKT began distributing Sayana Press in seven southwestern states and has since expanded nationwide.

It is available through hospitals, clinics, maternity homes, pharmacies and “DKT Bees,” a team of community health workers trained to bring confidential counselling and family planning services to a woman’s doorstep.

The Bees operate in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Lagos.

It will take some time before self-injection is practiced in Nigeria, said Dimos Sakellaridis, country director of DKT Nigeria.

“The Federal Ministry of Health wants to coordinate the effort among all partners and stakeholders,” he said.

“In the short term, I do not see any significant changes on how we market and promote Sayana Press in Nigeria,” said Sakellaridis.

“However, the long-term benefit will be massive. Accessibility of Sayana Press will increase drastically and some of the product advantages, such as discretion, will be greatly appreciated by users.”