Uganda’s Resources to Finance Family Planning Commodities: Implications for a Total Market Approach

Author(s): Albert Kalangwa, Ventrine Marion Chelimo, Rose Nakandh

Year: 2018

Abstract:

Background: Uganda is in the initial stages of adopting a total market approach (TMA) as a sustainable way to finance national needs for family planning (FP) commodities. We assessed how in-country resources could mitigate financing shortages for FP commodities.

Method: Import data for FP commodities available at the National Drug Authority (NDA) of Uganda were analyzed to establish the financing trends for FP commodities in different sectors of the country for a three-year period (July–June 2013–2014, 2014–2015, and 2015–2016).

The need for FP commodities, the quantity of FP commodities distributed, and the proportion of FP commodities financed by the government, the private sector, and global financing mechanisms in Uganda per year were determined through a quantitative analysis of secondary data. The commercial value of FP commodities used in Uganda per year was computed using data obtained from the NDA, and market prices were obtained through retail audits. The TMA indicators that could be routinely reported in Uganda’s routine health information system (RHIS) were determined through key informant interviews (KIIs) targeting national-level stakeholders.

Findings: The universe of need (UON) increased from 2014 to 2016. The extent to which the UON was met by supplies available in-country was below one percent for all commodities, on average. The total quantity of male condoms and implants distributed in-country during the period 2014 to 2016 decreased and the quantity of intrauterine devices (IUDs), injectables, female condoms, emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), and combined oral pills increased. The commercial value of all FP commodities distributed in Uganda per year declined from United States dollar (US$)89,175,917 in 2013–2014 to US$81,112,086 in 2014–2015 and decreased further in 2015–2016 to US$21,128,815.