Using Technology to Improve Access to Contraceptive Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Knowledge For Change is a UK-Registered Charity working with the Knowledge Health and Place Research Group at the University of Salford to support health systems change in Uganda.

In 2018 K4C were asked by colleagues at the University of Cardiff to help to pilot the potential that a new microneedle-based hormonal contraceptive delivery system (known as a contraceptive patch) had in the reduction of unwanted pregnancies. Unmet need for family planning is very high in Uganda and responsible for many unwanted pregnancies and maternal deaths. Although certain forms of contraception are available, male partners play a key role in preventing access to them. The Patch presents opportunities for a minimally invasive, safe and, importantly, invisible form of contraception.

The K4C/Salford partnership supported the human-centred design approach of the Cardiff team enabling women, men and health workers to feedback their experiences and perspectives on proposed devices.

With funding from the Gates Foundation the product is now being refined for testing in pre-clinical trials. Further Details can be found at https://gatesopenresearch.org/articles/5-96/v2