Strengthening systems to provide long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in public sector health facilities in Uganda and Zambia: Program results and learnings.

Introduction: In Uganda and Zambia, both supply- and demand-side factors hamper availability of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), including implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), at public sector facilities. This paper discusses results of a program aimed at increasing access to and uptake of LARC services in public sector facilities through capacity building of government health workers, strengthening government supply chains, and client mobilization.

Methods: From 2018-2021, the Ministries of Health (MOHs) in Uganda and Zambia and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) worked to increase readiness to provide LARC services within 51 focal facilities in Uganda and 85 focal facilities in Zambia.