Empowering Women: DMPA-SC Family Planning Now Accessible at Pharmacies in Kenya

In a major push to widen access to reproductive health services, Phillips Therapeutics Limited has led the rollout of DMPA-SC family planning in Kenya’s private pharmacies, making the self-injectable contraceptive more accessible to women across the country.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and key partners, builds on the Pharmacy and Poisons Board’s 2018 approval of DMPA-SC for self-injection and the Ministry’s 2020 endorsement of pharmacist training for injectable contraceptives.

Edward Serem Dr Edward Serem, Head of the Division of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health from the Ministry illustrated that this is a transformative development for women’s health.

He remarked that previously, DMPA-SC was only accessible within public facilities, however, now it will be available at licensed pharmacies.

“Health services need to be more accessible,” Serem added. “Women can now get the injection from their neighborhood pharmacy, instead of spending hours at hospitals.”

DMPA-SC provides three months of protection and requires only one shot to administer. It is best suited for women who desire discretion and convenience as it is easy to use.

Cletus Otieno of the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) pointed out that pharmacists are being educated to be more involved in patient care. “Our members are now offering both information and services,” he stated. “We’re assisting them transition from merely selling medicines to being proactive in supporting health.”

Otieno noted that KPA has also set up ethics policies and introduced training and mentorship initiatives such as the family planning champ.

Newton Siele, CEO of Phillips Therapeutics Kenya the distributor of DMPA-SC said the company has partnered with well-known chains such as Pharmalus, Goodlife, and Karaka. “Our goal is for every woman to access trusted care near her,” he said.

He also urged women to confirm they are being served by licensed pharmacies. “This protects them from counterfeit drugs, which are unfortunately common in the market,” Siele added.

Several other stakeholders were present at the launch, including PCEA Kenya (also known as PS on Avenue), along with development and advocacy organizations. These partners are supporting awareness campaigns and local training across Kenya.

Community pharmacies are also playing a key role. In counties like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, pharmacies are being equipped to monitor health, offer referrals, and support women’s long-term contraceptive needs.

Project teams are visiting pharmacies regularly to ensure quality care is maintained. With donor funding on the decline, this private-public partnership helps create a sustainable model for family planning in Kenya.

The rollout of DMPA-SC family planning in Kenya is expected to expand nationwide over the next five years.