In urban settings like Mombasa County, Kenya, pharmacies often serve as the first and most trusted point of care for many seeking quick, confidential, and affordable health services. For youth, men, and even women who are hesitant to visit public facilities due to stigma or long wait times, pharmacies offer a safe and convenient access point, especially for family planning (FP) services.
Despite their wide reach, pharmacies had long been left out of public health strategies. They lacked access to government-supplied FP commodities, received no formal training on modern methods, were excluded from performance monitoring systems, and were invisible in national data. This led to missed opportunities to expand equitable access to FP services, particularly in underserved urban areas.
Recognizing this gap, Mombasa with support from The Challenge Initiative (TCI) launched a pioneering effort to formally engage private pharmacies in the FP ecosystem. The result is a transformative partnership that is increasing access, building provider capacity, and improving health data visibility across the county.
Building Capacity and Strengthening Systems
Through TCI’s high-impact practices and other interventions (HIPs & HIIs), the Department of Health selected more than 60 pharmacies based on specific criteria. These pharmacies received comprehensive training in FP counseling, the administration of short-acting methods such as pills and injectables, proper documentation, and client referral pathways. They were also linked with nearby public health facilities to ensure consistent data integration into the national Health Management Information System.
A pharmacist in Likoni shared:
Before the training, we had no idea we could contribute to national health data. Now we submit monthly reports – and because of that, we receive safety boxes, incineration support, and other incentives. It’s a win-win.”
The engagement fostered trust and built a strong referral and data-sharing system between public facilities and pharmacies, ensuring coordinated and client-centered service delivery.
To help pharmacies transition into the formal reporting ecosystem, Subcounty Reproductive Health Coordinators and Pharmacists mentored pharmacy staff on how to use Ministry of Health (MOH) tools and systems.
David Mwangi, Reproductive Health Coordinator, said:
We walked with them step-by-step – on how to fill FP registers, complete the MOH 711A form, and report into DHIS2. Their enthusiasm and quick uptake were impressive.”
Pharmacist Amina Noor added:
We always wanted to do more for our clients but lacked the right information and tools. The coaching helped us realize just how much impact we could have beyond dispensing.”
Data-Driven Results and Sustainable Impact
One of the most significant shifts has been in data use for decision-making. For the first time, Mombasa County can track FP service provision across both public and private sectors, identify stock gaps, and understand client preferences in real time.
The County Pharmacist noted:
This data has allowed us to spot trends and target support where it’s needed most. When we saw rising demand for injectables at pharmacies, we prioritized those sites for quality supervision.”
Pharmacy-generated FP data is now included in county review meetings, promoting transparency and accountability across the board.
Since the partnership began:
- Over 30 pharmacies are now reporting regularly through public link facilities, enhancing data accuracy.
- Over 60 pharmacies continue to offer short-acting FP methods, improving access for youth and time-constrained clients.
- A 12% increase in uptake of short-acting FP methods has been observed in urban informal settlements, historically underserved areas.
What began as a pilot with just 10 pharmacies has grown into a scalable and sustainable model. With ongoing mentorship, joint supervision, and data use embedded in performance monitoring, the pharmacy partnership remains strong, even as TCI transitions out.
By institutionalizing this approach, Mombasa County has not only expanded FP access but also strengthened local ownership and sustainability. This lays the foundation for continued success.
The Mombasa pharmacy initiative is a powerful example of what’s possible when the private sector is empowered, data is prioritized, and service delivery is truly client-centered. As Kenya and other nations strive to meet their FP2030 commitments, this model offers valuable lessons in leveraging existing systems to drive lasting impact.
