ECP Handbook: Introducing and Mainstreaming the Provision of Emergency Contraceptive Pills in Developing Countries

This resource is a step-by-step guide to launching and scaling up access to Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) in diverse contexts.

The intended audience for this handbook includes reproductive health (RH) program managers and government and NGO policy makers. It can be used in countries where ECPs are not currently available,as well as in contexts where the intention is to expand or mainstream access to existing ECP services. The handbook:

• Recognizes the different needs of diverse segments of the population, and places additional emphasis on targeting ECP services to “special groups,” which include rape survivors and adolescents.
• Seeks to present an overall process that can be adapted to specific contexts and that is based on documented successful experiences in a range of contexts.
• Guides policymakers and program managers through the continuum of ECP programming: from needs assessments and operations research, to registration, to training, logistics, and ultimately
• mainstreaming through nationwide scaling-up.

The handbook contains four sections:

• Introduction and Background describes the existing situation of ECP programming around the globe.
• Addressing the Needs of Specific Populations describes programming approaches designed for specific populations.
• Introducing and Mainstreaming ECPs describes five chronological steps for making ECP programming an integral component of a national RH program.
• The Bibliography lists useful resources for ECP programming.

Last modified: July 23, 2021

Language: English