Accessible Contraceptive Implant Removal Services: An Essential Element of Quality Service Delivery and Scale-Up

Abstract

Use of contraceptive implants has surged in recent years, yet emerging data show a deficit of service delivery capacity and coverage for implant removals. The number of projected removals needed in the 69 FP2020 focus countries in 2018 (4.9–5.8 million) is more than twice that estimated for 2015 (2.2 million). We must proactively plan and execute high-quality implant removal services in order to fulfill the exceptional promise of implants in meeting client needs and advancing toward FP2020 goals.

FIGURE.

Number of Implants Procured by Year in the 69 FP2020 Focus Countries, 2005–2015, and Projected Number of Implant Removals, 2010–2019 Abbreviation: CYP, couple‐year of protection; FP2020, Family Planning 2020. * Scenario 1 assumes that each implant is used for its current CYP unit—2.5 years for Implanon, 3.2 years for Sino‐implant (II), and 3.8 years for Jadelle. Scenario 2 accounts for the possible shift in the approved length of effectiveness for Implanon, from 3 years to 5 years, which would change its CYP unit to 3.8 CYP. Source of data: RHInterchange.