Task sharing in family planning services: findings from 2023 WHO survey of 64 member states of Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia regions.

BACKGROUND

In 2023, the WHO surveyed 64 countries across Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia to assess task sharing in family planning (FP) services. The survey aimed to appraise national policies on family planning, task sharing, the availability of FP commodities, and special programmes for vulnerable groups.

METHODS

WHO Headquarters and Regional Offices designed a questionnaire administered via SurveyMonkey. Regional offices collected data from Ministry of Health officials. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the collected data.

RESULTS

A total of 64 out of 79 member states (81% response rate) participated in the WHO survey, revealing significant regional differences in the availability and task sharing of FP services. Countries in Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO) had higher prevalence of modern contraceptives (mCPR), while task sharing was more widespread in the Regional Office for Africa (AFRO). For example, 81% of AFRO countries had lay health workers, like community health workers, providing FP counselling, compared to just 30% in the Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO). Despite WHO recommendations, most countries had limited application of task sharing for oral and emergency contraceptives, and few reported the provision of injectable contraceptives by pharmacists or auxiliary nurses.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates regional variabilities in task sharing as well as the availability of opportunities for mainstreaming WHO recommendations on task sharing into practice to ensure access to family planning. This study provides evidence for programmes addressing policies that optimise the role of health workers in increasing access and successful delivery of FP services.

SHORT CONDENSATION

In 2023, WHO surveyed 64 countries across Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia to assess task sharing in family planning services. The survey revealed regional differences in task sharing and contraceptive availability, with higher task sharing in the Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) and higher contraceptive prevalence in Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO). The Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) was lagging most both in provision FP and in task sharing. Despite WHO guidelines, task sharing for certain methods remains limited, highlighting opportunities to improve access to family planning services.