APC at the Global Health Mini-University 2015

January 26, 2015

The Global Health Mini-University (Mini-U) is an annual learning forum for professionals and students highlighting best practices and new innovations in global health. This year, the Mini-U will be held on Monday, March 2, 2015 at George Washington University's Cloyd Heck Marvin Center in Washington, DC.

FHI 360's John Stanback will be presenting on the provision of injectable contraceptives in drug shops in his session: "Injected with Controversy: Injectable Contraceptives in Drug Shops." Drug shops are widely accessible and support a sustainable market for health products, including contraceptives.  Drug shop operators sometimes sell, and even provide, the injectable contraceptive Depo Provera (DMPA). This session builds on APC's work focused on utilizing drug shops to increase access to injectables. While this method increases the availabilty of this long-term contraceptive, some regulators are concerned that lack of oversight may lead to poor quality of care and unsafe practices. This session will examine the available evidence.

FHI 360’s Marta Pirzadeh will be presenting on “Faith and Family Planning: What’s The Connection?” with APC grantee, Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH). Although real conflict can exist between family planning and faith —there is common ground. Many faith based organizations (FBOs) have a long tradition of international development work, particularly in health. FBOs own and operate 30 to 70 percent of health facilities in some African countries. They train health workers, especially nurses and midwives, and offer services in hard-to-reach areas. Through a holistic health model, FBOs provide key family planning services, awareness and advocacy. This presentation will introduce the role that faith-based organizations can play in family planning efforts, at both a global and local level. An engaging quiz-style activity will be used to guide the discussion on key facts related to faith and family planning.