The Optimizing Pharmacy Channel (OPC) Project.\
The Optimizing Pharmacy Channel (OPC) Project is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the delivery and accessibility of family planning (FP) services through private pharmacies in Kenya. Spearheaded by the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) in collaboration with the inSupply Health, the project focuses on empowering pharmacies as critical points of contact for provision of family planning services in Kenya. The project, which began in October 2023 is expected to run until March 2027, focuses on pharmacies owned by members of the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association.
Project Goal:
To increase access to an expanded and quality FP method choice, including implants, for women and girls through a strengthened pharmacy channel in Kenya by 2027.
Key Primary Objectives of the Project
Optimized pharmacy channel to provide quality FP services and an expanded method choice and promote self-care.
Evidence generated on feasibility and acceptability of implant provision by pharmacies in Kenya.
Strengthened policy and regulatory environment to enable an expanded and quality FP method choice provision, including implants, at pharmacies in Kenya.
Increased number of women and girls accessing and continuing quality self-care & FP products and services from pharmacies.
Project Achievements
Since its inception, the OPC Project has:
Trained over 150 Pharmaceutical technologists on the 5 day MOH Curriculum to become trusted providers of FP services.
Issued certificates of completion to all the trained providers from MOH.
Conducted Technical Assistance on all the trained providers with a goal of issuance of Accreditation certificates from the MOH.
Trained over 10 Trainers (TOTs) on family planning from across 10 counties representing various branches of KPA.
Issued certificates of competency; an accreditation for over 150 pharmacies as certified channels for provision of family planning services.
Participation and submission of KPA inputs on various FP Policies being revised which is geared towards strengthening the FP Policy environment in Kenya.
Conducted an organizational capacity assessment on KPA with a goal to improve the Association’s operations and structures.
Linked participating pharmacies with local health facilities for client referrals and Medical waste disposal.
Linked participating pharmacies with CHPs as a demand generation strategy to increase client footfall.
Participation in development of Technical Assistance tool, pretest and validation of the tool to ensure service delivery standards are met.
Future Outlook
As we look ahead, the OPC Project aims to build on its successes by exploring additional areas for healthcare improvement within the pharmacy sector. This includes leveraging technology and expanding partnerships to address emerging healthcare needs.
Why OPC Matters
The OPC Project underscores the vital role pharmacies play in Kenya’s healthcare system not only in family planning but overally. By optimizing their operations and equipping them to provide FP services, we bring Kenya closer to achieving universal health coverage and improving public health outcomes.
For more information or to get involved in the OPC Project, please contact us via email; info@kpanairobi.com or Phone No. 0727 300 245.
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