title: Expanding contraceptive choice in the developing world: lessons from the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Republic of Zambia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Women need different forms of contraception over their lifetime. In the developed world, they have access to some 20 different methods. In developing countries, only a few options are available. This paper focuses on four under-used methods: intrauterine devices, implants, emergency contraception and female condoms. It examines reasons for their low uptake, strategies used for their adoption, and challenges in sustaining these efforts, in two countries: Laos and Zambia.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-country documentation and reports from international partners were reviewed; questionnaires were sent and interviews carried out with ministry officials, senior providers, and local representatives of international organisations and international non-governmental organisations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In Laos, the family planning programme is relatively young; its challenges include ensuring the sustainability of services and supplies, improving the quality of IEC to dispel misconceptions surrounding contraception, and developing novel distribution systems to reach rural populations. Zambia has a much older programme, which lost ground in the face of competing health priorities. Its challenges include strengthening the supply chain management, coordinating the multiple groups of providers and ensuring the sustainability of services in rural areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The contrast offered by Laos and Zambia illustrates the importance of regular evaluation to identify priority areas for improving contraceptive delivery.
authors: * Independent Consultant , France.
authors: Catherine M
authors: CM
authors: d'Arcangues
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Ba-Thike
authors: Lale
authors: L
authors: Say
mesh_terms: D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007812:Laos; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015024:Zambia