Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Lagos, Nigeria – The Society for Family Health (SFH), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and Lagos State Ministry of Health, has unveiled a revolutionary digital pharmacy model designed to expand access to family planning services across Nigeria. The announcement came during a high-profile dissemination meeting at the BON Hotel, Ikeja, showcasing results from the three-year ePharma4FP Project.
The initiative combines digital tools with community pharmacy networks to enhance accessibility, confidentiality, and convenience for women—particularly those in underserved communities. According to project data, the model has prevented over 3,300 unintended pregnancies and averted more than 7,400 Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) since inception.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, described the project as “a defining moment for digital healthcare in Lagos State” and said it effectively tackled long waiting times, stock-outs, privacy challenges, and geographic barriers. She also highlighted key system-strengthening achievements, including the approval of Nigeria’s first National ePharmacy Policy and the near completion of the Lagos State Digital Family Planning HMIS, calling them decisive steps toward a “client-centered, technology-enabled health ecosystem.”
Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director of SFH, emphasized the project’s wider significance, saying, “Digital technology, when paired with community pharmacies, can meaningfully expand access to quality family planning information and services. This project serves as a model for future reproductive health interventions across the country.”
The project also introduced inclusive access mechanisms, including USSD and IVR platforms, ensuring women without smartphones or internet access could benefit from the services. Dr. Folashade Oludara, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, noted that the initiative significantly reduced distance and stigma barriers while strengthening linkages between pharmacies, PPMVs, and digital platforms.
The dissemination marked the official presentation of project findings to the Lagos State Government and included discussions on national scale-up, regulatory frameworks, and digital integration into healthcare services. Dr. Faith Eromon of the PSN Foundation added, “The national ePharmacy Policy…will serve as a pillar for scaling digital pharmacy services and harmonising practices nationwide.”
Experts agreed that the initiative demonstrates the potential of digital transformation to achieve equitable, confidential, and client-centered family planning, paving the way for a broader national adoption of technology-driven healthcare services.
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