Donation of Contraceptive Products through Special Import Permits: A Case Study in Zambia and Nigeria

Introduction: Securing a special import permit for the donation of an unregistered contraceptive product can be a viable option to import the product in an expedited manner. However, this process can be difficult due to varying country requirements and the availability of accurate and timely information. Case description: This paper will explore the process for securing import permits for donated contraceptive products in Zambia and Nigeria, comparing national guidelines to applicant experiences and providing recommendations to future applicants. Discussion and evaluation: In practice, application requirements and timelines for special import permits in Zambia and Nigeria differed from national guidelines. Despite these differences, special import permits can be secured more quickly than formal product registration, which is a slower but more sustainable solution. Conclusion: Due to a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date guidelines online for some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the regulatory community is encouraged to share their experiences with special import permit application processes.

Contraceptive Methods

The prevention of pregnancy remains an important part of the practice of medicine. Contraception can occur at a number of points in the basic reproductive biological process and through a number of contraceptive product options. Pharmacists are health care providers appropriately positioned to assist patients in suitable contraceptive product selection based on their personal situations and lifestyles. This article provides an overview of available products for prevention of pregnancy and associated risks and benefits. Contraceptive products are categorized by their hormonal content and method of action. Hormonal options include oral contraceptive pills, contraceptive patch, implants, injection, intravaginal, and intrauterine devices. Barrier products prevent pregnancy by creating a physical obstacle to the successful fertilization of an egg by sperm. All products and methods are associated with benefits and potential complications that must be considered as patients, and health care providers select the most satisfactory option.

Femidom – a condom for women

Femidom, a condom which offers women a new method of barrier contraception, is now available in the UK. It is promoted as “the first contraceptive product for women that provides protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases”.