PSP-One Partnership Launches Locon-F, an Affordable Oral Contraceptive Brand in Nigeria

On January 27, 2009, the Abt Associates-led PSP-One project in Nigeria launched the oral contraceptive (OC) Locon-F in Lagos, Nigeria. This event was the culmination of PSP-One’s efforts to broker a unique partnership between Famy Care Ltd., a manufacturer of generic contraceptives based in India, and the Society for Family Health (SFH), a Nigerian non-governmental non-profit social marketing organization. The goal of this effort was to introduce a new affordable, yet commercially viable OC brand on the Nigerian market. PSP-One provided funding for initial market research and marketing support for the new brand, and Population Services International (PSI) helped create a revolving fund for future product orders.

As in many other sub-Saharan African countries, subsidized social marketing products and free commodities provided in public clinics constitute the bulk of contraceptive supply in Nigeria. Because it is priced affordably and self-sustained, Locon-F is a first step toward improving the country’s contraceptive security and reducing its dependence on donated commodities. The launch of Locon-F also provides Nigerians with a new contraceptive option because it is a very-low dose formulation that was not previously available on the market.

The Locon-F launch was well attended. Special guests included the Deputy Director of USAID/ Nigeria, Ms. Mikaela Meredith, representatives of the Honourable Minister of Health and Lagos State Commissioner of Health. Also in attendance were healthcare providers, members of professional associations such as Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners in Nigeria (AGPMPN), Community Pharmacist Association, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) among others. After the opening remarks, made by several dignitaries, and the unveiling of the product performed by the Permanent Secretary of Health, Dr. Agbe Davies on behalf of Lagos State Commissioner of Health, PSP-One Chief of Party, Ayodele Iroko gave a presentation on PSP-One’s activities in Nigeria. This was followed by a discussion on Locon-F in which participants had a chance to ask SFH questions about the product, including its price, usage and side effects.