Source: Chioma Obinna
In a groundbreaking effort to close the reproductive healthcare gap in Nigeria, the Lagos State Government and the Society for Family Health (SFH) have launched an innovative initiative to deliver family planning services via e-pharmacies, transforming the digital health landscape in the country.
The initiative, known as the ePharma4FP Project, aims to provide women of reproductive age with safe, private, and convenient access to contraceptives and reproductive health services through verified online pharmacy platforms. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project is spearheaded by SFH in collaboration with the Busara Centre for Behavioural Economics, HealthPlus Pharmacy, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation (PSNF).
Breaking Barriers with Technology
At the recent dissemination event in Lagos, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, emphasized the critical role of technology in shaping health access:
“We are living in an era where technology and data are reshaping every aspect of our lives—and healthcare is no exception. By enabling digital access to family planning services, e-pharmacies are breaking down geographical, social, and economic barriers.”
The project, piloted in Lagos, has laid the foundation for a scalable, user-friendly, and inclusive digital health model that could be replicated nationwide—from Katsina to Port Harcourt.
Reaching the Underserved
Dr. Uchenna Okafor, Chief of Party at SFH for the ePharma4FP Project, noted that the initiative prioritizes digital inclusion, ensuring that even Nigerians without internet access can benefit:
“We’re piloting USSD and IVR systems so that people with only basic phones can still access essential services. Inclusion is key.”
She also revealed how the team worked with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and Federal Ministry of Health to modernize outdated regulations and ensure safer digital health delivery.
“We’ve found that many women already want to use contraceptives—they just lack access or trust in the process. E-pharmacies give them a private and secure option.”
Ensuring Quality and Security
Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director, Strategy & Growth at SFH, raised important concerns about data security and quality of care:
“Medical data must be portable. When someone uses an e-pharmacy and later visits a hospital, they shouldn’t have to start from scratch. Lagos is already working on this integration.”
She warned against the dangers of buying from unverified digital vendors, advising users to only trust PCN-approved pharmacies such as HealthPlus, MedPlus, or SFH Access.
“Digital health isn’t just about access—it’s about safety. Don’t hand your health to a stranger online.”
A Shift in Health-Seeking Behavior
The event, titled “The Digital Shift: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Access and Delivery Through E-Pharmacies”, showcased how Lagosians are embracing digital tools for more convenient and accessible care.
“People want convenience. Long queues and inaccessible clinics discourage care. But with e-pharmacies, care comes to them—securely, affordably, and with dignity,” Dr. Okafor said.
With over 46 million Nigerian women of reproductive age still facing access barriers, SFH hopes this model will gain broader adoption across state governments and donor communities.
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