13 - Cabbages and Condoms: Packaging and Channels of Distribution

Abstract

Contraception is only rarely a therapy for disease. Usually, contraceptives help adults implement informed choices. Therefore, wider channels of distribution and promotion are possible and necessary than in the case of curative therapies. The more channels of distribution that are available for the same method of contraception, the higher the prevalence of use. Establishing new channels of distribution can be as important as developing new methods of contraception. Family planning is an important element in public health, and active promotion enhances the health of individuals and physicians. Other health professionals need to understand the role of non-medical skills and channels of contraceptive distribution.Preventive services, such as family planning, require wider channels of distribution and promotion than curative therapies. The more channels of distribution that are available for a contraceptive method, the higher the prevalence of use. The feedback that retail and social marketing can provide allow systems to be put into place that respond to consumer needs without offending societal traditions. Major innovations in condom promotion has revolved around packaging. It is useful to develop channels of distribution that supply contraceptives both to the user and the partner. To make an old method available through a new channel can be as useful as inventing a new contraceptive method. Often, the community-based distribution of contraceptives is the 1st element in the provision of primary health care. Continuous attention should be given to maximizing channels of contraceptive distribution and seeking numerous alternate ways of approaching the same fundamental goal. At all times, however, the user should be informed of the risks and benefits of a given method.