By Chioma Obinna

The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Society for Family Health (SFH), has pioneered an initiative to expand access to family planning through online pharmacies for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system in the country.

At the dissemination of findings from the E-Pharmacy for Family Planning Project (ePharma4FP) in Lagos, stakeholders highlighted how technology is reshaping health-seeking behaviours, bridging gaps in access, and strengthening reproductive health outcomes in the state.

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the ePharma4FP initiative is implemented by a consortium led by SFH,  alongside Busara Centre for Behavioural Economics, HealthPlus Pharmacy, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation, PSNF.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi said: “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 that have too often stood in the way of progress.”

She noted that the ePharma4FP pilot, conducted in Lagos, has laid the foundation for a more scalable and user-friendly healthcare experience

“This project has demonstrated potential. But scaling it across Nigeria will require support from state governments and other donors. If it works in Lagos, it can work in Abuja, Port Harcourt, or even Katsina. We hope this model is replicated nationwide.”

Speaking, Chief of Party for the ePharma4FP Project at SFH, Dr. Uchenna Okafor emphasised the project’s comprehensive approach, including policy advocacy, service integration, and innovations tailored for underserved communities.

“We’ve built a system that not only delivers family planning services through trusted e-pharmacy platforms but also works to ensure digital inclusion. We’re currently piloting USSD and IVR models that allow people with basic phones—without internet access—to benefit from digital health,” she said.

“We’ve also worked closely with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, and the Federal Ministry of Health to update outdated policies and address regulatory gaps that hamper safe digital service delivery.”

Okafor noted that many Nigerians delay seeking care due to hospital wait times, but digital platforms offer a faster, more discreet alternative.

“We found that many women already have the intention to use contraceptives—they just don’t know where to go or don’t trust the process. But with a little digital nudge and assurance of confidentiality, they take action.”

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director, Strategy and Growth at SFH, underlined the critical need for medical record continuity and public awareness about digital safety.

 “A major gap is the fragmentation of patient records. When someone receives treatment at a pharmacy and later visits a hospital, they shouldn’t have to start from scratch. Medical data must be portable. Lagos State is actively working on digital health integration to solve this.”

She cautioned Nigerians about the dangers of patronising unverified online pharmacies.

“Digital health is not just about access—it’s about quality. Citizens must be vigilant. Don’t just Google a drug and order from the first link. Use verified e-pharmacies like HealthPlus, MedPlus, or SFH Access. Always check for PCN registration and website security features to protect your data.”

She also noted PCN’s recent crackdown on digital quackery, including collaboration with Interpol to shut down illegal online vendors.

“The government must protect citizens, but users also have a role to play in protecting themselves. Don’t hand your health over to a stranger online.”

She called for expansion and sustainability through state adoption and further donor investment.

 “We’re hoping that Lagos and other states will take the lead in scaling this initiative,” I said. “What we’ve built is replicable and deeply needed—especially in a country where over 46 million women of reproductive age still face access challenges.”

She stated that the project’s outcomes also reflected the growing shift in health-seeking behaviour among Lagosians.

“People want convenience. Long queues and inaccessible clinics discourage care. But with e-pharmacy, the care comes to them—securely, conveniently, and affordably.”

The Digital Shift: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Access and Delivery Through E-Pharmacies”, the event showcased how Lagos is utilising digital platforms to improve access to contraceptives and essential reproductive health commodities—described by Ogunyemi as a fundamental right that empowers women, supports families, and strengthens communities.” The Chief of Party for the ePharma4FP Project at SFH, also explained that the project has already conducted implementation research in Lagos