To better understand the barriers and opportunities to expand the use of long acting contraceptive methods, SMC organized a number of evidence-based management workshops with doctors in SMC’s LARC network from Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet Areas during the quarter. The purpose of the meeting was to review program performance, share best practices and agree on way forward.

A discussion held on Evidence Based Medicine (EBM), myths and misconception about LARC, worldwide user rate of IUD & Implant, especially in Muslim countries, reasons for low user rate of Long Acting methods and possible strategies to improve use. The discussion was followed by a question-answer session. Professor Farhana Dewan, General Secretary, Obstetric and Gynecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) and Professor Shamsun Nahar, Member, OGSB addressed the question-answer session. Managing Director of SMC Enterprise Limited Md. Ali Reza Khan and General Manager, Program Mr. Toslim Uddin Khan were also present at the workshops.

The providers agreed that both IUD and Implants had huge potential for growth if they were properly promoted by the providers and through the media.The providers also needed to gain confidence in identifying the right clients and managing side effects, they opined. The current President of OGSB Professor Rowshan Ara Begum and former President Professor Latifa Shamsuddin attended the workshop held in Dhaka.