Nigeria Gets Affordable Self-Inject Birth Control Option

Millions of Nigerian women just gained access to an affordable birth control option they can use at home, without a clinic visit.

VIYA Health Nigeria and Incepta Pharmaceuticals met with the Federal Ministry of Health in April 2026 to expand access to a newly approved contraceptive shot. The product, called DMPA-SC, is the first generic version of a self-injectable birth control method to earn World Health Organization approval.

The approval breaks a decade-long monopoly that kept prices high and access limited. VIYA Health now serves as the exclusive distributor across Nigeria, Ghana, and other African markets, bringing the affordable option to both public health centers and private pharmacies.

The timing couldn't be better for Nigeria's health goals. Dr. Oyeniyi, representing the Director of Family Health, noted that Nigeria aims to reach a 27% modern contraceptive use rate by 2030. This new product directly supports that national target while giving women more control over their reproductive choices.

What makes DMPA-SC special is its simplicity. Women can inject it themselves at home every three months, eliminating the need for repeated clinic visits. The discretion and convenience matter especially in communities where accessing family planning services carries stigma.

Billy Shoaga, Business Lead at VIYA Health, explained the dual strategy: Medogen SubQ will serve public health facilities, while Meuri-SubQ will be available through private providers. Both products are identical and WHO-approved, ensuring quality regardless of where women access care.

The Ripple Effect

Better access to family planning creates waves of positive change beyond individual health. When women can plan their pregnancies, they're more likely to complete their education, build careers, and lift their families out of poverty. Maternal health improves when pregnancies are planned and spaced appropriately.

VIYA Health isn't just dropping off products and walking away. The organization is training healthcare providers across federal and state health systems to properly integrate the new contraceptive into existing programs. This knowledge-sharing strengthens Nigeria's entire family planning infrastructure for the long term.

The Children's Investment Fund Foundation and Gates Foundation supported the product's development, recognizing that affordable contraception is fundamental to women's empowerment. Their backing helped bring the generic version through rigorous WHO safety and effectiveness testing.

This partnership proves that private companies, international foundations, and government can collaborate effectively on public health challenges. Together, they're building a system where millions more Nigerian women can own their health decisions and unlock their full potential.