Strides Pharma and Bangladesh’s Incepta Pharmaceuticals have teamed up to bring a WHO-prequalified generic version of DMPA-SC to African markets, offering a three-month injectable contraceptive called Medogen SubQ that aims to widen choice and make modern family planning easier to access. The medicine can be given by trained health workers and, after simple instruction, can also be self-administered, which helps women in places where clinics are far away or staff are limited. The World Health Organization’s approval followed development supported by global health donors, and health officials say a new prequalified supplier will reduce reliance on a single source and help health systems buy the drug at fairer prices. By creating more affordable options, the partnership hopes to reach people in underserved communities and support steady supply in countries that need reliable family planning tools. Company leaders say the move fits a practical strategy to build stronger local supply chains while working with partners on training, safety checks and distribution plans. For clinics, the product is easy to store and use, and for women it offers a discreet choice that lasts three months per dose, which can make planning simpler for busy families and for women who cannot visit health centres often. Health workers will receive training in safe injection and in teaching self-injection, so users can feel confident and supported when they manage their doses. The wider availability of a WHO-prequalified generic also helps health planners and charities stretch budgets and serve more people, and it encourages competition that can lower costs for public programmes. Strides, which sells medicines in many countries, and Incepta, which developed the product with backing from international foundations, said they will work with local partners in African nations to make sure supplies reach clinics and communities that need them most. Observers note that steps like this can improve choice, protect supplies from disruption, and create new jobs in distribution, training and clinic support. For families, the change could mean fewer gaps in access to contraception and more steady options that suit different lives. The partnership is an example of how global collaboration, quality checks, and clear training can help bring important medicines to more people, and it may encourage further moves to make health products more affordable and available in low resource settings. If the companies keep focusing on safety, plain instructions, and close work with local health systems, the new product should become a useful option in routine care and in outreach services that reach women where they live. Local training programmes, simple supply plans, and clear public information will help health workers and women use the new product safely while building trust and steady demand across different regions and communities and partners.
