“If a person falls ill or has a problem here in Ghana, the first point of call will be with a traditional healer, then a chemical seller (licensed drug store), then a pharmacy and only then a health clinic,” says Faustina from Marie Stopes International (MSI) Ghana. “The same chain applies if a woman falls pregnant. Therefore in order to reach the most people we must bring our services to the doorsteps of our clients.”
MSI launched its BlueStar franchising scheme in Ghana this March to widen access to safe abortion services. This scheme uses existing private providers to give quality sexual and reproductive health services. They now have over 100 franchises as part of their network.
As a franchisee, a provider receives training in areas such as family planning and counselling and can also purchase family planning products at subsidised rates. Facilities are refurbished and branded with the BlueStar logo. They are then promoted to clients to assist them in quality services. Because of this branding, franchisees’ income can go up by over 500 GHC (£250) a month.