Women in Grenada can now access a broader range of contraceptive services at the community level, including extended contraceptive coverage of up to 10 years.
This is a result of the certification of 10 district nurses in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs).
The Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs, led the certification programme funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Build Back Equal Project and administered by the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
Adhering to the protocols set by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), this initiative marks a significant advancement in reproductive health services across the island. Consultant Dr Mark Hathaway and Rudolfo Gomez Ponce de Leon were instrumental in designing the certification programme, which was facilitated by Dr N’Kosha Fletcher, General Practitioner, and Nurse Lynthia Buckmire, Midwife with the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association.
To achieve certification, each nurse completed a rigorous programme that included 2 practical sessions on the insertion of 10 IUDs and 10 Jadelle implants, as well as 2 PAHO online courses. The first practical session was held in June 2024, with a refresher session on 12 September 2025.
To date, 227 women have already benefitted directly from this initiative, highlighting its immediate impact on the community. In addition, 4 new healthcare providers have commenced their training and are expected to complete their practical components within the next 3 months, thereby expanding the team of experts available to serve the community.
For further information, please contact Grenada Planned Parenthood Association on 473-440-3341, WhatsApp: 473-403-3341 or [email protected]. Note that all calls and referrals will be handled confidentially.
GPPA