Mikail Aliyu’s Role in Introducing Self-Injectable Contraceptive in Nigeria

Public health expert Mikail Aliyu is making a lasting impact on the nation’s reproductive healthcare. One of his most transformative achievements is the introduction of Nigeria’s first self-injectable contraceptive, DMPA-SC (also known as Sayana Press®).

This revolutionary advancement in family planning has empowered Nigerian women by giving them greater control over their reproductive health.

The introduction of the self-injectable contraceptive, a project supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Technical Support Unit, arrived at a critical juncture.

Many women, particularly in rural areas, had limited access to consistent family planning services due to logistical challenges and unmet needs.

Aliyu and his team worked closely with the Nigerian government to address these gaps and develop a scalable, accessible solution.

“The goal was to empower women by giving them the freedom to manage their reproductive health independently,” he added.

“Although we introduced it before the COVID-19 pandemic, it became even more essential during the pandemic when supply chains were disrupted and healthcare facilities were overburdened. DMPA-SC allowed women to take charge of their contraception through self-care.”

The DMPA-SC method is designed to be user-friendly, enabling women to administer the contraceptive at home without needing to visit a clinic regularly.

Aliyu’s team ensured that the product was accessible and free at government hospitals, ensuring it reached women across Nigeria.

The development process included extensive research, consultations with local healthcare workers, and input from Nigerian women themselves, which helped to tailor the solution to the country’s needs.

Beyond introducing the product, he played a critical role in developing policies to support its widespread adoption.

“One of our biggest challenges was creating policies that ensured safe and effective use of the contraceptive,” he explained.

“We worked closely with the government and local stakeholders to establish a framework that allowed women to access this option without barriers.”

Since its introduction, the adoption of DMPA-SC in Nigeria has grown significantly. In just three years, over 608,778 Nigerian women have embraced this contraceptive method, and demand continues to rise.

Health experts are lauding it as a game-changer in Nigeria’s efforts to improve reproductive health and family planning services.

Aliyu’s contributions extend beyond Nigeria, serving as a model for other African countries seeking to enhance their family planning programs.

His innovative approach—combining practical solutions with robust government policy—has paved the way for a future where more women across Africa have the resources and autonomy to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.