tfho‑RESEARCH conducted a nationwide retail audit to assess the availability, pricing, and brand diversity of key SRH commodities across private‑sector outlets in Ghana. Data from over 3,800 pharmacies, OTCMS, modern trade outlets, and corner shops showed significant variation in product presence and costs. The findings highlight the vital role of private retailers and social marketing organizations in expanding access where public facilities face limitations. This evidence strengthens strategic planning and coordination efforts to ensure continuous nationwide access to essential SRH products.
Summary
tfho RESEARCH, with funding from the USAID-funded Health Marketing Activity and Social Marketing and Private Sector Activity, conducted a nationwide retail audit to assess the availability and price of essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) commodities in the private sector. The audit focused on products such as sanitary pads, umbilical cord care items, a broad mix of contraceptives (condoms, oral pills, IUDs, implants, injectables), and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) with zinc. Data were collected from multiple private sector retail channels—including pharmacies, over the counter medicine sellers (OTCMS), modern trade outlets, and corner shops—to determine product availability, brand diversity, and pricing.
The data was collected from 19th February 2024 to 10th March 2024, from 120 districts across the 16 regions. Data were collected from 899 Pharmacies, 695 Modern Trade outlets, 1,192 corner shops, and 1,113 OTCMS.
The findings are particularly significant because pharmacies, OTCMS, and other private retailers play an increasingly important role in supplementing public sector health service delivery. These outlets often serve as the first point of access for many consumers, especially in communities where public facilities experience stock outs or geographic limitations. Their participation expands reach, enhances convenience, and increases method choice for clients seeking SRH and child health commodities.
Moreover, social marketing organizations rely heavily on private retail networks to distribute affordable, high quality health products and drive demand for essential commodities. Strengthening the private sector supply landscape—through improved visibility of market gaps, pricing dynamics, and brand competition—enables these organizations to plan more effectively, target interventions, and ensure sustainable product availability.
Overall, the audit has generated critical evidence to support strategic planning, enhance coordination between public and private actors, and reinforce the indispensable contribution of pharmacies, social marketing organizations, and the broader private sector in ensuring continuous access to essential SRH commodities nationwide.