Family planning and comprehensive abortion care are part of primary health care, and availability of these services is critical for achieving universal health coverage. Yet, many people around the world lack access to these services, and even when they are available, they are not always accessible, effective and respectful.

Competent health workers play a crucial role in bridging this gap. However, in many countries, health care providers lack the relevant skills and knowledge to be able to provide evidence-based as well as person-centred services in these critical areas. 

This is why WHO has developed the Family planning and comprehensive abortion care toolkit for the primary health care workforce, which outlines key competencies for health workers, as well as guidance on how to develop programmes and curricula for their education and training. 

It has been released following updates to WHO’s landmark family planning handbook and recommendations on abortion care. The Toolkit is one of several resources planned to help countries implement these important guidelines for women’s health.

Health care providers need to know practically how to perform specific clinical interventions, such as how to insert and remove contraceptive implants, or how to provide a medical abortion. But they also need strong communications, decision-making and partnership skills, so that they are equipped to actively listen to patients and convey information effectively, while always placing the individual at the centre of their practice.

How health workers behave and perform their tasks - and thus, how people perceive the care that they receive - is influenced by health workers’ feelings, values and beliefs. Effective, non-judgemental and person-centred care requires that health workers treat people with full respect for human rights, as well as for the choices of the individuals seeking care.  

The new toolkit lists these attitudes, along with other values, that all health workers providing family planning and abortion services should strive towards. 

In 2023, WHO plans to publish a third component of the toolkit, supporting its implementation and dissemination, as well as monitoring and evaluation.