BACKGROUND: Private sector distribution channels play a huge role in the provision of preventive healthcare services globally. The channels have promoted access to HIVST by hard-to-reach population as well as promote sustainable programs. Much is yet to be done to accelerate the sale of HIVST kits in the private sector as implementors have strategized on how to reach clients reached with HIVST. PS Kenya utilized pharmacy activations to accelerate uptake of HIVST kits in Kisumu and Nairobi in November 2022. We assessed the effectiveness of activations in creating demand for HIVST kits.
DESCRIPTION: 25 Goodlife pharmacies were mapped (Nairobi19 and Kisumu 6).11 sale promotion agents were oriented to conduct in store activations for seven days. The agents were deployed to the pharmacy to speak to clients on the importance of HIVST, types of HIVST kits available and their use. The pharmacies were stocked with Information and educational materials to sensitize clients on the need for HIV testing. Agents mobilized clients within the pharmacy vicinity and provided t-shirts to clients who bought HIVST kits. Agents spoke to clients one-on-one or in groups to enables in-depth education of clients on HIVST kits use. The clients were encouraged to purchase other Sexual and Reproductive Health products alongside HIVST kits.
LESSONS LEARNED: A total of 365 customers we engaged in Kisumu and 49 kits were sold while 368 customers were engaged and 62 Kits sold in Nairobi. 111 Quality Assured (QA) Kits were sold during activations depicting increased clients’ awareness of availability of HIVST kits at pharmacies. Pitch and demonstrate usage of HIVST to customers provoked the need for testing. Leveraging on merchandise was received well and alleviate sell of QA kits. Price influenced consumer buying behaviors and preferences for the kit where majority preferred QA.70% of Nairobi customers talked to were willing to purchase kits anonymously from online platforms whereas 90% in Kisumu preferred buying from a pharmacy. 60% of the clients bought SRH product alongside HIVST kits for double prevention.
CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacy activations are effective approach to increasing awareness on pharmacies that stock the kits and subsequently increase sale.

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