Reverse innovation – South to North learnings in the provision of postpartum contraception: implementation in a high-income setting

Abstract

This article outlines a unique example of reverse innovation. Lessons from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) shaped healthcare practices in a high-income setting. We describe how the FIGO Postpartum Intrauterine Device Initiative, implemented across six LMICs, informed the development of a postpartum contraception program in a UK-based NHS trust. Despite the well-documented benefits of postpartum family planning (PPFP), implementing dedicated PPFP services in the UK has been challenging due to fragmented healthcare funding and cross service integration barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need for adaptation, providing a unique opportunity to rapidly establish a comprehensive local PPFP service. We outline how strategies from LMICs - including task-sharing, provider training, and policy advocacy - were directly applied to overcome these barriers and drive successful implementation. This case study highlights the potential of South-to-North knowledge transfer in driving healthcare innovation, improving contraceptive access, and underscores the importance of global collaboration and adaptive learning in reproductive healthcare.