"Ligne Verte” toll-free hotline: using cell phones to increase access to family planning information in the Democratic Republic of Congo

ABSTRACT :

In 2005, Population Services International launched the Ligne Verte toll-free family planning hotline in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of its the family planning program. This pilot pro- gram provides confidential, accurate family planning information, and refers potential users to the Confiance network of family plan- ning clinics and pharmacies. From 2005-2008, the Ligne Verte re- ceived greater than 80,000 calls, over 80% of which were from men. The hotline is an effective, low-cost intervention that can be easily replicated in even the most challenging settings. It is particularly effective tool for reaching men.