The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is set to introduce the world’s first contraceptive that can prevent pregnancy for up to eight years, starting in Kenya.
This new hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) releases progestin, a synthetic hormone, which thickens cervical mucus to block sperm and may also prevent ovulation. It is designed to be affordable, accessible, reversible, and low-maintenance, marking a significant advance in long-term family planning options.
Kenya will be among the first countries to receive this innovation, alongside Nigeria and India, as part of a broader initiative by the foundation backed by a $2.5 billion investment aimed at supporting women’s health and expanding contraceptive access in low- and middle-income countries.
The foundation’s efforts also include other contraceptive methods like a self-injectable option that enhances convenience and privacy. These initiatives seek to empower women with more reproductive autonomy and address barriers such as cost, accessibility, and social stigma.
The introduction of this IUD and other contraceptive technologies is especially important in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where unmet needs for family planning remain high and adolescent pregnancy and maternal mortality rates are significant concerns. By providing longer-lasting, affordable, and user-friendly options, the Gates Foundation aims to improve health outcomes, economic stability, and gender equality in these communities.
This contraceptive launch is part of the foundation’s comprehensive family planning program that focuses on expanding options and supporting women’s right to decide if and when to have children, aligned with their broader mission of advancing gender equality and health innovation globally.
