Modern contraceptive use continues to increase in most of the developing world. Because of the large numbers of young people in those countries, the number of women of reproductive age will continue to grow. This increase, combined with high levels of unmet need and an increased desire by people to plan their families, points to more demand for contraceptives. These increases will be particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa—where use remains low and unmet need is high—and where a significant portion of the project's work is in contraceptive security.
Increasing contraceptive security: The USAID | DELIVER PROJECT works to increase contraceptive security in the developing world by strengthening in-country supply chains, advocating globally and regionally, and improving how we provide commodities to programs.
Contraceptive security exists when all people are able to choose, obtain, and use the quality contraceptives they need when and where they need them. Choice implies that a range of suitable family planning methods should be available. To access the 2007 (most current) WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, click on the following URL: http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/en/index.html.
The WHO list includes oral hormonal contraceptive tablets (including tablets for emergency contraception), injectable hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, barrier methods (condoms and diaphragms), and hormonal implants. Many countries include most, if not all, of these methods on their National Lists.
Supplying commodities: Contraceptives alone do not ensure contraceptive security. For a number of methods, other supplies are needed, including instruments and consumables. For a sample list of supplies needed for long-acting and permanent methods, click on the following URL: http://www.engenderhealth.org/files/pubs/family-planning/LAPM-Equipment-List.pdf.
Strengthening in-country supply chains: The project's core work is to strengthen in-country supply chains that deliver family planning commodities and other essential medicines. For background information on logistics, click on the following URL: http://deliver.jsi.com/dhome/topics/supplychain.
Supporting the supply of USAID contraceptives : The USAID | DELIVER PROJECT supports USAID's procurement of injectables, condoms, and hormonal implants; we directly procure oral contraceptives, male and female condoms, implants, IUDs, and cycle beads on USAID's behalf. In addition, the project provides procurement technical assistance to countries undertaking their own procurement, often sharing best practices adopted by countries in the same region facing similar challenges.
Acting at the global level: Contraceptive security also requires action at the global level. The project is a member of and provides technical assistance to the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, a global partnership of public, private, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to ensuring that all people in low- and middle-income (LMI) countries can access and use affordable, high-quality supplies to ensure their better reproductive health. For more information, click on the following URL: http://www.rhsupplies.org/.
