DKT International

This grant supports DKT International’s Francophone West/Central Africa program, which is increasing private sector availability of contraceptive and safe abortion technologies. These technologies and products are sold at a significantly lower price than products currently on the market in Francophone West and Central Africa, increasing the range of products that women can buy. Because many women in the region do not have the resources to purchase contraceptives or safe abortion products in the private sector, DKT’s program also works with governments to improve the supply of similar products in the public sector. This grant is centrally aligned with the Global Reproductive Equity strategy.

DKT has recently decided to start a program in Nigeria, where the current low level of use of family planning products has remained unchanged for more than ten years. The products will be distributed primarily through commercial channels and promoted widely using mass media and promotional activities in the community. DKT is investing $1 million of its own resources to start the Nigeria program; Hewlett funds will extend the reach of this program and help DKT attract other donor funding. This project grant reflects the Global Development and Population Program’s new emphasis on increasing the use of family planning services in countries such as Nigeria, where the current rate of use has recently stalled or plateaued.

One of the most effective strategies to increase the adoption of family planning in the developing world has been to market and sell family planning products through traditional commercial channels rather than only providing them at clinics. This grant would allow DKT International, one of the largest private providers of family planning products and services globally, to continue to expand social marketing of contraceptives; social franchising of family planning and reproductive health services; and marketing of long-term methods to doctors, nurses, midwives, and consumers.