Coalition channels the next decade of SRH at European Development Days

Referencing two key reports, the CGA2019 and the Coalition’s upcoming report, Creating an Effective and Sustainable Ecosystem for RH Supplies by 2030, a panel of experts offered a peek into the year 2030, when there will be 569 million users of contraception – an increase of more than 82 million in a decade. Speaking to a packed room at European Development Days (EDD), Europe’s largest forum on development, the panel discussed how to head off the issues threatening the future of SRH: a declining donor resource base, increasing out-of-pocket expenditures, and increased inequalities.

Moderator RHSC Deputy Director Brian McKenna, opened with questions: “What would you do if you your pharmacy is stocked out of your prescription medicine? What choices would you have that others may not?” How can we make sure contraceptive users don’t find empty shelves?”

Last mile issues in access to contraception are the most challenging, Aminata Lenormand (RHSC-SECONAF), said. Products may arrive at central warehouses but women still face challenges accessing them. The Global Family Planning VAN aims to increase visibility throughout the supply chain, she explained.

Jillian Gedeon, co-founder and former Executive Director of the International Youth Alliance for Family Planning, spoke of the diverse barriers young people face to contraceptive access -- social, cultural, political, financial  -- that the community must tackle collectively. Where the maternal health burden is great, governments have a corresponding large deficit in terms of health financing, Temitayo Erogbogbo, Advocacy Director from Merck for Mothers, said.

A receptive audience asked several questions on declining donor commitments, access to abortion, and pro bono supplies.