UN Reports Contraceptive Donations Down Worldwide

Donor contributions for contraceptives and condoms for HIV prevention amounted to $223 million in 2007—a mere 5 per cent increase over the 2006 total of $212 million, according to a report from the United Nations Population Fund. This is despite a growing unmet need for such supplies, as more couples use modern methods of contraception and world population continues to increase. The report shows that funding for these supplies has virtually stagnated since 2001, when it peaked at $224 million.

According to the United Nations, globally some 200 million women have an unmet need for effective family planning. Furthermore, the number of contraceptive users is projected to rise by over 25 per cent between 2000 and 2015. Without concerted national and international efforts millions may not be able to exercise their reproductive health choices.

The analysis shows a sixfold increase in donor investments in the female condom, from nearly $2 million in 2001 to almost $13 million in 2007. In addition, 85 per cent of donor support in 2007 was allocated to three types of supplies: male condoms, oral contraceptives and injectables.

Sub-Saharan Africa received 60 per cent of the total 2007 support for contraceptives and condoms for HIV prevention —up from less than 50 per cent in 2006—followed by Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean, and the Arab States and Eastern Europe, respectively.

The availability of free condoms worldwide, especially in developing countries, is crucial as condoms are the only proven way to prevent HIV infection, not counting abstinence. Ironically, free condoms may be more prevalent in the United States, where most users can more easily afford them. Information courtesy United Nations. Additional information provided by author.