The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is introducing a revolutionary contraceptive in Kenya and several other countries, marking a major milestone in reproductive health. This new hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) promises to prevent pregnancy for up to eight years, making it the longest-lasting contraceptive of its kind available anywhere in the world.
According to Anita Zaidi, President of the Foundation’s Gender Equality Division, the initiative is being rolled out in Kenya, Nigeria, and India as part of a broader effort to expand access to modern, affordable contraceptive options for women in low- and middle-income countries.
The newly introduced hormonal IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) that is inserted into the uterus, where it slowly releases progestin, a synthetic hormone. This hormone works in several ways: it thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg, and in many cases, it also prevents ovulation altogether. These mechanisms make it a highly effective, low-maintenance birth control option that women can rely on for years without needing to take daily pills or frequent injections.
“A new hormonal IUD designed with affordability and a user-centered approach in mind is now being introduced in Kenya, Nigeria, and potentially India,” said Zaidi, emphasizing that the device was specifically developed to meet the needs of women in resource-limited settings.
In addition to the IUD, the Gates Foundation is expanding access to DMPA-SC, a self-injectable contraceptive, in over 35 countries worldwide, including eight in Africa. These African countries include the Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia. The DMPA-SC method offers privacy and convenience, allowing women to administer the injection themselves, reducing the need for clinical visits.
These initiatives are part of the Gates Foundation’s $2.5 billion global commitment to improving women’s health, particularly in underserved regions. The funding will support research, development, and distribution in five key areas: maternal health, gut health and nutrition, gynecological and menstrual health, contraceptive innovation, and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Zaidi explained that this major investment builds on the Foundation’s 25-year legacy in maternal and child health. “Our long-term goal is to help end preventable deaths of mothers and babies, protect the next generation from deadly infectious diseases, and lift millions of women and families out of poverty by the year 2045,” she stated.
In Kenya, the use of modern contraceptives has seen a significant rise over the past decade. Many women are now choosing to adopt family planning methods not only to prevent unintended pregnancies but also to better plan their futures and careers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), available contraceptive options in the country include oral contraceptives, injectable hormones, implants, IUDs, condoms, sterilization procedures, and emergency contraception.
Efforts to ensure the continued availability of these options were recently highlighted by a large government-led distribution. Just two months ago, Kenya’s Ministry of Health received a shipment of 186,072 contraceptive commodities, which were distributed across various counties. These supplies were funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and procured through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
In a statement dated June 18, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Olunga confirmed that the shipment included 16,272 sets of Levoplant, 69,800 doses of DMPA-SC, and 100,000 sets of Jadelle implants. These contraceptives, he said, would play a critical role in reducing unintended pregnancies, decreasing unsafe abortions, and preventing stockouts in public health facilities.
Dr. Ouma further emphasized the importance of consistent access to modern contraceptives, especially in rural and underserved regions. He noted that the new supply could help avert over 131,000 unintended pregnancies, which would in turn reduce maternal mortality and the social and economic burdens associated with unplanned pregnancies.
As the Gates Foundation rolls out its groundbreaking hormonal IUD and expands the reach of DMPA-SC injections, the landscape of women’s health — particularly in Africa and South Asia — is set to change. These interventions reflect a growing global recognition that reproductive health is central to women’s empowerment, economic development, and public health progress.
