Eight-year contraceptive to be introduced in Kenya

Concept with Oral contraceptive, Emergency Pills, Injection Contraceptive and Male Condom. [iStockphoto]

The Gates Foundation has announced plans to introduce a new form of contraceptive in Kenya, starting with a rollout later this year.

The hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) is designed to be effective for up to eight years and offer an affordable, user-centered option.

It will be inserted into the uterus, where it releases progestin, a synthetic hormone that thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg.

"A new hormonal IUD designed for affordability and a user-centered experience is being launched in Kenya, Nigeria, and possibly India," said Dr Anita Zaidi, head of Gender Equality Division.

The initiative is part of a Sh324 billion ($2.5 billion) commitment to elevate research and development focused exclusively on women's health and to improve maternal health.

Zaidi said the funding builds on the foundation's 25-year legacy in maternal and child health, to end preventable deaths of mothers and babies, eliminating deadly infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty by 2045.

The foundation also plans to expand access to a self-injectable contraceptive, DMPA-SC, to at least 35 countries, including Uganda, Senegal, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"Today, women's health issues are still misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored. Although women generally live longer than men, they spend 25 per cent more of their lives in poor health. The $2.5 billion commitment aims to centre women's needs in a cutting-edge research agenda, particularly for those in underserved communities," said Women's Health Innovations Director, Ru-fong Joanne Cheng.

The contraceptive is among four other key innovations in women's health by Gates, to be supported by the $2.5billion funding.