Ethiopia

2,412,950 CYPs in 2009

Ethiopia currently accounts for 10 percent of the world's total HIV/AIDS infections. The country also has a very low rate of contraceptive use - 14 percent for married couples.

By the time the HIV/AIDS epidemic hit Africa, DKT-Ethiopia already had established what is considered the country's best contraceptive and family planning services distribution network in the private sector. DKT-Ethiopia is DKT's oldest program. It is also the most ambitious because it provides approximately 90 percent of all condoms distributed in Ethiopia.

DKT-Ethiopia's success can be attributed to a wide market network, aggressive marketing techniques, and an effective distribution network in a country where family planning services are very limited. Through DKT's network of salespeople, DKT reaches the remotest of areas and the smallest of shops and pharmacies to ensure that all Ethiopians can purchase the health products they need at affordable prices.

A unique feature of DKT-Ethiopia's program is its strong partnership with the government and the military, which have supported DKT's program with the donation of commodities, broadcast airtime, the duty-free status of contraceptives, and educational outreach. This support is a major reason why DKT-Ethiopia has received funds from the Netherlands, England, Ireland, the World Health Organization, the Gates Foundation, and other sources.

In 2000, DKT began sponsoring radio programs about health issues directed at rural populations in the form of dramas. DKT received many letters from grateful listeners, including healthcare professionals and religious leaders. Two are below:

"I am following the radio program on family planning attentively. I myself have four children born one after the other. As a result I have gone through many difficulties. Your program encouraged me to visit a health care provider, to not have more children, and to better my life."

"I got married when I was young. From my first wife I had ten children and three of them died. My wife died in labor with the eleventh child. I got married for the second time and have two children from the new wife. My wife asked me to start family planning after listening to the radio drama prepared by DKT. We agreed and started family planning. Thank you."

In 2009, DKT’s program sold over 77 million condoms, almost 2 million oral contraceptives, and over 2 million injectable contraceptives. In addition, DKT sold over 24,000 IUDs and over 73,000 medical abortion pills. This translates into 2,412,950 CYPs, a 42 percent increase from last year.