Dear Friend of DKT,
Did you know that in 80 years, it is predicted there will be more people in Nigeria than in China? The 21st century brings a host of challenges and opportunities around demographic trends. We share more about this below and how we see DKT’s role.
Since our last newsletter, DKT has launched new products, shifted more training and capacity building online, and found new ways to help women and men adapt to the “new normal” during COVID-19. DKT launched an HIV self-test kit in Nigeria, emergency contraception in Bolivia, new male and female condoms in Colombia, Paraguay, and Tanzania, and IUDs in Ecuador. Launching these new products will allow thousands of people to protect themselves against unintended pregnancy and HIV/AIDS during the pandemic.
Globally, people are facing immense challenges regarding HIV-prevention, unintended pregnancy, and unsafe abortions. DKT faces these challenges with optimism and tenacity.
Our work continues,
Chris
Fertility, mortality, and migration: DKT’s role in 21st century population issues
In a recent study from The Lancet, researchers analyzed fertility, migration, and mortality rates to predict population growth scenarios from 2017 to 2100. According to their findings, the world’s population is expected to peak in 2064 with 9.73 billion people before declining to 8.79 billion in 2100.
By the end of the century, the most populous countries in the world are predicted to be India (1.09 billion), Nigeria (791 million), China (732 million), the USA (336 million), and Pakistan (248 million). Researchers also estimate there will be dramatic shifts in age demographics. In 2100, an estimated 1.70 billion individuals will be below 20 years of age. A variety of factors influence such population changes, but researchers suggest that increased educational attainment for women and access to contraception will contribute to declining fertility rates throughout the century, resulting in a decreased global population. If many countries experience sustained lower total fertility rates, the economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical landscapes will be drastically altered.
These changing demographics are a useful framework for understanding DKT’s work and goals for the future. We are proud to have delivered over 47 million CYPs in 2019 and aim to reach 60 million CYPs in the next few years. DKT is committed to providing safe and accessible sexual and reproductive health services and products in our ever-changing world.
Reflecting on global issues during International Population Day
The world’s population hovers around 7.7 billion today, but it is estimated to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. The substantial growth is closely linked to increasing fertility rates, rapid urbanization, and waves of migration. This growth is expected to be exacerbated by COVID-19. While the impact of COVID-19 is still unfolding, experts suggest that women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health needs have been—and will continue to be—greatly altered by COVID-19. The lockdowns that governments instituted to slow the spread of the virus have restricted women and girls’ access to modern contraception. UNFPA predicts that if the lockdown continues for another six months from April, an additional 7 million unintended pregnancies will occur, catalyzing population growth.
A clinic provider at one of DKT’s Dhanak partner clinics counsels a woman on family planning methods in Pakistan.
DKT launches HIV self test kit in Nigeria
DKT Nigeria launched OraQuick, an oral HIV self-test kit, in Nigeria in June, revolutionizing access to HIV testing. This is the first in-home oral HIV self-test kit to be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), The Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Federal Ministry of Health, and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
OraQuick is an oral swab that detects HIV antibodies, giving users the ability to accurately test for HIV at home. If a user tests positive, they are encouraged to contact DKT’s call center to get a referral for follow-up testing, which is required to ensure complete accuracy of results. In the first two months of sales, DKT Nigeria sold nearly 12,000 units. DKT has also launched OraQuick HIV self-test kits in Liberia, selling nearly 500 units this year.
Above: OraQuick is a fast, safe, and user-controlled HIV test that is convenient and provides accurate results.
Below: DKT Nigeria staff delivering product safely.
The launch of user-controlled sexual and reproductive health products like HIV self-test kits comes at an important time, when COVID-19 has reduced access to testing and clinical services. An at-home antibody test provides users with a discrete, accurate, and convenient method of HIV testing during the pandemic.
New Products on the way
- DKT’s South America regional program continues to increase sexual and reproductive health options for women and men. DKT launched male and female condoms in Colombia, female condoms and IUDs in Paraguay, IUDs in Ecuador, and emergency contraception in Bolivia. DKT’s growing product portfolio in the region provides greater choice for consumers.
- DKT also launched emergency contraception in both Guinea and Mauritania and has seen positive results, selling thousands of units. EC remains less well known by medical providers and consumers so there is room for expansion of the product. Regardless, EC is a unique and critical product, because it is a user-controlled contraceptive method that is often available without a prescription.
DKT Indonesia helps adapt to the “New Normal”
The Indonesian Government loosened restrictions and eased social distancing guidelines to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. However, reproductive healthcare remains a priority. DKT Indonesia shared tips about preparing for a family planning visit, encouraging clients to wear masks in clinics, keep distance while waiting in line or in waiting rooms, or scrapping in-person visits entirely and opting for telemedicine consultations. DKT Indonesia also operates a contact center, where clients can call in to learn more about how to prioritize health care during “the new normal.”
DKT Indonesia wrote a recent online article about accessing family planning services safely during the pandemic.
DKT launches e-commerce to reach consumers during COVID-19
In an effort to strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health products during the pandemic, DKT launched sales on e-commerce platforms in Pakistan and Egypt to give customers and providers the option to order DKT’s products directly. In Pakistan, DKT partnered with Daraz, the largest e-commerce website in Pakistan, to offer Josh condoms for direct-to-consumer delivery to promote safer sex and contraception during the lockdown. In Egypt, DKT launched an online store, DKT-Shop, where doctors, pharmacists, and wholesalers can easily access products and replenish stock without requiring a physical visit from sales personnel.
DKT Egypt’s new online store, DKT-Shop, makes purchasing family planning products easy and safe.
DKT Janani celebrates 25 years
DKT Janani celebrated its 25th anniversary in July. Since its start in 1995, Janani has opened 22 clinics in northeastern India and worked with local governments to provide sexual and reproductive health care through our network of Surya Family Planning Clinics. In more than 20 years of operation, Janani has provided family planning products and services to over 25 million couples. Janani’s Surya physicians have conducted over 600,000 female tubal ligations, 16,000 male vasectomies, and 325,000 surgical abortions.
