The Challenge Initiative

The Challenge Initiative #TCI has a "business unusual" approach to urban reproductive health programming.

Matthias Berninger, Global Head of Public Affairs, Science, and Sustainability at Bayer AG, explains how improved access to #FamilyPlanning is essential to a more sustainable future. https://lnkd.in/erWXxH-S “Closing the access gap to family planning is actually a precondition for us having a shot at reaching the global goals on sustainable development.”

This #InternationalWomensDay, #TCI celebrates the power of #FamilyPlanning to empower women, strengthen communities, and accelerate progress toward global health goals. https://lnkd.in/eMDH9w2a Dr. Samukeliso Dube, Executive Director of #FP2030, shares: “So many of the Sustainable Development Goals could be achieved better, faster, and more inclusively if we include family planning.” #IWD2025

Marie Ba leads the #Ouagadougou Partnership Coordination Unit (OPCU). Here, she discusses the key role of local leaders in implementing impactful #FamilyPlanning programs. "TCI allows the OPCU and OP direct access to mayors and local leaders so they're able to join our movement in a much more strategic way." https://lnkd.in/eCXuaaZW IntraHealth International

Decentralization in Francophone #WestAfrica has given cities a greater role in managing health services – but with that power comes challenges. TCI has transformed how these local governments lead #FamilyPlanning programs, ensuring sustainable impact. ? 28 cities across six countries have taken ownership of their #ReproductiveHealth programs, mobilizing $1.14 million in local funding. ? 11 municipalities are now fully autonomous, showing that local leadership drives lasting change. https://lnkd.in/ew4H6qbS IntraHealth International

In a remote village in #JigawaState, a dedicated social mobilizer supported by #TCI identified cultural barriers limiting access to services. Rallying local support, she introduced household outreach for confidential #FamilyPlanning services. This innovative approach is breaking down these barriers and transforming lives, including that of a vulnerable young woman in urgent need of protection. https://lnkd.in/eUEMBxhE Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

In #Rawalpindi, #Pakistan, a young couple accessed critical #ReproductiveHealth care at revitalized facilities offering 24/7 services in a supportive environment. Made possible by TCI’s Facility Makeover intervention, they received counseling and education to make the best choice for their family. https://lnkd.in/eBmSTAuv Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan (Guarantee) Limited

?? Your Voice Matters – Help Shape the Future of Family Planning! ? The William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health is committed to listening, learning, and taking action best to support the family planning and reproductive health community. As we prepare for the Future of Family Planning Convening next month, we need your insights to help inform discussions and chart a path forward. ? ??? Take the Survey Today – Your input will directly influence advocacy, research, and programming efforts as we work together to drive progress in family planning. ? ? Plus, We’ve Extended Deadlines! If you haven’t submitted your abstract or signed up as an abstract reviewer for ICFP 2025, you now have more time to do so. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the conversation. ? ?? Our Commitment to You: The family planning community is at the heart of everything we do. Through our platforms and?broader global network, we remain dedicated to ensuring all voices are heard, all perspectives are valued, and all efforts are aligned for impact. ? ?? Take the survey & share your insights: https://bit.ly/4b2x183 ?? Submit an abstract or sign up as a reviewer: https://lnkd.in/gA-_srJp ? Let’s work together to build the future of family planning—shaped by the needs of our community. ? #FutureOfFP #FamilyPlanning #GlobalHealth #ReproHealth #ICFP2025 #FPNN #RHSC #Advocacy #CommunityDriven

Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy of #DipologCity has led efforts to reduce teenage pregnancies through proactive, data-driven programs. Partnering with #TCI, the city saw the adolescent birth rate drop from 73.8 in 2018 to 31 in only five years. With youth-focused health services and community support, Dipolog is a model for sustainable change in #AYSRH. https://lnkd.in/em_E9TDm Zuellig Family Foundation

The William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health (WHGI) is launching an advocacy-focused response to the unprecedented attacks on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Recent U.S. foreign aid cuts and political rollbacks threaten decades of progress in family planning and global health, putting millions at risk. This is not just about access to services; it is about the dismantling of a global movement for equity, gender rights, and bodily autonomy. WHGI is committed to action, leveraging our platform (Family Planning News Network, International Conference on Family Planning, Performance Monitoring for Action (formerly PMA2020), The Challenge Initiative, and more) to drive a coordinated, community-led response. In particular, we want to be sure to align efforts with the momentum of ICFP 2025’s theme: "Equity Through Action: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All." To ensure this response is community-driven, WHGI is conducting a needs assessment of the FP/SRHR community. Your insights will help shape a united advocacy agenda that will be shared with key stakeholders, including donors. This is a critical opportunity to strengthen our collective response to this crisis and ensure that advocacy efforts are strategic, inclusive, and impactful. ?? We need your voice! Please take a few moments to complete this survey and help drive action. https://lnkd.in/eVWzyzqa