Made Possible by Family Planning

Session Write up:

Despite progress, global commitment to family planning and SRHR is waning, with budget cuts threatening women's health. 257 million women in low- and middle-income countries lack access to modern contraception, leading to high rates of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. FP2030 is driving a campaign to reframe family planning as a broader issue impacting health, equity, and economic growth, urging urgent action to fulfill its full potential. Source: AMREF Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) #AHAIC2025 #AHAIC2025YouthSummit

Side session at AHAIC2025 in Kigali, Rwanda

The discussion focused on the "Made Possible by Family Planning" campaign and its impact in Africa. Dr. CLAUDETTE DIOGO highlighted #Ghana's commitment to increasing domestic resource mobilization for family planning, targeting 20% government procurement by 2030. She noted the impact of the U.S. funding crisis on maternal mortality rates but emphasized Ghana’s efforts to bridge gaps through collaboration with civil society organizations and the private sector. Key action points for Doc were to:

• Engage the CSO community in Ghana to advocate for increased government funding for family planning.
• Conduct a deep dive analysis on the effects of the USAID funding crisis on family planning in Ghana and explore ways to piggyback on existing donor activities.
• Continue engaging the private sector in Ghana (telecommunications, industries, etc.) to explore opportunities for corporate social responsibility funding for family planning.

Dr. Sheik Mohammed emphasized the campaign's role in tackling gender-based violence and the politics surrounding family planning. He highlighted its potential to shift dynamics and address key challenges in Africa. Noting Kenya’s long-standing commitment to family planning as an economic strategy, he shared the country's goal of achieving full domestic financing by 2026 through a sliding contribution model involving both the government and partners. Key action point for Doc was:

• To advocate for the Kenyan government to gradually increase its funding for family planning to achieve full domestic financing by 2026.
• Ensure that family planning is included as a package in the Kenyan universal health coverage program and private health insurance schemes.

Jackie Katana highlighted the economic advantages of family planning, both for individuals and at the national level. She emphasized the campaign’s timeliness and the need to unite voices and resources for lasting impact. Sharing her work in Uganda, she discussed the interfaith model for improving family health, collaborating with religious leaders to address myths and misconceptions using scientific approaches. Through the Faith for Family Health Initiative, over 500 interfaith religious leaders have been trained to raise awareness and advocate for family planning.

The panelists agreed on the need for domestic resource mobilization and addressing barriers for marginalized groups, including people with disabilities.

Thematic areas addressed during the FP2030 session were:

• Role of Religious Leaders in Family Planning
• Government Efforts in Family Planning
• Youth Leadership and Innovative Approaches

Lizzie Otaye PRSK raised a critical question about access to family planning for persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), emphasizing the need for stricter measures to tackle provider bias. This sparked diverse reactions, highlighting the gaps in inclusive healthcare. In response, Dr. Sheik Mohammed acknowledged the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, including those of PLWDs, in family planning policies to ensure equitable access for all.

As an implementing partner of the #SHARP project, EANNASO emphasizes the vital role of youth and adolescents in #familyplanning discussions. It was refreshing to hear obedience mazenge highlight the impact of youth engagement in these conversations. Obedience recognized the campaign’s strong economic benefits, particularly for Africa, and its potential to drive economic growth if governments invest strategically. Youth leaders and organizations actively shape family planning advocacy, bringing innovative ideas and leveraging digital platforms like TikTok and Facebook to spread awareness. With Africa’s demographic dividend, young people can be key drivers in advancing family planning efforts.

This session, moderated by Yusuf Nuhu, recognized the ongoing Made Possible by Family Planning campaign, which highlights the role of family planning in empowering women to take control of their health and lives. The panellists emphasised its potential to transform family planning dynamics in Africa, address key challenges, and foster sustainable change. They stressed the campaign’s relevance and urgency, calling for collective voices and resources to ensure lasting impact. Additionally, discussions explored the economic benefits of family planning at both personal and national levels.

Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Alliance Uganda Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition Amref Health Africa UK Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia Amref Health Africa - Italia AMREF Flying Doctors AHRIDA Africa Amref France Amref Health Africa Tanzania Alex Omari FP2030 FP2030 LAC Hub FP2030 Asia Pacific Hub Dr. Githinji Gitahi Desta Lakew Bitania Lulu Berhanu Dr Samukeliso Dube Dr Sheila Macharia USAID USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program-Procurement and Supply Management LAC Regional Hub - USAID Leading through Learning Global Platform Africa CDC Africa CDC Youth ARD Cluster - Assistant Regional Director Cluster WHO AFRO World Health Organization Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS and Health Promotion Health Action International Liyoka Liyoka Robert Shaita Athewa Rodrick Mugishagwe Linda Kakolwa Irene Musila Phidiliah Rose Mwaambi