As part of its efforts to promote reproductive health and eliminate unmet needs in family planning (FP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) office recently supported Gabon with a significant acquisition of family planning products, including condoms. This initiative aims not only to strengthen healthcare delivery points across the country but also to support the Social Marketing program launched in 2023 with partner DKT International. This will ensure access to safe and effective options for family planning and health protection. Gabon, like many other countries, faces challenges in reproductive health, including high rates of unintended pregnancies, maternal and infant mortality, and unmet needs in family planning. These challenges are often exacerbated by factors such as limited access to healthcare services, socio-economic and cultural barriers, and the lack of availability of contraceptives and FP services.

In this regard, the intervention of UNFPA holds crucial importance. By investing in the acquisition of FP products, including contraceptives and condoms, UNFPA is directly addressing the barriers that hinder access to family planning in Gabon. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals, especially women and youth, have access to a comprehensive range of contraceptive options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and well-being. UNFPA's acquisition of FP products, totaling approximately 90 million CFA francs, marks a significant milestone in promoting reproductive health in Gabon.

Regarding social marketing, DKT International, with funds from SIF, has acquired over 1,382,400 condoms, of which 172,800 were distributed during the last three months as part of the social marketing campaign. These products will be marketed through DKT's distribution network in Gabon, thereby strengthening the availability of condoms and making them easily accessible to individuals.

The impact of this initiative will be significant and multifaceted. Firstly, it will contribute to reducing rates of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions by offering individuals the opportunity to plan their families responsibly. Furthermore, by ensuring access to contraceptives and condoms, this initiative will contribute to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, thereby protecting the overall health of individuals and communities. Additionally, by strengthening FP services nationwide, UNFPA's initiative will empower women and youth by giving them control over their reproductive health. Access to family planning enables women to delay pregnancies, pursue education and careers, and make informed decisions about their lives and families

Finally, this initiative will have long-term economic and social benefits. By reducing unmet needs in family planning, it will contribute to improving maternal and child health, increasing economic productivity, and reducing poverty. Additionally, by promoting reproductive health and well-being, it will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). UNFPA's initiative to eliminate unmet needs in family planning in Gabon represents a crucial investment in the health and well-being of populations. By ensuring the availability of contraceptives and condoms nationwide, this initiative provides individuals with the opportunity to plan their families, protect their reproductive health, and fulfill their full potential. It reflects UNFPA's commitment to promoting reproductive health as a fundamental right for all and to contributing to sustainable and equitable development.