NEW YORK : On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the European Union (EU) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced their collaboration to create innovative financing mechanisms aimed at enhancing access to health products, particularly safe and affordable contraceptives and maternal health medicines. This initiative seeks to empower women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to better meet their healthcare needs.
The announcement followed discussions among Nadia Calvino, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
One proposed mechanism involves partnering with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which focuses on sexual and reproductive health. This collaboration aims to lower costs and eliminate barriers, ensuring that more women can access contraception and maternal health products. By facilitating family planning, the initiative aims to enhance the health of women and children, while also fostering stronger communities and economies. Access to safe and voluntary family planning is recognized as a fundamental human right that can significantly reduce maternal health issues and pregnancy-related fatalities.
Currently, UNFPA collaborates with national governments to help LMICs procure contraceptives and maternal health medicines, but these efforts often face delays due to the need for upfront funding commitments. The new financing mechanism is designed to enable multi-year donor commitments upfront, providing clearer visibility and planning for low- and middle-income countries. This approach aims to ensure a more sustainable supply of family planning products.
This financing initiative is anticipated to be led by the EIB and supported by the European Commission, with additional funding from the Gates Foundation directed to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership over five years.
Moreover, the EIB and the European Commission are working on new financial guarantees of up to €170 million for gender and human development, which will mandate the production of specific volumes of new health products. This effort is part of a broader partnership aimed at improving health and nutrition in LMICs through initiatives like the Human Development Accelerator (HDX).
Currently, over 257 million women and girls globally who wish to avoid pregnancy lack access to modern contraceptive methods. Without increased funding, a projected $1.5 billion gap could emerge by 2030 for contraceptive supplies in LMICs. Reports indicate that more than 40% of these countries face stockouts at service delivery points, leading to long wait times for necessary products.
“Every woman, everywhere, should have the right to plan her family, pursue education, and realize her dreams,” stated EIB President Nadia Calviño. “Safe and affordable contraception makes this possible. We are proud to partner with UNFPA, the European Commission, and the Gates Foundation to lower costs and remove barriers for women, enabling them to take charge of their lives.”
European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen added, “Promoting gender equality is central to the EU’s external initiatives. We are committed to investing in sexual and reproductive health products and services that empower women to reach their full potential, fostering inclusive and prosperous communities.”
Bill Gates emphasized, “Women in low- and middle-income countries often lack access to the contraceptive choices they desire, and addressing this gap is critical. The leadership from European institutions will profoundly impact women’s lives and the health of entire communities. When women have control over their health and financial futures, everyone benefits.”
