Increased manufacturing capacity combined with an expansion from 69 to 92 eligible countries, is expected to enable delivery of more than 320 million doses through 2030
Collaboration builds on agreement first established in 2014 that has provided contraceptive options to millions of women in low and lower middle-income countries to date. (Credit: Pfizer Inc.)
To help enable greater access to injectable contraceptives for millions of women in low- and lower-middle income countries, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Pfizer and Becton, Dickinson & Company (BD) announced today the expansion of their nearly decade-long collaboration. The expanded collaboration is expected to deliver more than 320 million doses of Pfizer’s injectable contraceptive, Sayana Press (medroxyprogesterone acetate) administered by BD Uniject Auto-Disable Prefillable Injection System, through 2030. The update allows for increased manufacturing capacity and also sees an additional 23 eligible countries added to the program.
Poor access to contraceptives presents a significant burden for women living in low- and middle-income countries. According to a 2022 study, one in 14 women worldwide who want to use contraceptives cannot access them. This amounts to an unmet need of 162 million women, the majority of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
“DMPA-SC3 is a unique product with multifaceted benefits,” said Fannie Kachale, Director Reproductive Health Services in the Malawi Ministry of Health. “We, as Malawi Ministry of Health, are glad that we are part of the roll out. In addition to all the advantages for women, it is also helping the National Family Planning Program in its efforts toward achieving the Family Planning 2030 goal of reaching modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate of 60%.”
The collaboration is an extension of a partnership that first began in 2014. Under the agreement, Pfizer will begin work to increase manufacturing capacity by 65%. The partners also agreed to increase the number of countries covered under the partnership from 69 to 92 countries that will include all low- and lower-middle income countries as well as several upper-middle income countries as defined by the World Bank. The previously guaranteed pricing of $0.85 per unit for the standard presentation will be maintained for public sector purchasers in low- and lower-middle income countries.
“Through the continued commitment and collaboration of these partners, millions of women have been empowered to make family planning decisions on their own terms, which can positively impact the future for them, their families, and their communities” said Nick Lagunowich, Global President of Pfizer Emerging Markets. “We are proud to not just continue but to grow this important initiative to help enable greater access to affordable solutions for the most vulnerable.”
Source: Company Press Release