The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Pfizer pharmaceuticals announced that the pilot program has already kicked off in some African countries, offering Sayana Press, a single-dose contraceptive that lasts for about three months.
The pill is based on the Depo-Provera injection but packaged in a plastic bubble with a short needle attached for easier administering.
“The reality is that today, over 200 million women around the world want to prevent or time their pregnancies but lack the means to do that,” said Chris Elias, a doctor with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“Through this agreement we are able to ensure this product will be available in the poorest countries for a dollar a dose.”
It’s already been introduced in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Uganda and soon, Sayana Press will make its way to Africa, Latin America and Asia too.