September 26 is World Contraception Day, and there is no better time to celebrate the importance of family planning in the lives of people around the world. In recent decades, there have been significant advancements in access and technology that have expanded individuals’ ability to make decisions about their own sexual and reproductive health. It is critical that advocates, policymakers, and other stakeholders work to maintain these hard-fought gains and drive new ones.

In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women are at the highest risk of acquiring HIV. However, as this is a heterogeneous population, the characteristics of these women can vary greatly. A one-size-fits-all approach simply will not work. In order for MPTs to have the greatest impact, approaches must be tailored to the populations where they are most likely to be successful.

Imagine if women could take one pill every day and be protected from unintended pregnancy AND HIV? 

And what if this pill was available within several years? 

We believe the fastest route to a contraceptive MPT is to combine two products that are ALREADY ON THE MARKET into a single pill.

A dual-purpose pill has the potential to play an important role in helping women protect themselves against both unintended pregnancy and HIV infection.

The Population Council is working with partners to fast-track development of dual- purpose pill