Dear Friend of DKT,
Did you know that in 80 years, it is predicted there will be more people in Nigeria than in China? The 21st century brings a host of challenges and opportunities around demographic trends. We share more about this below and how we see DKT’s role.
Since our last newsletter, DKT has launched new products, shifted more training and capacity building online, and found new ways to help women and men adapt to the “new normal” during COVID-19. DKT launched an HIV self-test kit in Nigeria, emergency contraception in Bolivia, new male and female condoms in Colombia, Paraguay, and Tanzania, and IUDs in Ecuador. Launching these new products will allow thousands of people to protect themselves against unintended pregnancy and HIV/AIDS during the pandemic.
Our work continues,
Chris
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Fertility, mortality, and migration: DKT's role in 21st century population issues |
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DKT launches HIV self test kit in Nigeria |
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DKT Nigeria launched OraQuick, an oral HIV self-test kit, in Nigeria in June, revolutionizing access to HIV testing. This is the first in-home oral HIV self-test kit to be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), The Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Federal Ministry of Health, and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
OraQuick is an oral swab that detects HIV antibodies, giving users the ability to accurately test for HIV at home. If a user tests positive, they are encouraged to contact DKT’s call center to get a referral for follow-up testing, which is required to ensure complete accuracy of results. In the first two months of sales, DKT Nigeria sold nearly 12,000 units. DKT has also launched OraQuick HIV self-test kits in Liberia, selling nearly 500 units this year.
The launch of user-controlled sexual and reproductive health products like HIV self-test kits comes at an important time, when COVID-19 has reduced access to testing and clinical services. An at-home antibody test provides users with a discrete, accurate, and convenient method of HIV testing during the pandemic.
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Above: OraQuick is a fast, safe, and user-controlled HIV test that is convenient and provides accurate results.
Below: DKT Nigeria staff delivering product safely.
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New Products on the way
- DKT’s South America regional program continues to increase sexual and reproductive health options for women and men. DKT launched male and female condoms in Colombia, female condoms and IUDs in Paraguay, IUDs in Ecuador, and emergency contraception in Bolivia. DKT’s growing product portfolio in the region provides greater choice for consumers.
- DKT also launched emergency contraception in both Guinea and Mauritania and has seen positive results, selling thousands of units. EC remains less well known by medical providers and consumers so there is room for expansion of the product. Regardless, EC is a unique and critical product, because it is a user-controlled contraceptive method that is often available without a prescription.
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DKT Indonesia helps adapt to the "New Normal" |
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DKT Indonesia wrote a recent online article about accessing family planning services safely during the pandemic. |
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The Indonesian Government loosened restrictions and eased social distancing guidelines to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. However, reproductive healthcare remains a priority. DKT Indonesia shared tips about preparing for a family planning visit, encouraging clients to wear masks in clinics, keep distance while waiting in line or in waiting rooms, or scrapping in-person visits entirely and opting for telemedicine consultations. DKT Indonesia also operates a contact center, where clients can call in to learn more about how to prioritize health care during “the new normal.”
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DKT launches e-commerce to reach consumers during COVID-19 |
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In an effort to strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health products during the pandemic, DKT launched sales on e-commerce platforms in Pakistan and Egypt to give customers and providers the option to order DKT's products directly. In Pakistan, DKT partnered with Daraz, the largest e-commerce website in Pakistan, to offer Josh condoms for direct-to-consumer delivery to promote safer sex and contraception during the lockdown. In Egypt, DKT launched an online store, DKT-Shop, where doctors, pharmacists, and wholesalers can easily access products and replenish stock without requiring a physical visit from sales personnel.
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DKT Egypt’s new online store, DKT-Shop, makes purchasing family planning products easy and safe. |
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DKT Janani celebrates 25 years |
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DKT Janani celebrated its 25th anniversary in July. Since its start in 1995, Janani has opened 22 clinics in northeastern India and worked with local governments to provide sexual and reproductive health care through our network of Surya Family Planning Clinics. In more than 20 years of operation, Janani has provided family planning products and services to over 25 million couples. Janani’s Surya physicians have conducted over 600,000 female tubal ligations, 16,000 male vasectomies, and 325,000 surgical abortions.
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Join others in donating to DKT International to make positive change. In 2019, DKT’s generated 47.8 million CYPs, making DKT one of the largest providers of contraceptives and safe abortion products, services and technology in the world. Donations to DKT are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. You can donate by clicking the button below, or by sending a check to:
President
1001 Connecticut Ave, NW
Suite 800
Washington, D.C.
20036
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