Dear Friend of DKT,

We are on track to have another record breaking year (more on that in January) and are proud of the many accomplishments made possible from the hard work of DKT team members and partners (more on that in "Best of 22" newsletter next week). We celebrate those accomplishments–many of them achieved in the world’s most challenging markets–ensuring that people everywhere have uninterrupted access to sexual reproductive products and continue to have the power to choose. 

The spotlight this month is on Myanmar, where we continue to operate amidst extremely difficult circumstances. In addition, we are pleased to share that we have launched products in several new markets, including Zanzibar and El Salvador. 

DKT also appreciates the work of our talented teams around the world, many of whom contributed to papers, presentations and panels at the International Conference on Family Planning in November. Check out the videos of some of those team members below and we look forward to bringing you more news, announcements, and exciting developments in 2023.

Cheers, 

Christopher Purdy 

President 

The year may be winding down but DKT is still gearing up operations with product launches and provider training in new and challenging markets. DKT made strides in the last couple of months, launching misoprostol in El Salvador and mifepristone / misoprostol (MA) combipacks in Zanzibar. We know that the availability of these important drugs in the two markets will have a serious impact on the health and well-being of women. 

DKT further expanded in the Middle East, selling 21,000 IUDs and 150 Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) kits in Iraq. The first ever training on the use of IUDs and MVAs was also held in Chad for 130 providers. Finally, sales of MA combipacks were re-started in Mauritania and Guinea after a two-year absence.

DKT strengthens West African pharmacy networks with new regional project 

DKT is proud to announce an initiative in the Francophone West African region (FWACA) to expand access to contraception in private pharmacies. Across West Africa, private pharmacies play a central role in providing a range of contraceptive options to the public but have been limited to providing shorter term methods like oral contraceptives and condoms. To offer more choices, DKT will train pharmacists, provide ongoing support, and help to shape the policy environment in the region. We look forward to learning how this advocacy work and provision of digital tools can shape the marketplace to increase access and use–and to sharing our results over time.

DKT Myanmar pushes forward, delivering strong results in turbulent times

The word “resilient” comes to mind when describing DKT Myanmar’s team and their operations over the past two years. The military coup in early 2021 forced many public health organizations to leave the country in the past two years, degrading access to sexual and reproductive health care. In Myanmar, DKT is a private sector company and is operating despite government restrictions on some pharmaceutical deliveries. Currency depreciation, the closure of public sector clinics, and other challenges to the supply chain have stalled sales and drained existing product supplies since the onset of the pandemic, but DKT has continued with business as usual. DKT remains the only commodity-securing provider in the country, and has even scaled-up promotional campaigns, provider training, and sales without raising prices for end-users.

The new reality has made DKT the most reliable private provider of contraceptives left in the country. DKT Country Director Debu Satapathy said the organization’s ability to hold large inventories has meant that products have not been stocked out even in the most tumultuous times. After several difficult months, sales reached an impressive 341% of DKT Myanmar’s monthly goal in October. 

Phil Harvey’s legacy honored at the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP)

DKT had a whirlwind of a time at the International Conference on Family Planning in Pattaya City, Thailand from November 14-17, 2022. There were panels, poster sessions, and a DKT-sponsored “Coffee & Condom” break room where participants could start their day with a coffee and leave with a pile of DKT’s many condoms brands from around the world. DKT Founder, Phil Harvey’s legacy lived on at ICFP with a posthumous recognition, the Lifetime Achievement in Family Planning and Reproductive Health award, for his dedication to the sexual and reproductive health field. DKT also co-sponsored emerging SRH leaders Innocent Grant, Laura Ramos Tomás and Tushar Singh Bodwal, all of whom were awarded $10,000 in grant money to seed their own projects through the Phil Harvey Innovation Award. 

Many of DKT’s own young leaders from around the world also attended the conference, either as presenters or as panelists. Our staff made meaningful connections to advance global sexual and reproductive health and rights. You can get to know some of them here: 

There's still time to give!

DKT celebrated Giving Tuesday on November 29th but there is still time to give the gift of choice this season. Thank you to all past, present, and future donors for their support of DKT’s mission to improve sexual and reproductive health worldwide. If you forgot to donate and would like to expand access to contraceptive and safe abortion products and services worldwide, click here. 

“My Life, My Choice”: DKT India’s new ad campaign celebrates young women’s choice

DKT India brings to life the slogan “it’s my life, my choice” in their new ads for Choice oral contraception. The ads destigmatize contraception by promoting gender equity and female empowerment in a culturally sensitive manner. In this example, a young woman challenges the expectation that she prioritize a family over her career and is supported in her decision by her partner. Follow us on social media for more fun ads in the coming weeks! 

DKT busts a move with TikTok challenges in Mozambique and the DRC

DKT’s country offices have taken TikTok by storm to promote their contraceptive brands, and both the DRC and Mozambique debuted TikTok challenges to engage their young followers. In Mozambique, the #PruDance challenge asks participants to follow dance choreography made for the new song “Only with Prudence'' by rapper and HIV+ activist Flash Enccy. Similarly, for the DRC’s OK challenge, TikTokers must sing and dance to music produced in collaboration with local influencer Tity Breezy. Check out our Instagram for the most creative entries! 

About DKT

DKT is an innovative and adventurous social marketing organization that improves people's lives.

DKT International

1001 Connecticut Ave. NW

Suite 800

Washington, D.C. 20036

+1 202-223-8780

info@dktinternational.org