For the first time, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device, also called the hormonal IUD, is now included in the USAID and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) product catalogs. The hormonal IUD is an effective, long-acting, and reversible contraceptive that was introduced to Europe in 1990 and to the United States in 2000. Until now, the method has had limited availability in low- and middle-income countries despite its advantages and popularity in other regions. Including the hormonal IUD in these product catalogs will allow more women to access the method than ever before.

Read Family Planning 2030’s announcement here for more details and information about the hormonal IUD’s addition to these catalogs.

The hormonal IUD was added to these product catalogs after USAID’s flagship Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP), the predecessor project to MOMENTUM, conducted research with evidence that demonstrated high levels of uptake, continuation, and satisfaction with the hormonal IUD among women in Kenya and Zambia when provided increased access to the method. Specific learning from Kenya is summarized in this MCSP learning brief. According to MCSP’s research, the hormonal IUD has the potential to play an integral role in strengthening national voluntary family planning programs, if the method is made available in public health facilities.

MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership is also a participating member of the Global Hormonal IUD Access Group. In this role, the project coordinates with partners to support countries to introduce and expand the use of the hormonal IUD. The project recently supported the reconvening of the Kenya National Hormonal IUD Community of Practice, which anticipates including the hormonal IUD in Kenya’s national commodity introduction strategy.