UNFPA drives historic shift from aid dependence to domestic investment
BOGOTÁ, Colombia, 5 November 2025 – As traditional global aid for reproductive health declines, countries once reliant on external donors are responding with their own bold investments to safeguard access to family planning for millions of women and girls.
At the International Conference on Family Planning in Bogotá, world leaders gathered at a high-level plenary co-hosted by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and FP2030. During the event, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia and Zimbabwe announced major investments in lifesaving reproductive health supplies, including contraceptives.
“Governments are putting family planning at the heart of national development, and UNFPA is proud to stand with them. When women can plan their pregnancies, countries can plan their futures. Every national pledge made today is a promise to women and girls — that their health, rights and choices matter,” said Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA.
These national investments come at a pivotal moment. Sharp reductions in development assistance have created funding shortfalls for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), even as 259 million women who want to avoid or delay pregnancy are still unable to use safe, modern methods of contraception.
In response, a growing number of countries are taking the lead in financing and managing their reproductive health programmes. UNFPA is helping to accelerate this shift through its flagship global health initiative, the UNFPA Supplies Partnership, which strengthens national supply chains, policy frameworks and accountability systems in 54 countries. Through incentives such as its Match Fund – which provides US $2 for every US $1 a country invests up to US $2 million – government spending on contraceptives has increased fivefold since 2020, reaching a record US $52 million in 2024. This momentum represents a decisive turn from donor dependence towards sustainable, nationally driven progress built on political will and partnership.
Each dollar invested in family planning yields nearly US $27 in health and economic returns, making it one of the smartest investments a country can make. Governments, the private sector, civil society and multilateral institutions must continue working together to close funding gaps and make reproductive choice a universal reality. This is the foundation of a healthier, more equitable and prosperous world.
Key commitments:
- The DRC announced a landmark increase in national investment in contraceptives – US $5,000,000 per year from 2025-2028.
"A woman who can decide when and how many children to have is a free woman. And a free woman means a nation that moves forward," said H.E. Micheline Ombae Kalama, Minister of Gender, Family, and Children, Democratic Republic of the Congo. "In the Democratic Republic of Congo, financing reproductive health is no longer considered an expense, but as a strategic investment: an investment in life, in prosperity, and in social peace."
- Zambia announced a commitment of US $4.5 million in 2025, increasing to US $7.5 million in 2026.
“Zambia's experience demonstrates that a collaborative financing model, with increased domestic resources, anchored on digital transparency, efficiency and accountability, can significantly galvanise and direct external support to promote system resilience and sustainable family planning outcomes,” said H.E Elijah Julaki Muchima, Minister of Health, Republic of Zambia.
- Zimbabwe pledged an additional US $2.25 million yearly for the procurement of contraceptives in 2026 and 2027.
“The Government of Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its commitment to the health and well-being of our citizens,” said H.E Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care, Republic of Zimbabwe. “Our continued investment is a testament of our commitment under the 2023 Compact with UNFPA. Having already procured US $6.3 million worth of contraceptives from domestic resources since 2022, this new pledge ensures that we continue to safeguard the reproductive health of our communities,” he added.
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Media contact: Zina Alam, zialam@unfpa.org; media@unfpa.org
About UNFPA
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, working to uphold the rights and choices of women, girls and young people across more than 150 countries and territories. It reaches millions of women, girls and young people with essential health services, protection from violence, and with vital information about their bodies and rights. It also helps governments plan for changing population needs so people can thrive today and in the future, regardless of fertility trends.
