Research
USAID is a leading sponsor of
biomedical, operations, and behavioral research and
is the single largest bilateral donor in the field of
contraceptive research and development. This work has
led to significant advances in the development of new
and improved contraceptive pills, IUDs, female controlled
barrier methods that can protect against sexually transmitted
infections, and has led to the development of many entirely
new contraceptive methods, including Norplant®,
the Reality® female condom, new standard and loose-fitting
non-latex plastic male condoms, and improving the effectiveness
of two of the best known methods of natural birth spacing,
the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) and Standard
Days Method (SDM). USAID also uses research to develop
a better understanding of the needs of clients and to
improve services, ultimately providing more people greater
access to a wider variety of safe, effective, and acceptable
contraceptive methods and efficient family planning
services and programs.
|
