DKT’s Launch Attracks International Support

By Edwin G. Wandah
DKT International and partners have launched a reproductive health programs in the country, with calls for government and other international partners support.
In his welcome remarks before the launch, DKT International Country Manager, Antonio Turcott, called on the government and other partners in the country to see the organization as a partner, with a plan of soliciting partnership for collaboration.
During the official opening of the occasion, the Director for Family Health at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Bentoe Tehoungue, committed the Liberian Government’s support towards DKT International programs in the country.
Madam Tehoungue further called on other international partners in the country to rally support for the DKT International work in the country, meaning, their work had been one of the best in the country in terms of reproductive health programs and those issues relating to reproductive programs.
Montserrado County Health Officer, Dr. Yatta Wapoe, who launched the program called for support towards DKT’s programs and products in the country.
The head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission at the Swedish Embassy, Elizabeth Harleman, noted that Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights was important for everyone’s well-being.
“There is no more fundamental human rights than allowing every individual to have the right to his/her own body; both men and women; boys and girls shall all have the right to decide when and where not to have sex,” she stated.
“They should also have the right when to and not to have babies; when to and not to use contraceptives. We know that people have sex and it is natural, but we also know that people contract sexual transmitted diseases. We also know that people do get babies involuntarily; I say people because you are two making a baby, how can this be solved, it is very simple, with contraceptives!” she stated.
Harleman further said, just this year, Sweden awarded a contract to DKT International in the tune of US$40 million to access SRHR aimed at improving demand, availability and access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Products in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Harleman, the project expects to prevent 9.5 million unintended pregnancies, 11.3 million unsafe abortions; and 3 million HIV-related years lost due to illieafth, disability or early death, by selling more than 372 million condoms, over 2.0 million oral contraceptives, implants IUDs and expanding access to medical abortion in 21 countries through outlets which are primarily located in areas serving clients below the poverty line; while providing quality training on contraceptive methods and judgment-free counseling.
DKT’s Regional Director, Mario Flores presented on DKT International work elaborating the mission, vision and work of DKT International and DKT’s Program Manager, Isaac Lamptey, talked about the private sector clinics while, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Family Health Division Director for Ghana, at the Ghana Health Service spoke on lessons shared by Ghana Health Service in reducing maternal mortality, and increasing mortality rate with public and private sector collaboration, looking at the opportunities in the public-private partnerships in Liberia.
DKT had provided 45 million of CYPs (Couple Years Protection), averted 32 thousand maternal deaths, 10million unsafe abortions and 13million pregnancies through the sale of 721million condoms, 1million Female Condoms, 101million Oral Contraceptives, 10million Emergency Contraceptives, 21 thousand Injectable, 5million IUDs, 10 thousand IUS, 301 thousand Implants, 70 thousand Levoplant (Implant), and more sexual and reproductive health commodities globally.
Since 1989, DKT International’s core mission has been to provide safe and affordable options for family planning and HIV prevention through social marketing in undeserved countries throughout Latin America, Africa, and Asia.