Africa

An estimated 218 million women in low- and middle-income countries still have an unmet need for modern contraception, and the United Nations estimates that 19% of women in sub-Saharan Africa have an unmet contraceptive need.

When women and girls have access to contraceptives and health services they want and need, they’re able to make informed reproductive decisions and are more empowered to live their lives as they choose. Women and girls who have agency over their health can reach their full potential—more girls can go to school, and more women can work outside the home.

We focus on helping women and girls access the health services and products, including family planning, that align with their preferences—ones that are affordable, convenient, and culturally appropriate.

Our commitment supports the advancement of innovations in critical and chronically underfunded areas, particularly those affecting women in low- and middle-income countries. This investment includes:

• Obstetric care and maternal immunization: Making pregnancy and delivery safer
• Maternal health and nutrition: Supporting healthier pregnancies and newborns
• Gynaecological and menstrual health: Advancing tools and research
• Contraceptive innovation: Offering more accessible, acceptable, and effective options
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Improving diagnosis and treatment

Gene drive is part of a growing field of genetically based vector control tools scientists are exploring to help stop the spread of malaria. It works by changing the genes of malaria-carrying mosquitoes so they either can’t pass on the disease or their numbers go down over time.

Importantly, it only targets malaria-carrying species, leaving others untouched. In remote areas most impacted by malaria, gene drive could offer inexpensive and sustainable protection that doesn’t depend on people taking medicines or the constant delivery of supplies.

Malaria kills nearly 600,000 people each year, mostly African children. Current tools have helped achieve significant progress—but they aren’t enough to eradicate malaria. New challenges like drug and insecticide resistance and climate change threaten existing progress.

Gene drive technology could provide long-lasting, self-sustaining protection without relying solely on human behavior or complex delivery systems, making it particularly valuable for reaching remote, underserved communities—as one tool among many.

Disease outbreaks can threaten lives, disrupt livelihoods, and place enormous pressure on health systems. Ingrid Hope Foundation supports partners working to help countries detect and respond to health threats earlier and more effectively.

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