Bangladesh Faces Critical Condom Shortage, Threatening Family Planning

• Bangladesh's Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) is projected to run out of condoms in 39 days, with the shortage expected to continue for at least a month.
• Other contraceptives like IUDs, oral pills, and injectables are also in decline, with stocks lasting only a few months.
• The shortage stems from the health ministry halting condom purchases in 2023, diverting funds, and the expiry of the HPNSP program.
• Experts warn the crisis could lead to increased unplanned pregnancies, higher abortion rates, and a rise in maternal mortality.
• The lack of contraceptives threatens to exacerbate Bangladesh's already high population density and rising total fertility rate, impacting development.

Why It Matters: Bangladesh's severe condom shortage jeopardizes family planning and risks significant population growth issues.