Bangladesh Faces Condom Crisis Amid Political Turmoil, Fertility Rate Soars

• Bangladesh is grappling with a severe nationwide condom and contraceptive shortage due to a fund crunch and manpower issues.
• Condom supplies have plummeted by 57% over the last six years, with current stocks projected to last only 39 days.
• Other contraceptives, including oral pills, IUDs, injectables, and implants, have also seen significant depletion since 2019.
• Legal disputes over procurement and 25% vacant field-level posts in the DGFP are exacerbating the supply crisis.
• Experts warn the shortage could further increase the fertility rate, which has already risen for the first time in 50 years.

Why It Matters: Bangladesh's contraceptive shortage, driven by funding and staffing issues, threatens to worsen its rising fertility rate.