India's Neighbors Face Condom Chaos: Bangladesh Shortage, Pakistan's High Prices Spark Alarm

• Bangladesh faces a severe condom and contraceptive shortage, with availability dropping 57% in 6 years and only 39 days of stock remaining.
• Pakistan's condom crisis stems from unaffordability, as an 18% GST makes them luxury items, despite availability.
• The IMF rejected Pakistan's request to reduce the 18% tax on contraceptives, citing concerns over government revenue.
• Reasons for Bangladesh's shortage include weak domestic production, import reliance, supply chain issues, and budget constraints.
• Both crises raise significant concerns for population control, public health, women's health, and social development in these Muslim-majority nations.

Why It Matters: Contraceptive crises in Bangladesh (shortage) and Pakistan (high prices) threaten public health and development.