News

On the "Day of 7 Billion," when the world reaches 7 billion people, Pathfinder International and other groups emphasize women's empowerment and sustainability.

Research from the Futures Group shows that meeting women's needs results in a significantly slowed population trajectory, with world population topping out at eight billion in 2050. According to recently revised UN estimates, without this intervention population could rise to 10 or even 12 billion by century's end. Meeting this need is also a smart investment: Our research estimates that access to modern contraception for all who want it would cost $3.7 billion per year. Others have estimated the savings in health care costs of providing contraception to all who want it at $5.1 billion per year. Family planning is cost-effective; it has been estimated that a dollar spent on family planning can save between $15 and $20 in education, health, housing, and other socio-economic support costs, making the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals cheaper for developing countries.

On October 31, the world's population is projected to hit 7 billion. This milestone highlights that support for family planning and reproductive healthcare is more important than ever.

Pathfinder International is pleased to be awarded a new USAID/Egypt grant for $3,950,000 over the next two years.

Pathfinder International endorses WHO and USAID's positions that the weight of evidence does not indicate that use of hormonal contraception increases the risk of HIV acquisition, transmission, or progression.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was the latest target for opponents of family planning and reproductive health. The House of Representatives passed a bill to eliminate US funding to this vital organization.