Population Council to present more than 40 studies at International Conference on Family Planning

Research will highlight development of new contraceptive technologies, strategies for expanding access to family planning, and efforts to promote gender equity

NEW YORK (4 November 2013) – The Population Council, an international organization that conducts research to address critical health and development issues, will present findings from more than 40 studies at the International Conference on Family Planning in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (November 12-15, 2013).
Notable presentations will focus on the positive impact of investing in programs that strengthen gender equity; improve financing mechanisms to reduce inequities and increase the use of long-acting contraceptives; bolster family planning interventions for young people; and discuss challenges and opportunities for introducing new contraceptives to advance the health and well-being of women and their families.
"This conference provides a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborate, and learn from the experience of our partners as we work towards our shared goal of improving access to quality family planning," said John W. Townsend, Ph.D., vice president and director of the Population Council's Reproductive Health program. "We look forward to discussing how innovations in contraceptive technology, financing strategies, and gender equity can improve the health and well-being of those living in poor and underserved communities."
Dr. Ruth Merkatz, Director of Clinical Development in the Council's Reproductive Health program, will present research on the Council's investigational one-year contraceptive vaginal ring and the Council's progesterone vaginal ring during a U.S. Agency for International Development-sponsored press conference (Thursday, November 14 from 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30 PM). The press conference, focusing on improved and new contraceptive technologies, will take place in Briefing Room #5.
The Council will also launch a new book, The Unfinished Agenda to Meet FP2020 Goals: 12 Actions to Fill Critical Evidence Gaps, at the conference. Council authors Ian Askew and Martha Brady will be available for a meet-the-authors session at Booths #35 and #37 on Wednesday, November 13 from 13:30-14:30 (1:30-2:30 PM). Book supplies are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Source:Population Council