Vital

News & commentary about the global health workforce

What Will Family Planning Look Like in 2036?

Who knew 20 years ago that mobile phones would become a crucial tool in reproductive health? And what do the next 20 have in store?

Zika Virus Sheds Light on Shortcomings in Family Planning and Reproductive Health

As Zika spreads across the Americas, women trying to heed health authorities' recommendations to delay pregnancy are in a tough spot.

Youth Advocates Can Increase the Use of Modern Contraceptives, If We Listen to Them

If you want to harness the power of youth for family planning programs, you have to engage and listen to them.

Move Over, Unmet Need—There’s a New Family Planning Indicator in Town

Measuring “unmet need” has helped countries make great progress in family planning. But is there something better?

Seven Tactics that Are Leading Francophone West Africa toward a Contraceptive Revolution

For decades, family planning indicators in francophone West Africa wouldn’t budge. Here’s how the Ouagadougou Partnership is moving the needle on family planning.

In Africa's Meningitis Belt, Health Care Is Crucial

History now records 1996 as one of West Africa’s worst meningitis outbreaks. Dr. Babacar Gueye remembers it well.

The Human Touch We Need for Universal Health Coverage (and All Global Health Goals)

We strive for a world where everyone, everywhere has the health care they need to thrive. Our new photo exhibit provides a glimpse into that vision as it becomes a reality.

The Kindest Cut: Global Need to Increase Vasectomy Availability

The unavailability of vasectomy services in low-income countries is a program issue and a gender issue. Here's how we can address it.