UCLA Project Aimed at Global Contraception Mapping

Aparna Sridhar, MD

Dr. Aparna Sridhar, an associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California Los Angeles, has recently been awarded a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for a pioneering project aimed at global contraception mapping. With her service as the Chair of the Contraception Committee at the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) from 2021 to 2023, Dr. Sridhar has worked with several leading global health organizations, including Family Planning 2030 (FP2030), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

In a world where access to effective contraception is a critical yet unmet need for millions, the necessity of mapping contraceptive initiatives across FIGO’s vast network of member organizations and identifying collaborative opportunities is more urgent than ever. This project, under Dr. Sridhar's guidance, aims to meticulously survey FIGO member societies globally to assess the current landscape of contraception projects. Through a strategy that involves identification and interviewing of key personnel within each country’s obstetrics and gynecology member society, the project seeks to gather in-depth insights. These semi-structured interviews will be rigorously analyzed, aiming to produce a comprehensive report and a scholarly manuscript. This seminal report is expected to not only detail the existing scope of contraception projects within the federation but also offer strategic recommendations for future projects and collaborative efforts within FIGO. By leveraging the insights gained from this project, the project aspires to enhance the efficacy and reach of contraception initiatives worldwide, ultimately contributing to better reproductive health outcomes on a global scale. This initiative represents a significant step forward in understanding and improving the landscape of contraceptive access and education, aligning with the global goals of ensuring health and well-being for all.

Mika Koch is a third-year medical student at UCLA pursuing OBGYN with an interest in family planning as a career. She has been the co-investigator in this project as part of her Discovery Year, a 9-month period as a part of her medical school curriculum dedicated to exploration outside of direct clinical care including research, education and advocacy. As part of her Discovery Year, Mika has been responsible for project organization, arranging and conducting interviews as well as data analysis.