Current Projects » KFW Niger Social Marketing Project: Family Planning and HIV Prevention

2003 – 2010

The goal of this project is to reduce the transmission of HIV and unwanted pregnancies in Niger by making good-quality condoms available at an accessible price through private sector distribution channels. Futures Group and GFA Consulting Group are implementing the project with funding from KfW, the German development bank.

The Futures team has launched an integrated communication program with information on using condoms for dual protection against HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies. We are directly involving the local private sector as we work to increase the availability, affordability, and use of contraceptives in Niger. In addition, we are researching the development of a second branded product. In all of our activities, Futures is building the capacity of an independent social marketing organization in Niger, to ensure that progress is sustainable.

The project developed advocacy and awareness raising campaigns to spread information and build support for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies. The campaigns involve messages for radio, TV and film. We have also used interactive community theatre.

As awareness has increased and the environment for social marketing improved, the “Foula” condom is now widely distributed beyond the major towns and cities that were the initial focus for distribution. An independent social marketing NGO, ANIMAS-SUTURA, has formed and registered in Niger and will continue to develop branded family planning products.