Kelly Nhedega's story

Kelly Nhedega, an 18-year-old Zimbabwean girl, dropped out of school after becoming pregnant at 16 due to stigma around contraception access.

“That’s a mission I have to complete first. More babies will mean less or no time for school”

Global contraceptive funding shortfall

UNFPA estimates a $185 million global shortfall in contraceptive funding this year due to aid cuts and shipping disruptions.

Mobile clinics in Zimbabwe

Population Services Zimbabwe operates mobile clinics in Epworth, providing contraception to adolescents without scrutiny.

Funding cuts impact

Population Services Zimbabwe lost a $9 million grant after Trump administration dismantled aid programs in 2025, with $6 million unspent.

Swedish funding ends

Swedish funding for Zimbabwe ended in August after prioritizing Ukraine, leaving Population Services Zimbabwe without support.

Parental consent barriers

In Zambia, parental consent rules prevent girls from accessing contraception without family approval.

Shipping delays

Contraceptive shipments in Zambia arrived three months late due to global shipping disruptions avoiding conflict zones.

Mobile clinic impact

In Zimbabwe's Binga district, girls rushed to mobile clinics when they returned after six months of absence.

Consequence for girls

Girls like Kelly Nhedega face unplanned pregnancies due to funding cuts and community stigma blocking contraception access.