# Stigma and aid cuts block Africa's girls from contraception

> African girls face pregnancy risks as funding drops and stigma prevents access to contraception.
- Title: Stigma and aid cuts block Africa's girls from contraception
- Summary: African girls face pregnancy risks as funding drops and stigma prevents access to contraception. Zimbabwean girls like Kelly Nhedega face unplanned…
- Keywords: zimbabwe, contraception, unfpa, msi, africa, maternal mortality, stigma, funding cuts, adolescent girls, pregnancy, news, local
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/stigma-funding-cuts-and-the-iran-war-put-contraception-out-of-reach-for-africas-girls
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: zimbabwe, contraception, unfpa, msi, africa, maternal mortality, stigma, funding cuts, adolescent girls, pregnancy, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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