The global consensus that family planning (FP) is a human right was secured at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, in Principle 8 of the Programme of Action: “All couples and individuals have the basic right to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to have the information, education and means to do so” as outlined in the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and supported by the UNFPA Supplies Partnership Strategic Plan.

As reported in the fifth Population and Housing Census of 2022, Rwanda is recognized as one of the most densely populated countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a significant rise in population density (from 415 in 2012 to 503 inhabitants per square kilometre in 2022). This reflects a young population, with 65,3% of inhabitants aged below 30, underscoring the importance of investing in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). This youthful population presents an opportunity for Rwanda to harness a demographic dividend. By investing in the health and education of this growing working-age population, the country can stimulate economic activity and provide a larger market for goods and services.

Rwanda has made significant strides in FP. The modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR)among married women has increased by 13% from 2010 to 2020 ( RDHS) and reached 60,9% in 2024 ( FP2030 Measurement Report, 2024). The impact of these efforts is evident in key health outcomes. From 2012 to 2024, modern contraceptive use has averted a cumulative 2.8 million unintended pregnancies, 683,000 unsafe abortions, and saved 8,290 maternal lives ( FP2030 Measurement Report, 2024). Despite notable progress, challenges such as the unmet need for FP and a high teenage pregnancy rate persist. 

Building on successes, the Government of Rwanda is committed to expanding FP beyond the health sector to transform social norms, laws, and policies. The government has set ambitious targets to address these issues. It aims to reduce the unmet need for FP among all women from 14% in 2024 to 8% by 2029, increase mCPR among married women from 60,9% in 2024 to 65% by 2029, increase the percentage of women accepting FP after delivery from 69.5% in 2024 to 75% by 2029, and decrease the teenage pregnancy rate from 29.30 to 15 per 1,000 teens. These targets reflect a proactive and rights-based approach to SRHR, underscoring decisive leadership.

In partnership with government institutions (Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Ministry of Youth and Arts), Non Government organizations ( NGOs),  CSOs and academic institutions, UNFPA Rwanda through the Supplies partnership supports the implementation and operationalization of Rwanda's commitments towards FP. This includes several key strategies:

• Evidence-based programming: Using studies and operational research to guide efforts.
• Policy and planning: Support developing policies, strategic plans, guidelines, and training materials using an integrated, innovative and inclusive approach.
• Holistic youth development: Support the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for in-school and out-of-school youth, and integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) into economic empowerment initiatives to enable young people to make informed and early decisions on their FP.
• Sustainable financing: involves engaging in policy dialogue to secure lasting funding for FP, including through the use of innovative financing mechanisms. This also includes advocating for increased domestic resources, engaging the private sector, and leveraging matching funds initiatives to address funding gaps.
• Health systems strengthening: Advancing the FP agenda through national coordination and the FP2030 global partnership. This work includes supporting key high-impact interventions such as PPFP and the introduction of new FP methods, among others. Furthermore, UNFPA's efforts focus on making services more accessible at all levels of service delivery and closer to the community through targeted outreach services and by also supporting health posts including those operating under public-private partnerships, to ensure that they remain viable and sustainable in providing these services.
• Pre-service education: Adapting relevant curricula to include FP content and building the capacity of both lecturers and graduates.
• Reliable supply chain: Ensuring a steady supply of quality contraceptives and life-saving medicines through forecasting, quantification, procurement, and last-mile assurance.
• Capacity building: Training health service providers, pharmacists, and Community Health Workers on quality counseling, service delivery, and data management.
• Demand creation: Raising awareness through community and religious leaders and campaigns to reach those in the furthest areas.
• Humanitarian response: Delivering integrated reproductive health (RH) services, including FP, in humanitarian settings by providing RH kits and dignity kits.

UNFPA ensures access to safe, voluntary FP is a human right and central to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and a key factor in reducing poverty.