Latest news with #Chemonics
LeMonde
01-08-2025
- Health
- LeMonde
Contraceptives destroyed in silence: 'Can France accept to become the executor of a senseless policy imposed by the US?'
A stockpile of several million doses of contraceptives, valued at $9.7 million, financed by USAID and usable until 2031, is currently being incinerated in France. These products, originally intended for women in extreme poverty in countries in the Global South, are being destroyed for purely ideological reasons, at the request of the Trump administration. The service provider tasked with the incineration has not yet been identified. This human and environmental waste must be stopped immediately. Why is this happening? Because the US administration, following a blinkered ideological agenda, ordered their destruction as part of the dismantling of USAID. It even refused to transfer the stock to NGOs who were ready to transport and distribute it. This is not a public health issue or a logistical problem. It is a radical political choice. USAID's logistics program, which is usually operated by the company Chemonics, appears to be linked to this operation. However, this cannot be confirmed, since neither the name of the logistics provider nor the name of the incinerator has been made public. The stock, which was previously stored in Belgium, was transported to France in about 10 trucks at the end of July. The exact location of the incineration is deliberately undisclosed. Despite the scale of the operation, the company responsible for handling the medical waste has not been identified. We contacted four major French waste management companies to ask whether they were involved in this operation. All replied that they were not concerned. An economic and environmental absurdity As NGOs active in several African countries, we know exactly what a contraceptive shortage means: unintended pregnancies, abandoned children, unsafe abortions, and girls forced out of school at age 12. It also means women trapped in unwanted motherhood. Can France accept to become the executor of a senseless policy imposed by the US without reaction? This destruction is also an economic and environmental absurdity. It costs more ($167,000) than it would to redistribute contraceptives to countries experiencing shortages. Eliminating usable products that are urgently needed in empty health centers will also generate metric tons of CO₂. It's a total waste.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
France supports Belgium's push to block US destruction of contraceptives
France has confirmed it is monitoring a US plan to incinerate millions of dollars worth of unused contraceptives in Europe – a move aid groups say is ideologically driven and medically wasteful. The contraceptives – including intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants and pills – were bought under public health programmes run by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Since January, the supplies have been sitting in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium, after the Trump administration froze and then cancelled funding for reproductive health projects. The products, which were meant for use in low- and middle-income countries, were being stored as part of USAID's supply chain, managed by its logistics contractor Chemonics. Several media outlets have reported that the material may soon be transferred and incinerated in France, though no final decision has been confirmed. A diplomatic source told RFI that France 'firmly supports the Belgian authorities' desire to find a solution to avoid the destruction of the contraceptives' and is 'following the situation closely'. The source added that France had 'no information about any transfers that have taken place'. A US State Department spokesperson told the French news agency AFP that a preliminary decision had been made to destroy certain "abortifacient contraceptives" from USAID contracts, adding that no HIV medication or condoms would be affected. The destruction is expected to cost $167,000. The stock is valued at $9.7 million. French left urges Macron not to be complicit in US plan to bin contraceptives Redistribution offers rejected Several global organisations say they offered to collect and redistribute the supplies free of charge, but were turned down by US authorities. The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) said it proposed to recover the products in Brussels, transport them to its Dutch warehouse for repackaging, and then send them to countries in need. MSI Reproductive Choices, a UK-based group, told RFI it had offered to cover all the costs involved, including rebranding. 'We would have removed the stars from the USAID logo. It would have cost the US taxpayer nothing, nor the government,' said Sarah Shaw, MSI's advocacy director. 'We were told the US government would only sell the supplies at their purchase price. This is a situation we have never seen before.' Shaw estimated the stock would have covered Senegal's contraception needs for three years. The UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, also offered to buy the contraceptives but was turned down. 'This suggests the problem is not legal, but ideological,' Shaw said. 'It is a clear refusal to allow these contraceptives to be given to women in need. This US administration simply does not recognise their right to contraception.' The US State Department has described the items as 'abortifacient' – a term commonly used by anti-abortion activists to describe IUDs and other hormonal contraceptives. Since January, the Trump administration has banned any US funding to NGOs that support or promote access to abortion, even indirectly. What's stopping more men in France from getting vasectomies? French firm denies involvement Media reports have identified Veolia, a French waste management firm, as a possible contractor for the incineration. But the company told RFI it only has a framework agreement with Chemonics to handle expired products. 'The stock mentioned in Belgium is not part of this agreement,' Veolia's press office said. 'We are not responsible for its management.' Activist Danièle Gaudry, from the coalition Abortion in Europe – Women Decide, told RFI the timing of any transfer from Belgium to France remains unknown. 'We still don't know the date it will happen, and we're still trying to identify the company,' she said. France's parliament approves free contraception to be extended to women up to the age of 25 Lawmakers urge action On Saturday, French Greens leader Marine Tondelier and a group of female MPs urged President Emmanuel Macron to intervene, calling the plan 'an affront to the fundamental principles of solidarity, public health and sexual and reproductive rights that France is committed to defending'. They asked him not to become 'complicit, even indirectly, in retrograde policies' and to support NGOs ready to redistribute the contraceptives. Sarah Durocher, president of the French Family Planning association, said France had a responsibility to act. 'A government that proudly enshrines the right to abortion in its constitution must also defend access to contraception beyond its borders,' she said, in a statement issued by IPPF. The Elysée has yet to comment on the case.
Malaysian Reserve
30-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
DMI Associates Joins Forces with Chemonics International to Expand Development Impact
LYON, France and WASHINGTON, July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chemonics International, a global sustainable solutions firm, is proud to announce the acquisition of DMI Associates, a France-based development consulting firm known for its expertise in governance, economic development, and institutional capacity building. Following the successful acquisition of Berlin-based Luvent Consulting in 2024, the addition of DMI Associates further strengthens Chemonics' European presence and capabilities. By integrating DMI Associates' strong local and regional knowledge with Chemonics' global resources and innovative solutions, the combined organization is poised to deliver even greater impact for local partners and communities worldwide. 'Acquiring DMI Associates is an exciting moment for Chemonics as we expand our footprint in Europe, enabling us to achieve even greater sustainable development impact and solve some of the world's greatest challenges,' said Jamey Butcher, President and CEO of Chemonics. 'DMI's deep expertise in technical assistance and public policy will strengthen our collective capacity as we work together to achieve our mission of creating meaningful change around the world.' Louise Quy, President of Chemonics Europe, said: 'DMI Associates is a perfect fit for Chemonics' growing family of companies. The team brings exceptional technical expertise and client relationships – I'm deeply excited about our work together as we continue to expand our impact and footprint in Europe and globally.' DMI Associates, founded in 1998, has built a reputation for its client-focused approach and its ability to deliver tailored solutions to complex development issues. The firm has worked extensively across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean on initiatives that strengthen public administration, foster economic growth, and promote good governance. 'After 25 years of guiding DMI Associates, I am filled with a profound sense of purpose and optimism for what lies ahead. At the heart of our mission has been our remarkable team and the experts we call upon, whose dedication and passion have brought our vision to life,' said François Théoleyre, Founder of DMI Associates. 'Now, joining forces with a partner who shares our values and commitment, I am confident this new chapter will amplify our impact as we embrace the opportunities of a world that demands innovation and collaboration.' Reflecting on the partnership, Carine Berny, Managing Director of DMI Associates, said: 'For 22 years, alongside François Théoleyre, I have had the privilege of sharing his vision, values, and passion for fostering sustainable and inclusive development. The team has a great opportunity to carry forward François' legacy by embarking on this new journey with Chemonics to drive even greater impact.' Together, Chemonics and DMI Associates are committed to leveraging their collective networks, expertise, innovative approaches, and beyond to advance their shared mission of creating meaningful change around the world. About Chemonics International Chemonics International is a global sustainable solutions firm that works in more than 100 countries around the world. Our mission is to promote meaningful change to help people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives. For more information, please visit About DMI Associates A trusted expert in institutional capacity building, governance, and economic development, DMI has delivered over 300 technical assistance missions in more than 70 countries since its founding in 1998. DMI has built a strong reputation for its client-focused approach and its ability to deliver tailored solutions to complex development issues. For more information, please visit
The Herald
07-06-2025
- Health
- The Herald
Contraceptives for sub-Saharan Africa stuck in warehouses after US aid cuts
Contraceptives that could help prevent millions of unwanted pregnancies in some of the world's poorest countries are stuck in warehouses because of US aid cuts and could be destroyed, two aid industry sources and one former government official said. The stock, held in Belgium and Dubai, includes condoms, contraceptive implants, pills and intrauterine devices, together worth about $11m (R195.5m), the sources told Reuters. It has been stalled since the Trump administration started cutting foreign aid as part of its 'America First' policy in February, as the US government no longer wants to donate the contraceptives or pay the costs for delivery, they said. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has instead asked the contractor managing its health supply chain, Chemonics, to try to sell it, two of the sources said. An internal USAID memo, sent in April, said a quantity of contraceptives was being kept in warehouses and they should be 'immediately transferred to another entity to prevent waste or additional costs'. A senior US state department official told Reuters no decision had been made about the future of the contraceptives. They did not respond to questions about the reasons why the contraceptives were in storage or the impact of the US aid cuts and delays.
Medscape
06-06-2025
- Business
- Medscape
Contraceptives for Poorest Countries Stuck in Warehouses After US Aid Cuts
LONDON (Reuters) -Contraceptives that could help prevent millions of unwanted pregnancies in some of the world's poorest countries are stuck in warehouses because of U.S. aid cuts and could be destroyed, two aid industry sources and one former government official said. The stock, held in Belgium and Dubai, includes condoms, contraceptive implants, pills and intrauterine devices, together worth around $11 million, the sources told Reuters. It has been stalled since the Trump administration started cutting foreign aid as part of its 'America First' policy in February, as the U.S. government no longer wants to donate the contraceptives or pay the costs for delivery, they said. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has instead asked the contractor managing its health supply chain, Chemonics, to try to sell it, two of the sources said. An internal USAID memo, sent in April, said a quantity of contraceptives was being kept in warehouses and they should be "immediately transferred to another entity to prevent waste or additional costs". A senior U.S. State Department official told Reuters no decision had been made about the future of the contraceptives. They did not respond to questions about the reasons why the contraceptives were in storage or the impact of the U.S. aid cuts and delays. A spokesperson for Chemonics said they were unable to comment on USAID's plans, but added that the company is working with clients to deliver life-saving aid globally and would continue to support the U.S. government's global health supply chain priorities. The stock represents just under 20% of the supply of contraceptives bought annually by the U.S. for donation overseas, a former USAID official told Reuters. Selling or donating the contraceptives has been challenging, according to the former USAID official, although talks are ongoing. Another option on the table is destroying it, at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars. As time goes on, shelf-lives will also become an issue, one of the sources said. The sources told Reuters that one of the key delays is a lack of response from the U.S. government about what should be done with the stock. It had been destined largely for vulnerable women in sub-Saharan Africa, including young girls who face higher health risks from early pregnancy as well as those fleeing conflict or who otherwise could not afford or access the contraceptives, the sources added. The condoms also help stop the spread of HIV, the former USAID official said. "We cannot dwell on an issue for too long; when urgency and clarity don't align, we have to move on," said Karen Hong, chief of UNFPA's supply chain. She said the agency is now working on Plan B to help fill critical supply gaps. (Reporting by Jennifer Rigby; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
