PSI ETHIOPIA’S SOCIAL BUSINESS INITIATIVE:
A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH TO WOMEN’S HEALTH.
By Fana Abay, Marketing and Communications Director, PSI Ethiopia
PSI Ethiopia is working tirelessly to improve the health of adolescent girls and women. Through initiatives focused on critical areas such as family planning, maternal health, and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), we play a critical role in providing vital product and services to support thousands of women.
Recognizing that there are gaps in healthcare market, PSI Ethiopia embarked on a new path in 2020 with the establishment of a Social Business Unit. This strategic move not only underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation in addressing unmet needs, but also promises to empower women in their health choices. Through a market-driven approach, PSI’s Social Business Unit ensures that the health products and services offered are not only effective, but also accessible and affordable.
This initiative is significant in a country were economic barriers often hinder access to essential health products. With over 23% of Ethiopians living below the national poverty line, affordability is a pressing issue. We seek to bridge this gap by providing cost-effective health solutions without compromising quality, ensuring that no woman is left behind due to financial constraints.
In 2024, PSI Ethiopia launched three products designed to improve women’s health and well-being:
- Meuri is a third generation combined oral contraceptive that fills the gap in unmet needs for family planning products.
- Pronta 1 is a versatile emergency contraceptive pill that provides women with a safe and effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancies. This product gives women more control over their reproductive health, especially in rural areas where access to contraception is limited.
- AFRI Pad is a reusable sanitary napkin is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable menstrual products.
“We know that there is a shortage of family planning products in Ethiopia, and PSI Ethiopia has entered the market to solve the supply problem,” explained Wondwosen Kassa, Social Business Unit Director at PSI Ethiopia.
PSI Ethiopia’s Social Business Unit is advancing our mission to improve women’s health in Ethiopia. By offering innovative products like Meuri, Pronta 1, and AFRI Pad, we lay the groundwork for a healthier future.
Our ongoing commitment and innovation will drive lasting positive change, helping every woman lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
