An estimated 218 million women in low- and middle-income countries still have an unmet need for modern contraception, and the United Nations estimates that 19% of women in sub-Saharan Africa have an unmet contraceptive need.

When women and girls have access to contraceptives and health services they want and need, they’re able to make informed reproductive decisions and are more empowered to live their lives as they choose. Women and girls who have agency over their health can reach their full potential—more girls can go to school, and more women can work outside the home. Those choices also contribute to healthier pregnancies and safer births, meaning more newborns can thrive and have a chance at a productive future.

We focus on helping women and girls access the health services and products, including family planning, that align with their preferences—ones that are affordable, convenient, and culturally appropriate. We also support efforts that improve how family planning services are delivered and improving health systems to meet the needs of women and girls.

Our commitment will support the advancement of more than 40 innovations in five critical and chronically underfunded areas, particularly those affecting women in low- and middle-income countries. This investment includes:

• Obstetric care and maternal immunization: Making pregnancy and delivery safer
• Maternal health and nutrition: Supporting healthier pregnancies and newborns
• Gynaecological and menstrual health: Advancing tools and research to better diagnose, treat, and improve gynaecological health and reduce infection risk
• Contraceptive innovation: Offering more accessible, acceptable, and effective options
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Improving diagnosis and treatment to reduce disproportionate burdens on women

Gene drive is part of a growing field of genetically based vector control (GBVC) tools scientists are exploring to help stop the spread of malaria. It works by changing the genes of malaria-carrying mosquitos so they either can’t pass on the disease or their numbers go down over time. These changes are designed to pass through future generations of mosquitoes, which gives gene drive the potential for long-term impact.

Importantly, it only targets malaria-carrying species, leaving others untouched. In remote areas most impacted by malaria, gene drive could be a breakthrough, offering inexpensive and sustainable protection that doesn’t depend on people taking medicines or the constant delivery of supplies.

Not all genetically modified mosquitoes use gene drive technology. Other types target male mosquitoes and are engineered to pass down “self-limiting” genes to prevent their offspring from surviving to adulthood. Unlike gene drive, these traits do not last long in the mosquito population and require repeated releases of mosquitoes.

Genetically based vector control research is being conducted by scientists and global partners in countries most burdened by malaria under strict safety and regulatory oversight. All decisions about the approval of the technology are made by national regulatory bodies, following strict national laws and international guidelines.

Malaria kills nearly 600,000 people each year, mostly African children. Current tools have helped achieve significant progress—but they aren’t enough to eradicate malaria. New challenges like drug and insecticide resistance and climate change threaten existing progress. Gene drive technology could provide long-lasting, self-sustaining protection without relying on human behavior or complex delivery systems, making it particularly valuable for reaching remote, underserved communities.

Since no single tool can eradicate malaria alone, gene drive is being developed by Africa scientists as part of a several interventions including next-generation bed nets, spatial repellents, next-generation vaccines, long-acting chemoprevention, and sophisticated monitoring tools. Using multiple tools and technologies to address malaria helps countries break the cycle of illness, poverty, and death linked to the disease.

Disease outbreaks can threaten lives, disrupt livelihoods, and place enormous pressure on health systems. The Gates Foundation supports partners working to help countries detect and respond to health threats earlier and more effectively.

Read the foundation’s FAQ about outbreak preparedness and response →