USAID-Funded Diaphragm Approved for Use in Malawi

USAID Global Health Update

September 10, 2014

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and partner organization PATH are pleased to announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Caya® contoured diaphragm for marketing in the United States.

The Caya® contoured diaphragm is a one-size-fits-most barrier method developed in collaboration between partner organizations, including PATH and CONRAD, with funding from USAID. The novel design makes the device easy to use by eliminating many of the challenges traditionally associated with diaphragms. Pelvic exams for sizing are not required, and clinics will not need to stock multiple sizes.

Widely considered the gold standard for stringent regulatory approval, the FDA’s regulatory review and clearance for the Caya® contoured diaphragm is an example of USAID’s investments abroad serving women in the United States for a truly global impact. In fact, as a result of USAID’s Expanding Effective Contraceptive Options project, women in Malawi and Zambia will soon be the first in the world to have this new contraceptive available to them. The device is approved in Malawi, and registration is in process in Zambia.

Learn more:
• Read PATH’s press release announcing the U.S. FDA approval of the Caya® contoured diaphragm.
• Learn more about the single-size diaphragm.
• Learn more about USAID’s Expanding Effective Contraceptive Options project.