On November 21, 2024, the Campinas Reproductive Health Research Center (CEMICAMP) had the honor of receiving an international delegation from the ICA Foundation and the Population Council, reaffirming the importance of the partnership between these institutions in advancing global reproductive health.

About ICA

Founded in December 2003, the ICA Foundation is the result of a collaboration between Bayer AG, a global leader in specialized pharmaceuticals, and the Population Council, an international non-profit organization. The Foundation’s mission is to provide hormonal intrauterine devices (LNG-IUS) on a non-profit basis, expanding access to contraceptives in low- and middle-income countries. With nearly 250,000 devices donated in 47 countries, the ICA Foundation has been essential in promoting family planning and reproductive health in vulnerable communities.

CEMICAMP

CEMICAMP is one of the leading reproductive health research centers in Brazil, affiliated with the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). Recognized for its scientific excellence, CEMICAMP conducts clinical studies, develops health policies, and promotes access to quality services for women throughout Brazil.

Dr. Luis Bahamondes: Leader in Reproductive Health

President of CEMICAMP, Dr. Luis Bahamondes, Emeritus Professor and Full Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), is internationally recognized for his contribution to research in contraception and reproductive health. His leadership has been essential in implementing and expanding the use of the LNG-IUS in Brazil, benefiting thousands of women and fostering scientific advancements.

“The LNG-IUS is highly valued by women seeking a long-acting, reversible, and highly effective contraceptive. In addition to contraceptive benefits, it provides significant relief for those suffering from heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding — a condition affecting about 35% of women of reproductive age. In many regions of Brazil, donations from the ICA Foundation represent the primary, and often the only, access to this essential intrauterine device, making it an indispensable resource for reproductive health.”

ICA Foundation & CEMICAMP

Since 2007, the collaboration between ICA Foundation and CEMICAMP has stood out not only for achieving its initial goal of providing intrauterine devices (IUDs) to public health networks but also for its academic impact. The partnership has resulted in over 60 articles published in scientific journals and the defense of 13 academic theses, consolidating the scientific relevance of the work being done.

In addition, through CEMICAMP, hormonal IUDs (LNG-IUS) provided by ICA Foundation, as well as copper IUDs, are sent to more than 30 centers in 14 Brazilian states, expanding the project’s reach and contributing to the health of thousands of women across the country.

Population Council

The visit on November 21, 2024, was attended by high-level representatives from the ICA Foundation and the Population Council, strengthening the ties between the institutions:

  • Lorna Begg (EUA)
  • James (Jim) Sailer (EUA)
  • Frank Strelow (Alemanha)
  • Nahla Abdel-Tawab (Egito)
  • Juhani Syrjala (Finlândia)
  • Milly Nanyombi Kaggwa (Uganda)
  • Anne Cecile Pfitzer (EUA)
  • Maria M. Vivas Pérez (Colômbia)
  • Marcel Van Valen (Holanda)
  • Carolyn Louise Westhoff (EUA)
  • Kai Risse (Alemanha)
  • Karen Joanna Holopainen (Finlândia)

Impact and Future of the Collaboration

This innovative partnership not only expands access to high-quality contraceptive methods but also fosters scientific research and health professional training. The exchange of experiences during the visit highlighted the transformative impact of the collaboration and reaffirmed the commitment of all parties involved to promoting reproductive health, women’s empowerment, and equity in access to care.

The joint work between the ICA Foundation and CEMICAMP continues to deliver lasting benefits, strengthening health systems and building a solid foundation for future advancements in reproductive health.