Ecuador’s collaboration with the ICA Foundation was founded in 2004. ICA Foundation has provided 8,700 LNG IUS to Ecuador’s country project to this date. The original donation was shared evenly between two Ecuadorian non-government organizations, CEMOPLAF and APROFE, to be incorporated into their family planning services existing throughout the country. Centro Medico de Orientacion y Planificacion (CEMOPLAF) is an independent NGO initially supported by Family Planning International Assistance Program (FPIA). The Asociaciòn Pro Bienestar de la Familia Ecuatoriana (APROFE) is a private not-for-profit institution providing reproductive and maternal health services to Ecuadorian families since 1965. Each organization operates family planning services in nearly 30 clinics respectively, in both rural and urban areas.

Currently in Ecuador, the LNG IUS contraceptive device is exclusively offered through public clinics. The device is available in all CEMOPLAF and APROFE clinics (49) that offer outpatient services, and the majority of providers in each clinic are trained to insert and remove the LNG IUS.

Demand for the LNG IUS in Ecuador remains high and offering long-term contraception is continually important for access to health services. Ecuador’s collaboration with ICA Foundation will continue, as potential for an additional donation and expansion of existing service delivery is possible.