Launch of the Target product Profiles for the development of novel male contraceptives
Date: 22.09.2026
Time: 15.00 – 16.30 hrs CEST
Host: WHO HRP/ IBP
Registration Link: https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lMjdckEERru0hfRXWp4a8w
Background:
The Department of Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing (LHR) includes the UNDP/ UNFPA/ UNICEF/ WHO/ World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). The department generates new knowledge through research, including synthesizing available evidence. This evidence is used to develop guidelines, implementation tools and policy statements, which are disseminated through HRP’s cosponsors and others. In this way, HRP is a resource for all evidence-based policy and decision-making, intended to bring SRH to all (HRP annual report 2024). More information about SRH can be found at www.who.int/hrp
Men’s participation in contraception and family planning remains limited and is primarily confined to male condoms, vasectomy and withdrawal. Despite these relatively few options, male methods account for approximately 30% of contraceptive use globally. To expand men’s contraceptive choices, efforts are underway to develop safe, effective and reversible novel male contraceptive methods and delivery systems. In line with its normative mandate, WHO has developed Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for novel male contraceptives (NMCs). The TPPs describe the preferred characteristics of new contraceptive products and are intended to guide product development, introduction, regulatory review and post-introduction monitoring of reversible male contraceptive methods. WHO recognizes the potential contribution of NMCs to expanding contraceptive choice, broadening the method mix, promoting greater shared responsibility for contraception, and increasing men’s direct engagement in family planning and preventive health care.
Purpose:
The purpose of this webinar is to disseminate and officially launch WHO’s first Target Product Profiles for novel male contraceptives.
Methodology:
In line with WHO’s convening role, a virtual dissemination meeting will be held on 22 September 2026 from 15:00 to 16:30 CEST through the IBP platform. Given the highly specialized technical content of the TPPs, the webinar will be conducted in English only.
The primary target audience includes contraceptive researchers and product developers, academic institutions, regulatory authorities, policymakers and Programme managers. Other interested participants are also welcome to attend.
The meeting will include presentations on the development and content of the NMC TPPs, followed by a question-and-answer session. The webinar will conclude with the official launch of the TPP document.
World sexual and reproductive health month (1-30 September)
Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), this month-long initiative shines a light on an area of health that touches everyone: contraception, fertility care, pregnancy and childbirth, sexually transmitted infections, and protection from violence. The campaign, under the banner „Health starts here,“ makes the case that evidence-based sexual and reproductive health care improves lives — and that investing in it benefits individuals, families, and entire communities.
Throughout September, WHO is hosting a series of online and in-person events, including a discussion on the past, present, and future of research in this field, sessions on new male contraceptive methods, updated WHO contraceptive guidelines, and a film screening in Geneva.
Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), this month-long initiative shines a light on an area of health that touches everyone: contraception, fertility care, pregnancy and childbirth, sexually transmitted infections, and protection from violence. The campaign, under the banner „Health starts here,“ makes the case that evidence-based sexual and reproductive health care improves lives — and that investing in it benefits individuals, families, and entire communities.
Throughout September, WHO is hosting a series of online and in-person events, including a discussion on the past, present, and future of research in this field, sessions on new male contraceptive methods, updated WHO contraceptive guidelines, and a film screening in Geneva.
