Contraceptive shipments bound for five African nations remain stuck in Belgium
A stock of contraceptives intended for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Mali has been held in Belgium after the United States halted its release.
In the summer of 2025, reports emerged that the U.S. administration planned to block the distribution of contraceptives meant for five African countries because of its anti-abortion stance. The items, supplied by USAID, were placed in a Belgian warehouse. Since then, Belgium has repeatedly sought diplomatic solutions, proposing to assume control of the usable portion provided quality guarantees, documentation access, transparency and assured delivery to the recipient nations.
The Belgian foreign ministry, represented by Maxime Prévot, says no reply has been received from the United States. The impasse has lasted over a year, leaving the contraceptives unavailable to the intended populations.
Why it matters
The delay denies essential reproductive health supplies to millions of women in several African countries.
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