Planned Parenthood Global Launches “Global Mobile”

Joint Project with UNFPA Aims to Connect Young People with Sexual and Reproductive Health Information and Services Via Mobile Phone Technology

New York, NY—Planned Parenthood today announced the launch of Global Mobile. Global Mobile is a joint effort by Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to make sexual and reproductive health information and access to services available to young people in Africa and Latin America using mobile technology.

“Young people need support and resources to grow into the healthiest generation ever,” said Latanya Mapp Frett, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Global. “Global Mobile meets young people where they are, with the information and access they need and deserve to live healthy, full lives, and to fulfill their potential.”

Over half of the world’s population is under 25 years old. Yet in the U.S. and around the world, young people often face stigma, cultural taboos, discrimination, and misinformation that prevent them from meeting their sexual and reproductive health needs. At the same time, mobile phone usage is extremely high in the developing world. The number of people using mobile phones as their primary means of accessing the internet is at an all-time high, and is exponentially increasing.

“Despite recent advances and increases in social services spending in Latin America, widespread disparities and inequalities in access to health care remain, especially for young people,” said Heather Sayette, Associate Regional Director, Latin America, Planned Parenthood Global. “I’m optimistic about the potential for Global Mobile to help close the gap in information and access, and help reach some of its most marginalized communities with comprehensive, culturally appropriate sexual and reproductive health information and services." 

Global Mobile brings medically-accurate, culturally sensitive health information with a human rights and gender equality perspective to young people via mobile phone technology. All information is presented on country-specific websites and adapted by in-country adolescent health experts in partnership with Planned Parenthood Global staff to meet young people’s unique needs. Additionally, this information is combined with referrals to quality, youth-friendly health centers. 

"In Nigeria and around the world, young people are the future. They need our help to grow into the healthiest generation ever," said Thank-God Okosun, Acting Country Director, Nigeria, Planned Parenthood Global. "Da Subject Matter gives them what they need: information on relationships, their bodies and their health." 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With over 650 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.