The story of Sayana Press

What is Sayana Press?

Sayana® Press is an all-in-one injectable contraceptive that combines the drug and needle in the Uniject™ injection system. Sayana Press is small, light, easy to use, and requires minimal training, making it especially suitable for community-based distribution—and for women to administer themselves through self-injection. Sayana Press can improve access to a safe and effective contraceptive option and increase women’s autonomy.

Illustration showing components of Sayana Press.

1. The PATH-developed Uniject™ injection system is an all-in-one device that is easy to transport and use.

2. The plastic bubble contains a lower-dose formulation of Pfizer’s Depo-Provera® contraceptive in a single, premeasured dose.

3. The port holds the activation mechanism and an autodisable feature preventing reuse of the needle.

4. The short needle allows health workers—or women themselves—to inject Sayana Press just under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or arm.

Sayana Press quick facts

  • Sayana Press is administered via subcutaneous injection (similar to insulin injections) and lasts three months.
  • The progestin-only contraceptive is a lower-dose formulation and presentation of Depo-Provera®. It contains 104 mg of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) per 0.65 mL dose and is manufactured by Pfizer Inc.
  • Sayana Press is approved by drug regulatory agencies in the European Union and in more than 25 countries around the world.
  • In 2014, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Pfizer Inc., and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) announced a public-private collaboration and price agreement to make Sayana Press available for US$1 per dose in the world's 69 poorest countries through qualified purchasers.
  • In 2015, self-injection of Sayana Press was officially approved by the United Kingdom’s lead regulatory authority. The World Health Organization also recommends self-administration of Sayana Press in contexts where women have information, training, and support.
  • PATH and our partners have coordinated country-led pilot introductions of Sayana Press in sub-Saharan Africa and conducted research on Sayana Press provided through a range of delivery channels, including self-injection.
  • More than 1 million doses of the Sayana Press contraceptive have been delivered to women around the world.
  • Key partners and funders supporting PATH's Sayana Press project include: Ministries of health and implementing partners in Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Uganda; BMGF; CIFF; Pfizer Inc.; UK Department for International Development; United Nations Population Fund; US Agency for International Development; individual contributors and family foundations.