CycleTel Humsafar featured in India’s Business World Disrupt

In a new Business World Disrupt article, “How Do You Discuss Family Planning When It’s So Taboo,” India country manager Ramya Kancharla explains how CycleTel™ Humsafar is overcoming barriers to family planning.

Cycletel Humsafar is a free SMS service based on the Standard Days Method® of family planning and was developed by the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University. Users receive messages alerting them to their fertile days based on their period start date.

“It is unique in that it is a completely natural, modern family planning method that women and couples can access outside the healthcare system and in complete privacy,” Ramya explained. “There is no other family planning method like this available in India.”

Since launching the service in October 2015, over 2,700 users have completed a screening and registered for the service.

“Many of our users have not used any family planning method before signing up for CycleTel,” Ramya said.  “We are particularly proud that we have been able to introduce a suitable family planning method to these users.”

Read the full interview here.

Learn more:

• Watch the CycleTel Humsafar video.
• Read about IRH’s work in mobile reproductive health technology.