Mash West hailed for contraceptive use

Blessings Chidakwa in Kadoma
Mashonaland West Province has been commended for leading in the use of modern contraceptive methods in the country.

The province is tied with Bulawayo as they both have an uptake rate of 71 percent, while Manicaland has the lowest rate at 57 percent.

Speaking at a Family Planning Media Advocacy workshop held in Kadoma recently, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) assistant director (marketing and communication) Mr Isaac Mukaronda said the National Family Planning Strategy of 2016 targets an increase in national use of contraceptives from 58 percent to 69 percent.

“The figures are more worrying in Manicaland province, which is having the least numbers with 51 percent. Mashonaland West and Bulawayo are on top with 71 percent,” he said.

The workshop was attended by officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council and Population Services Zimbabwe.

Addressing the delegates, Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ) clinical services director Dr Raymond Chikoore urged men to be highly involved in family planning methods.

He said at PSZ clinics, a total of 63 men underwent vasectomy out of the 353 278 clients they attended to seeking family planning services.

“The number of men accessing family planning methods is on the rise over the past period,” he said.

“Men are encouraged to use vasectomy as a long term, simple and safe family planning method, sexual libido will not be affected.”

He said vasectomy was effective after three months.

“Men can still indulge in sexual activities using short-term family methods as withdrawal or condoms.

However, the method has to be complemented with condoms for the prevention of STIs, as well as HIV and AIDS,” he said.

Vasectomy is a permanent and non-reversible method that is recommended for a man who does not wish to have any more children.

It is grouped in the same category with the female surgical contraception and tubal ligation (surgical procedure for sterilisation).

Vasectomy involves a minor operation undertaken by a trained health service provider during which the tubes that carry sperms are blocked.