Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) in Matabeleland South has intensified efforts to promote long-acting reversible contraceptive methods amid heavy reliance on short-term options, particularly oral pills, by women in the province.
Speaking during the fourth quarter family planning and adolescent sexual reproductive health forum, ZNFPC Matabeleland South provincial manager
said statistics show that 64 percent of women in the province are using contraceptive pills, a trend the organisation wants to gradually reverse.
Mr Gumbi said the focus is now on sustained community education and increased male involvement to encourage a transition towards long-acting reversible methods, which are more effective in preventing unplanned pregnancies.
“As a province, we still have a strong reliance on short-acting family planning methods, yet the burden of sexually transmitted infections remains very high,” he said.
“Combined oral contraceptives account for 64 percent of usage, translating to about 109 527 women.
Depo Provera follows at 36 percent with 61 555 users. While uptake of pills remains high, our goal is to increase the proportion of clients transitioning to long-acting reversible methods.”
Mr Gumbi said data on sexually transmitted infections recorded in 2025 presents a worrying picture, particularly among adults aged between 24 and 49 years.
“Men in this age group account for 59 percent of STI cases, while women account for 41 percent,” he said.
He added that girls aged between 10 and 19 years constitute the largest proportion of new STI infections, a development he attributed to socio-economic pressures.
“This is largely driven by transactional sex linked to economic hardships, where young girls are lured into sexual relationships for financial support. Intergenerational relationships, involving older men who are more likely to be carriers of STIs and HIV, are also contributing,” said Mr Gumbi.
He noted that limited access to age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information continues to fuel low risk perception among adolescents.
As part of efforts to expand contraceptive choices, ZNFPC is promoting the Sayana Press self-care contraceptive method, which allows women to administer the injectable themselves at home.
“Our mission remains clear — to reduce rising teenage pregnancy rates and ensure that every young person is empowered with knowledge and services to make informed reproductive health choices,” said Mr Gumbi.
“Sayana Press prioritises autonomy, privacy and access. Unlike traditional injectables, it can be self-administered, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits.”
He said the method is particularly suited for rural communities as it does not require refrigeration and helps ease congestion at health facilities, where some women travel long distances to access services.
Mr Gumbi also emphasised the importance of male involvement in family planning, describing men as key decision-makers within households.
“We are working with male champions within communities to influence behaviour change and promote shared decision-making in sexual and reproductive health,” he said.
“Men are often difficult to reach, so we deliberately target gatherings and platforms that attract them to disseminate information.”
ZNFPC believes sustained community engagement, improved access to long-term contraception and greater male participation are key to improving reproductive health outcomes in the province. — @DubeMatutu
