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Thandeka Moyo, Health Reporter
BIRTH control pills – the most preferred form of contraception in Zimbabwe – that had been in short supply over the past month are now readily available at public health institutions.
Last month, officials had raised concern over stock-outs of the pill saying procurement challenges had left storerooms countrywide dry.
In an interview, Matabeleland North provincial medical director Dr Pugie Chimberengwa said supply had normalised and encouraged members of the public to adhere to contraception.
“We now have enough stocks of contraceptive pills and we have already started distributing them across the region for easy access. There is no need for panic now as all institutions are covered and we do not expect an upsurge of unwanted pregnancies as supplies have normalised,” said Dr Chimberengwa.
He said women also had the option of choosing from injectables and implants after approaching health care workers.
“We also have in stock injectables like the Depo Provera and implants like the Implanon. These are effective methods which women can use after consulting us,” he said.
Dr Chimberengwa urged women to regularly visit public health institutions for medical checkups before using any contraceptive.
“We do offer counselling and guidance after medical checkups before recommending any method of contraceptives. We therefore encourage women to adhere and be consistent in their use of contraceptives as we still have Family Planning 2020 goals to achieve as a country,” said Dr Chimberengwa.
A few years ago, the Government made a commitment to ensure that all women of reproductive age 16-49 have access to quality family planning services by 2020.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care is working towards improving access and uptake of voluntary contraceptive services among adolescents and reducing their unmet need for modern methods of family planning from 12.6 percent to 8.5 percent by 2020.—@thamamoe
Online Reporter