Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
THE rollout of a new family planning method, the Sayana Press self-care model, is set to significantly improve access to services across Zimbabwe the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has said.
Presenting during a sensitisation meeting in Bulawayo on Wednesday, ZNFPC Service Delivery Coordinator Mrs Janet Godzi said the self-care approach was designed to remove long-standing barriers that prevent women from accessing contraceptive services.
“Sayana Press is a self-injectable contraceptive that can be administered outside a health facility, making it easier for women to access family planning services without having to travel long distances,” said Mrs Godzi.
She said the method is safe, highly effective and easy to use, adding that its design makes it suitable for self-injection after adequate training.
“It is small and light, has a short needle and is simple to use, which makes it ideal for self-injection once clients are adequately trained,” she said.
The sensitisation meeting with stakeholders was aimed at ensuring the successful rollout of the self-care model.
“The objective of this meeting is to strengthen the knowledge and attitudes of service providers in the marketing of Sayana Press as a self-care option. We also want to increase the uptake of Sayana Press as a self-care method, while discussing and clarifying the critical roles of service providers and key stakeholders in supporting this programme,” she said.
She said service providers are central to building confidence among clients and ensuring correct and consistent use of the method.
The programme is being rolled out in phases, with the first phase already implemented in Mashonaland East, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo Metropolitan provinces.
“The second phase expanded the rollout to Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces and we are now moving into the final phase which targets Harare Metropolitan, Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland North,” said Mrs Godzi.
She said once the final phase is completed, all health facilities offering family planning services will also provide Sayana Press self-care.
Mrs Godzi said health service providers will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective use of the method.
“Before clients are initiated on self-injection, health service providers will be assessed to ensure they are competent to offer self-care services,” she said.
“At the initial visit, trained providers will demonstrate the steps involved in self-injection, reinjection schedules and infection prevention procedures, supported by videos and information, education and communication materials,” she said.
She said clients who demonstrate competency would be observed administering their first injection at the health facility before being given an additional dose to self-administer at home.
“However, clients who show low proficiency will be advised to return to the facility for their next dose and will be directly observed again after 13 weeks,” said Mrs Godzi.
She said Sayana Press self-care will also be offered during outreach programmes to ensure wider community coverage.
“Eligible clients will be identified during outreaches and provided with on-the-spot training and counselling. They will be observed administering the initial injection and given one dose for home use,” she said.
“Clients will be advised to visit the nearest health facility for resupply, with clear dates indicated on their client cards, while community health workers will monitor and support them remotely.”
Mrs Godzi also emphasised the importance of safe storage and disposal at community level. Clients are advised to store unused Sayana Press devices in a clean, cool and dry place, away from children, sunlight and moisture. Where possible, lockable pouches or boxes are encouraged.
She warned against unsafe disposal practices.
“Used devices should be placed in sealable containers such as empty jars and returned to the health facility during the next visit. They can also be disposed of in pit latrines or autoway pits, but sharps must never be burned at home,” said Mrs Godzi.
She said the Ministry of Health and Child Care and ZNFPC are jointly coordinating the implementation of the Sayana Press self-care model, with stakeholder engagement taking place at national, provincial, district, facility and community levels.
“Training and continuous support for health care providers, infrastructure development, client education, as well as monitoring and evaluation are critical to the success of this programme,” said Mrs Godzi.
She said with proper implementation, the self-care model would increase access to contraceptive services, empower women and improve reproductive health outcomes.
“Sayana Press self-care improves autonomy, access and continuity of contraceptive use, and with strong stakeholder support and ongoing monitoring, it will be sustainable and effective,” she said.
