Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
WOMEN in Mutare who were once reluctant to take up long-term contraceptives such as Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs), jadelle and implanon are now embracing them in increasing numbers.
In a recent interview, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) Manicaland provincial marketing and communications officer, Mr Daniel Maromo, said the shift in attitudes shows growing awareness among women about the safety and effectiveness of long-term methods in preventing unplanned pregnancies.
“While the uptake of IUCDs and loops has traditionally been low because of fears and misconceptions, we are now seeing more women coming forward and requesting these services. This is a positive shift for family planning in Mutare,” he said.
Mr Maromo said many women prefer short-term methods such as pills and injectables because they feel more in control of them.
“With short-term methods, one can stop immediately, unlike an IUCD which requires visiting a clinic for removal. That has been one of the major reasons for reluctance. It is encouraging to see that some of these fears are fading,” he said.
ZNFPC last week held a three-day programme at its provincial offices in Mutare, where women accessed free insertion and removal of IUCDs and loops.
The programme also provided counselling and education on family planning options. Mr Maromo said the initiative was part of broader efforts to normalise long-term contraceptives and address barriers to uptake.
“Health experts were on hand to explain that long-term methods are, not only safe, but also reversible. A woman can have an IUCD removed at any time if she wishes to fall pregnant. It is important that people understand that these methods do not affect fertility, and have been widely used across the world with proven success,” he said.
He added that the IUCD, also known as the loop, is one of the most effective forms of contraception available, lasting up to 12 years.
“This method is inserted in the womb to prevent pregnancy. It works by slowing down the movement of the male seed or sperm, preventing it from fertilising the female egg,” he said.
The device can also be used immediately after childbirth.
“It can be inserted soon after delivery, between 10 minutes and 48 hours. This is called postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device, or PPI-IUCD. It is very important because sometimes when women return after six weeks for routine visits, they may already have been pregnant during the lactation period. Offering the IUCD immediately after birth helps to prevent that,” said Mr Maromo.
During the Mutare outreach, 18 women received IUCD services, while 56 sought information and consultations on the device and other methods.
“Here and there we provide free services like these because we know there are some who might not have the funds to take up the method. By doing so, we ensure that every woman, regardless of financial status, has access to family planning,” he said.
Mr Maromo stressed that women are always provided with information to make their own informed choices.
“Family planning is about choice. We do not prescribe that you have to take IUCD, jadelle or implanon. What we do is give people information, and they decide. No one is coerced,” he said.
He acknowledged, however, that the demand for short-term contraceptives still outweighs that of long-term methods in Manicaland.
“IUCD uptake is increasing, but short-term methods remain in high demand. Some women do not like things being inserted into their internal organs. Others prefer something they can stop abruptly, like tablets or condoms. But we are encouraged that there is now a gradual shift, with more women considering options like jadelle and implanon too,” he said.
ZNFPC is scaling up its outreach efforts across the province. Mr Maromo said the council also works closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other partners such as Population Health Zimbabwe and Population Solutions for Health to expand service coverage.
“We have trained quite a number of service providers within the ministry in the province who can provide IUCDs and other contraceptives. Women can also visit their nearest clinic or hospital for the service. Our partners also provide similar services, so access is not limited to ZNFPC,” he said.
In rural areas, ZNFPC deploys community-based health workers to spread information and link women to services.
“We are always in touch with communities. These community health workers go door-to-door educating people about contraception, family planning, and other reproductive health services. They also make referrals to health centres. This helps us reach women who might otherwise be left behind,” said Mr Maromo.
The recent Mutare programme, he said, was part of these continued outreach activities.
“What we want is for women to have the knowledge and confidence to make choices that are best for them. It is their health, their families, and their future. We are happy that the tide is turning in Mutare, and we expect this trend to spread across the province,” he said.
Mr Maromo said ZNFPC will continue rolling out similar free services across Manicaland to ensure that both urban and rural women are reached.
