Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) in Masvingo Province has called on men to take a more active role in family planning and sexual reproductive health (SRH) challenging the long-held perception that such services are meant only for women.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch newspaper, ZNFPC Marketing and Communications Officer Beautrice Hlilokela said family planning is a shared responsibility between men and women, and greater male involvement is key to building healthier families and communities.
“Family planning and sexual reproductive health services are not just for women. Men play a vital role in supporting their partners in making informed choices about family planning methods,” she said.
Hlilokela noted that many men in Zimbabwe still lack adequate knowledge about Sexual and Reproductive Health issues including Prostate cancer which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men.
“Our organisation is committed to bridging this gap by providing men with accurate information and access to essential health services,” she added.
She emphasized that male involvement goes beyond awareness and includes accompanying partners to health facilities, engaging in open discussions and making joint decisions on reproductive health.
ZNFPC offers a wide range of services tailored for men, women and children, including prostate cancer screening, family planning counselling, HIV testing and counselling, sexual reproductive health education and Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC).
The organisation also provides life skills training for adolescents, focusing on adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Hlilokela urged men to break the silence surrounding reproductive health and take proactive steps toward safeguarding their well-being.
“By getting involved, men not only support their partners but also promote healthy relationships, responsible fatherhood and the prevention of SRH-related conditions,” she said.
The call comes as the organisation intensifies efforts to promote inclusive access to reproductive health services across communities.
