MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-The modern contraceptive prevalence rate in the Midlands province is currently 67%, with short-acting methods being the most preferred, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) official has said.
ZNFPC official Kudakwashe Mbedzi revealed this ahead of the World Contraception Day (WCD) national commemorations, which will be held at Mkoba Teachers College in Gweru on September 26.
This year’s theme is “Contraception: It’s Your Life; Its Your Responsibility.”
Mbedzi added that the national pill uptake stands at 39.6%, injectables at 11.9%, and implants at 10.7%, condoms are the least preferred method at 3%.
Additionally, the unmet need for family planning is reported at 10%.
Mbedzi emphasized that the upcoming World Contraception Day event, to be graced by Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, will focus on urging young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
“Every year, young people are more prone to getting infected with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as they do not have sufficient information on how to protect themselves,” Mbedzi added.
The use of contraception is critical in averting high incidences of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and deaths among adolescent girls and young women.
However, Mbedzi noted that more progress is still required in reducing the unmet need for family planning, especially in reaching vulnerable communities.
