The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) say there is need to increase access and awareness on the use of contraceptives in Matabeleland South Province which has the country’s highest number of non-users of contraceptives.
In an effort to increase awareness and encourage men and women in the province to take control of their sexual reproductive health, the ZNFPC took the national commemorations of the World Contraception Day and Global Female Condom Day to Zezani Growth Point in Beitbridge.
ZNFPC Acting Executive Director, Dr Simbarashe Mabaya said his organisation is committed to increasing the contraceptive prevalence rate in the province which currently stands at 46 percent compared with the national level of 60 percent.
Beitbridge Rural District Council CEO, Mr Peter Ncube called for the increased funding for reproductive health and family planning if the country is to reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate.
Beitbridge West legislator, Cde Matrine Mudau said there is need for the strengthening of community based sexual and reproductive health services in a district also dogged by a high HIV prevalence rate.
The World Contraception Day ran under the theme: ‘It’s Your Life, It’s Your Future, Know Your Choices,’ while the Global Female Condom Day ran under the theme: ‘Dance for Demand, Dance for FC2 Female Condom Access.’
Zimbabwe currently has the highest contraceptive prevalence rate in sub-Saharan Africa.
