In a bustling day at the Kwapong Health Centre in rural Ghana, Beatrice Nyamekye administered contraceptive implants to several women and provided hormonal injections to others to prevent pregnancy. The majority of women preferred the long-lasting methods as they offered peace of mind and privacy, without the need for discussions with partners.
This trend is seen across Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa, where access to contraception is historically low. However, recent improvements in education, expanded contraceptive options, and better distribution networks have led to a significant increase in the number of women using modern contraception in the region.
Community health workers now play a crucial role in delivering contraceptives directly to women’s doorsteps, bypassing traditional medical channels. This approach has been instrumental in reaching women in remote areas and empowering them to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including supply shortages and funding gaps. While prices for newer contraceptives have decreased, they can still be a financial burden for low-income countries. Training health workers to administer long-acting methods and ensuring sustainable funding for reproductive health programs are ongoing priorities.
Efforts are underway to address these challenges, with initiatives like the UNFPA’s new funding model and investments in research and development for more affordable long-acting contraceptives. The ultimate goal is to empower women across Africa to make informed choices about their reproductive health and achieve greater control over their futures.