By Onward Gangata
ZIMBABWE has one of the best Family Planning (FP) programs in the region, a senior govt official has said.
This was revealed by the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora in Gweru on Thursday.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy Sleiman Kwidini during the World Contraception Day national commemorations held at Mkoba Teachers College.
“Zimbabwe has one of the best family planning programs in Southern Africa,” the Minister said.
“The contraceptive prevalence rate increased from 59 percent in 2010/11 to 67 percent in 2022.
“While the unmet need for family planning has declined from 13 percent to 10 percent under the same period.”
Dr Mombeshora added that the adolescent birth rate had reduced from 119 per 1000 live births to 108 per 1000 live births in 2019.
He further said that maternal mortality had declined from 462 per 100 000 births in 2019 to 362 per 100 000 births in 2022.
Dr Mombeshora however, bemoaned the high rate of teenage pregnancies in the country which stands at 22 percent.
Dr Mombeshora stressed that a multi faceted and collaborative approach was required to curb the worrisome trend.
“Our unmet need for family planning is still high at 10 percent,”he added.
“While teenage pregnancy rate is as high as 22 percent, in the Midlands it stands at 24 percent.
“If we can embark on multi-country collaborative programs, this will not only respond to operational questions concerning family planning and sexual and reproductive health issues but also embark on research and development for local manufacture of contraceptives and commodities that better meets the needs of the local population.
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT
Speaking at the same event Kunashe foundation executive director, Ratidzo Njagu echoed the Minister’s sentiments.
She said it is imperative to include youths in programming that addresses their challenges.
“We are certain of this, young people need to be included,”she remarked.
“Our voices must be heard regarding age appropriate sexual and reproductive health education and services.”
The theme for this year’s commemorations was, ‘Contraception: it’s your life, it’s your responsibility.’
