By Judith Kiconco
September 26th marks World Contraception Day (WCD), a global initiative promoting contraception and reproductive healthcare access. The event provides the public with comprehensive, age-appropriate information about contraceptive methods and how to access them. I briefly had a chat with Chris Arineitwe, formerly the National Family Planning Policy Advisor-USAID Family Planning Activity, about WCD and how he celebrates the day,
“WCD helps us reflect on our achievements in providing women and girls their choices. I observe this day by mobilizing communities and providing free contraceptive services to the underserved through outreaches. I also support the Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in participating in the day’s celebration to air out their voices about the challenges they face in accessing RH/Contraceptive services”, he said.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.7 and 5.6 stress the need for universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Agenda 2030 echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of ensuring access to quality healthcare, including sexual and reproductive healthcare. “Access to contraception is not just a fundamental human right, but a key driver of gender equality and sustainable development,” says Dr. Ann Starrs, President and CEO of the Guttmacher Institute.
Much as access to contraception is a fundamental right, significant access barriers to contraceptives persist, and this casts a long shadow, affecting millions, mainly women and girls across the globe. As shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in a 2022 report, this was a significant factor contributing to unintended pregnancies worldwide, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
In Uganda, 64% of pregnancies among women aged 15-49 years are unintended, and 39% of these end in abortion (Uganda Demographic and Health Survey in 2019). This might be concerning, but we can still turn the tide. How about firming up targeted policy measures, community-driven initiatives, and evidence-based interventions to improve access to contraceptives, knowledge about contraception, and its utilization?
World Contraception Day shouldn’t be just a date on the calendar. It should be a powerful reminder to recharge, refocus, renew, and recommit to ensure everyone can make informed choices about their reproductive health and well-being. As we stand together, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing every individual’s health, dignity, and human rights, regardless of obstacles.
Governments, service providers, and individuals: It’s time again to refine the existing strategies and approaches that optimize access to contraception and reproductive healthcare. Each of us has a role to play in this collective effort. Your piece of the puzzle is vital. This is not just a goal but a shared responsibility and a promise of a brighter future for all.
Today and every day, let’s work together to create a world where everyone has access to the contraceptive methods they need. Happy World Contraception Day 2024!
The writer is a Nurse/Midwife & Global Health Advocate!
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