Mchinji Hospital Launches Initiative to Increase Access to Family Planning Methods in Remote Areas
Mchinji district hospital has reported that 22% of females in remote areas are limited in their access to health services, such as family planning methods
Malawi: Mchinji district hospital has reported that 22% of females in remote areas are limited in their access to health services, such as family planning methods, writes Alinafe Dzuluwanda.
This has led to these communities having the highest population in the district and the country.
According to Mary Phiri, the Reproductive Health Directorate, this is due to a lack of understanding about the importance of having small families.
'This is a result of myths that people hear from invalidated sources. And even if people have enough information, they find it hard to access the planning methods since they are far from the sources. This is why the ministry wants to reach out to a lot of females so that there should be good communication about family planning methods as a way of clearing the myths and misconceptions,' Phiri said.
Phiri also noted that hospital officials have started a campaign to educate people about contraceptives and family planning in these areas so that those who are far from health services can access these methods.
She added that the hospital will lobby for funds from the government and other non-governmental organizations to help build health facilities in these areas.
'We will construct hospitals in these areas with support from the government. The sensitization is aiming at reducing the rapid population growth that the country is fighting against,' she said.
Senior Group M'bona and Traditional Authority (T/A) Gumba both expressed appreciation for the officials' efforts to educate the community about family planning methods.
'I thought the Ministry of Health was reluctant to give family planning methods to remote communities, but you have proved me otherwise. I would like to thank the ministry for sensitizing in my community about family planning methods because many of us here were ignorant about family planning methods,' said Senior Group M'bona.
One beneficiary, Loveness Chigaga, stated that family planning has helped her achieve development on both a family and community level, and has allowed her to properly care for the few children she has.
With this sensitization initiative, families will be able to control the number of children they have, sustain themselves financially, have good health, and engage in development activities within their families and communities.
The Mchinji district hospital officials' sensitization campaign is funded by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The family planning methods provided include condoms, emergency pills, and Jadelle, among others.