Use of contraception declines
03 October 2023
The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has noted a year-on-year decline in contraception use. While there has also been a decline in births, the department continues to encourage contraception use to prevent unplanned pregnancy.
World Contraception Day was celebrated on 26 September and is an annual campaign aiming to improve awareness about contraception, promote access to family planning services, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
'The campaign brings together organisations, healthcare providers, advocates, and individuals worldwide to support the right to comprehensive sexual education and access to a wide range of contraceptive methods.
'The day served as a reminder of the importance of accessible and informative reproductive healthcare, given that City Health noted a decline in contraceptive visits. While there could be a number of reasons for this, we want to make sure each decision relating to contraception is an informed one,' said Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
| Family planning/contraceptive visits facilitated | 2021/22 financial year | 2022/23 financial year | |
| IUCD Inserted | 1 156 | 873 | -24% |
| MedroxyProgesterone injection | 238 419 | 203 877 | -14% |
| Norethisterone Enanthate injection | 88 508 | Du | 0% |
| Oral pill cycle | 103 301 | 92 549 | -10% |
| Sub-dermal implant inserted | 9 110 | 8 071 | -11%
|
The Health Department's Area East hosted an event to mark World Contraception Day and visited the young people at the Centre for Science and Technology (COSAT) High School.
The theme was 'Empowering Choice, Ensuring Access' and underscored the right to make informed choices about reproductive health and emphasised the need for accessible, affordable, and high-quality contraceptive options for all.
Several activities took place with the Department of Social Development, Provincial Local Government, Public Participation Unit and Emthonjeni Counselling and Training.
'The different contraceptive options have different benefits and risks. Most importantly, in addition to preventing pregnancy, some provide a decreased risk of sexually transmitted infections and a reduction in the risk of some cancers. Our clinic staff are there to answer questions and advise on the best option for each person. You can take control of your own sexual health by making an informed choice,' added Councillor Van der Ross.
Caption 1: Learners received information about contraception options.
Caption 2: Health Promotion Officer Eleanor Sopili demonstrating how leaners can download the Be Wise App to access sexual Health Information.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
