Hawassa, SNNP Region - In a global effort to highlight the importance of family planning and reproductive health, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and other partners commemorated World Contraception Day 2023 under the theme 'The Power of Options' in an event held in Hawassa on October 28, 2023. The event engaged government officials, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to reflect on ways to strengthen domestic financing to enhance family planning options in Ethiopia.
World Contraception Day, observed annually on September 26th, serves as a crucial platform to advocate for universal access to contraception and promote awareness about family planning. This year's theme underscores the significance of partnerships for expanding domestic financing to provide individuals with a variety of contraceptive options, recognising its impact on Ethiopia’s sustainable development.
The event included panel discussions on the importance of evidence-based interventions in the national family planning programme and the importance of public-private partnerships to strengthen family planning service provision countrywide.
In the context of Ethiopia, the World Contraception Day campaign holds particular importance. According to the Ministry of Health, the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) has steadily increased over the last 20 years, jumping from 6% of women using modern contraception in 2000 to 41% in 2019. Despite this progress in increased access to family planning, the unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia is still 22%.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Alemayehu Hunduma, Reproductive Health Desk Head at the Ministry of Health, underscored that ending the unmet need for modern contraceptives can yield longer-term returns in Ethiopia as a result of reduced infant and maternal mortality and long-term economic growth.
Dr. Awoke Tasew, UNFPA Assistant to the Representative, stressed UNFPA’s commitment to closely work with the government, donors, and partners to properly implement the signed Compact Agreements and achieve the goal of sustaining the financing of family planning and reproductive health, thereby ensuring the attainment of target 3.7 of universal access to contraception by 2030.
Field visits, exhibitions, and educational programs were organized across Ethiopia as part of the WCD to empower individuals with information about different contraceptive methods, addressing myths and misconceptions around family planning.
In Ethiopia, UNFPA remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing reproductive health and access to family planning commodities. Through collaborative efforts with governments, NGOs, and local communities, the goal is to create a world where every individual has the knowledge and access to make informed choices about their reproductive health, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
