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The government has been urged to put more funds towards procuring contraceptives to reduce the country’s dependence on donors.
Dr Edwin Mpeta, UNFPA programme specialist for reproductive health told journalists on Tuesday that currently, the bulk of contraceptives in use in Zimbabwe were purchased by development partners.
He was speaking ahead of the World Population Day commemorations set for Thursday this week.
“We have been engaging the government and the good thing is there is real progress.
“I want to congratulate the government in this area because starting last year, government invested US$1,5 million to procure contraceptives.
“This year also, they have already initiated a process of procuring another batch of US$1,5 million worth of contraceptives which is very commendable,” he said.
Mpeta added: “The government is playing a key role now and we want it to improve contribution so that we have that security to say whatever happens with external funding, we are able to ensure that women access contraceptives.”
Mpeta said the bulk of contraceptives used in Zimbabwe are procured by development partners.
“The government needs to do more in terms of investing domestic resources in procuring the contraceptives,” he said.
Zimbabwe requires at least US$8 million worth of contraceptives annually.
Mpeta said the contraceptive pill is currently popular with Zimbabwean women with 40 percent using it.
“At the moment it’s the pill. Around 40 percent of our women are using the pill. This is because it’s easier to take and is readily available.
“It can be given out by community health workers. The pill is easier to dispense and avail to women,” he said. ZimLive
