Story by Tamuka Charakupa
ZIMBABWE has rolled out a self-administered injectable contraceptive nationwide, marking a significant shift towards more accessible and user-centred family planning services.
Through the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC), the Government is expanding access to Sayana Press, a modern injectable contraceptive that allows women to administer the dose themselves after appropriate training. The method, which was introduced two years ago, is now being distributed across all provinces as part of efforts to widen contraceptive choice and convenience.
ZNFPC provincial manager for Mashonaland West, Mr Herbert Chikosi, said Sayana Press stands out because it reduces reliance on frequent clinic visits, particularly for women in remote areas.
“We have a cocktail of family planning methods available, but Sayana Press is unique in that it is self-service. This means a woman can administer it herself after proper guidance, making it very convenient, especially for those who cannot frequently visit health facilities,” Provincial Manager of ZNFPC, Mr Hebert Chikosi said.
As part of the national rollout, ZNFPC has been engaging community leaders and the media to address persistent barriers to family planning, including distance, cost and stigma.
Community-based organisations working in rural areas welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical response to long-standing access challenges.
“As leaders working with women from rural communities, accessing family planning services is often a challenge because clinics are very far and transport is expensive or unavailable. Sometimes you also face stigma, with people believing family planning is harmful or only meant for certain women. Learning about Sayana Press has given us confidence because it is convenient and can be self-administered, which reduces the need for frequent trips to health facilities and allows women to make decisions about their own health,” Musoro Muchena Skills for Life, Coordinator, Mrs Hluphekile Mujuruki added.
Participants at the sensitisation meetings said the new method could help dispel misconceptions while empowering women to make informed choices.
“In our communities, there are many misconceptions about family planning, and some women are afraid to seek services openly. This sensitisation has helped us understand that Sayana Press is safe and easy to use. It empowers women, especially those in rural areas, to take control of their reproductive health in privacy, while also saving time and money that would otherwise be spent travelling long distances to clinics,” Mrs Precious Nyamukondiwa stated
The nationwide rollout comes as Government implements the newly approved Contraceptive Cost Recovery Framework, which is designed to increase domestic funding for contraceptives and ensure sustainable supply.
Health officials say the initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen reproductive health services, particularly for women and girls in underserved communities.
