Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
ZIMBABWE has rolled out a self-administered injectable contraceptive, Sayana Press, in a move health experts say is improving access to reproductive healthcare and reducing pressure on health facilities across the country.
Sayana Press, a three-month contraceptive injection that women can administer themselves after training, is being hailed as a major step towards improving autonomy, convenience and continuity of family planning services, particularly for women who struggle to make frequent visits to health facilities.
Women who have adopted the method say it has eased the burden of repeated hospital trips while giving them greater control over their reproductive health.
“I came here to learn about the different methods that I can use to prevent pregnancy. Then, when they told me about Sayana Press, I opted for it because I do not want to come to the hospital now and then for more,” one woman said.
Another beneficiary said the method had proved effective and reliable. “I have been using Sayana Press for some time, now it is really working well for me.”
Health workers say the contraceptive is simple to use and safe when administered correctly. Women opting for Sayana Press receive training on how to inject themselves using the Uniject system, which combines a small needle and prefilled syringe designed to prevent dosing errors, leaks and infections.
“For Sayana Press, the first thing they have to do before they self-administer is to check the expiry date and also check if there are no breakages,” ,” said senior midwife Sensual Moyo. “There are different sites where they can administer the drug, there is the lower upper arm and the abdomen.”
Medical experts say the contraceptive works by preventing pregnancy through hormonal regulation and offers women flexibility without compromising effectiveness.
“This is a drug that prevents pregnancy. It does this by preventing sperm entry. It is now giving women the opportunity to self-administer,” United Bulawayo Hospital Medical Officer, Dr Vezilizwi Maphosa added.
Health authorities say the introduction of Sayana Press aligns with broader efforts to decentralise healthcare, decongest facilities and ensure women, particularly in underserved communities, can access essential reproductive health services with dignity and ease.
The contraceptive’s user-friendly design and reduced dependence on clinical visits are expected to strengthen uptake of family planning methods and contribute to improved maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
