Currently, over one in five Ethiopian women has an unmet demand for family planning, according to the recent national survey, and this figure is much higher in rural areas.
By Abraham Gelaw (UNFPA)
SHEBEL BERENTA, Ethiopia–Sileshi Deguale was busy working alongside his family, preparing their land for planting season, but he paused to recall how difficult the work was last year. His wife had been too ill to help with the farming. It was around that time he made the biggest decision of his life, a choice that would help his wife regain her health by protecting her from unplanned pregnancies – he got a vasectomy.
Vasectomies are a relatively common form of contraception in places like Australia, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom, according to recent UN Statistics. But the procedure is less popular in other parts of the world, and in Ethiopia, vasectomies are rare. Perceptions about masculinity prevent many men from considering it as a contraceptive option.
Still, Mr. Sileshi says he is confident he made the right decision.
He and his wife already have six children. He did not want to burden her with sole responsibility for their family planning.
“My wife tried both short- and long-term family planning methods for some time, but they did not go well with her health,” he remembered.
Improving access to family planning
Ethiopia is working to improve access to modern, reliable forms of contraceptives. In recent years, the country’s health extension program has brought family planning services to people’s doorsteps.
UNFPA is supporting these efforts by training health care workers – including physicians, nurses, midwives and health extension workers – to provide sensitive counseling about contraceptives. All family planning decisions must be fully informed and voluntarily.
UNFPA also supplies Ethiopia with a variety of modern contraceptives, aiming to increase the family planning options available. Around one third of the required reproductive health commodities and life-saving reproductive health medicines in Ethiopia are being provided through the UNFPA program known as UNFPA Supplies.
Read the complete story at UNFPA
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See also:
- Strong Coffee, Stronger Women
- Early Marriage in Ethiopia; In the Girls’ Own Words
- UK Announces £90 Million Funding for Family Planning in Ethiopia
- Babies and Mothers Worldwide Failed by Lack of Investment in Breastfeeding
- Integrated Family Health Program: USAID Support Saved Lives and Improved Family Health