Articles about Contraception

Nyakato* is a 20-year-old university student in Bushenyi district, western Uganda. 13 months ago, she found herself in a predicament: she was unexpectedly pregnant. In this article, Nyakato narrates the events that followed this discovery. Her experience highlights the important role that trained peer educators by Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU)- an IPPF Member Association, play in offering young people life-saving sexual reproductive health (SRH) information and services. Nyakato narrated her experience to Maryanne W. WAWERU. “When I joined university as a bubbly, ambitious 18-year-old, I was excited about what lay ahead. Enrolling in a Nursing degree course was a significant step towards achieving my career goals in the medical field. In the first week, the university organized a detailed orientation programme for all new students which included learning sessions on sexuality education. The university had invited a team of peer educators from Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) to take us through the educative sessions. The peer educators shared comprehensive information on different sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) topics including contraceptives, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gender-based violence, unsafe abortion and HIV/AIDS. I found the sessions to be engaging and insightful. Notably, at the end of each session, the peer educators would share their mobile phone numbers with us, together with official contact details of the RHU Bushenyi clinic. They encouraged us to save the numbers in case we needed to ask additional questions or seek clarification on the information they had shared. The peer educators also told us to reach out to them if we ever found ourselves in a situation of need. I saved the numbers on my phone. Discovering I’m pregnant A few months later –in the second semester, I unexpectedly discovered I was pregnant. I had been using the ‘safe days’ method where I would avoid sexual intercourse on the days that I suspected I was ovulating and could easily conceive. But this had not worked because there I was, pregnant, shocked, and confused. As I digested the reality of my unplanned pregnancy, I became very anxious. Being pregnant meant deferring my studies as I knew I wouldn’t be able to juggle both successfully. I was also not ready to lose a full academic year. I was still young and with goals to achieve and having a baby at that time would only stall my career ambitions. Besides, I did not feel emotionally and mentally ready for the responsibilities of motherhood. Additionally, I feared being reprimanded by my parents. While preparing to join the university, they had taken time to counsel me about the need to focus on my studies and avoid distractions that would derail my academic goals. The news of an unplanned pregnancy would have been a huge disappointment. Informing my boyfriend The turmoil in my mind about the pregnancy caused me great anguish. Several days later, I decided to inform my boyfriend. When I did, he said he was not ready for fatherhood. At 26, he was working but said he did not feel stable enough to start a family. Since neither of us felt prepared for that responsibility, we agreed to end the pregnancy. He then asked if I knew of a place where I could have the pregnancy terminated safely. That is when I remembered the numbers of the RHU peer educators I had saved on my phone during orientation week. I immediately reached out to one of them. The peer educator listened to me keenly, counselled me and thereafter referred me to the RHU Bushenyi clinic where he said I would receive further assistance. I felt a huge wave of relief after opening up to him, knowing that he genuinely understood my predicament. He assured me that the RHU team were SRH experts and I would be in safe hands. Comforted by his words, I made my way to the RHU Bushenyi clinic. Undergoing a safe abortion procedure There, I met a clinician who attended to me. He did not rush me as I spoke and was very calm and understanding. I did not feel judged. His professionalism made me know that I was in the right place. I was about eight weeks pregnant at the time, and the clinician explained to me the process of a medical abortion, which involved taking medication at specific timings. I chose to start the process right there at the clinic under his guidance, then continue with the rest of the medication at my hostel. He gave me very clear instructions on how and when to take the medication, which I jotted down so that I would not forget. Additionally, he gave me his number and told me to contact him in case I needed to. All went as expected and the following day, when it was time to take the second dose, I called him on phone just for his reassurance that I was following the right steps, which he confirmed that I was. I was grateful that I could reach out to him easily during that delicate time without having to physically present myself at the clinic. He would also periodically call me to follow-up on my progress. Indeed, I was in good hands, just as the peer educator had assured me.   Post-abortion contraceptive care After a few days, the clinician requested me to present myself back at the clinic for a scan. I did so, and the scan confirmed that the procedure had been successful and that I was in good health. The clinician then took time to explain to me the importance of taking up a contraception to avoid another unplanned pregnancy. After taking me through several contraceptive options, I settled on the three-month injection. Where I live is about 25 kilometres from the RHU Bushenyi clinic, and when it’s time to renew the injection, I inform the RHU peer educator in my area, who then gets the injection from RHU. This helps solve the transport challenge for me. The peer educator then administers it, as he has been well trained to do so. This arrangement has worked perfectly for me as I have not had any pregnancy scare since then. Because of my access to safe abortion care at RHU, my life got back on track, and I was able to continue with my studies without interruption. I hope to have three or four children in the future, but I will only have them when I am ready mentally and emotionally, and when I have completed my degree and earning an income that will enable me to provide for them. Empowering freshmen with SRHR information I’m grateful to the RHU team and its peer educators who share information with fresh university graduates. I am glad to have participated in RHU’s educative SRHR sessions during the orientation week, as the information I received came in handy just when I needed it. The RHU clinical team is also excellent in their work, helping young women like me access safe and affordable abortion care. I paid 70,000 Ugandan shillings ($19) for the medical abortion and the scan. This was an affordable cost, which I covered using savings from the allowance my parents give me. Based on my experience, I have since been talking to new university female students, encouraging them to attend the sexuality education sessions during the orientation week by RHU. I also encourage them to save the numbers of the peer educators which are shared during the sessions as they never know when they may need them." *Nyakato’s name changed to protect identity.

In Karan District, Mogadishu, access to family planning (FP) services remains limited due to persistent myths and misconceptions about modern contraceptives, fear of side effects, and deeply rooted social norms. These barriers disproportionately affect women in fragile and humanitarian settings, where repeated pregnancies pose significant health risks and access to accurate information is constrained. Nimca Ahmed Ali, a 27-year-old mother of six, had never used modern family planning methods. Despite her husband’s encouragement, she resisted FP due to fear of perceived side effects and limited understanding of available options. Her husband, increasingly concerned about her declining health as a result of closely spaced pregnancies, sought support from health providers and encouraged Nimca to seek counselling at De-Martini Hospital. Under the WISH 2 project, Nimca received focused, client-centred counselling at De-Martini Hospital from a trained health care provider, Sagal. The provider had previously been trained in Empathways skills, enabling her to engage Nimca with empathy, active listening, and trust-building techniques that supported informed and voluntary decision-making. The counselling process addressed myths and misconceptions around family planning, explained how different FP methods work, discussed their benefits and potential side effects, and created space for Nimca to ask questions openly. Importantly, the approach encouraged constructive male partner engagement, ensuring Nimca’s husband was supportive without undermining her autonomy. Following comprehensive counselling and reassurance of continued follow-up support, Nimca chose Implanon, a long-acting reversible contraceptive, with a clear understanding of the method and confidence that she could return to the facility if she experienced any concerns. As observed during routine supervision and mentorship, Nimca’s decision to adopt family planning enabled her to delay her next pregnancy and regain control over her reproductive health. She reported improved physical and emotional well-being, reduced anxiety related to frequent pregnancies, and more stable family relationships. With fewer health concerns and increased confidence, she now has more time to care for her children and nurture her marriage. Nimca has since become an informal advocate within her community, encouraging other women to seek accurate information and counselling at health facilities rather than relying on rumours or fear. “I was afraid because I did not understand family planning. After counselling, I felt confident in my decision. I feel healthier, and my family is more stable.” — Nimca Ahmed Ali, FP client, Mogadishu Her experience demonstrates how empathetic counselling combined with supportive male engagement can shift attitudes, improve informed choice, and increase uptake of modern FP methods in fragile settings. Initial resistance driven by myths and fear of side effects was the primary challenge. This was addressed through personalised counselling, clear explanations using visual demonstrations, and assurance of follow-up care. Continuous support from the health care provider and Nimca’s husband helped reinforce confidence and sustain her choice. In fragile and humanitarian contexts, combining empathetic, client-centred counselling with supportive male partner engagement can effectively address myths and fears around contraception. When women are provided with accurate information, trust-based counselling, and space for family dialogue, uptake of modern family planning methods increases while preserving informed choice and autonomy.  

For Ziarata*, a young single mother in Togo, the contraceptive implant in her arm means more than just preventing an unplanned pregnancy. It means being able to better plan for her future and that of her son. A training she recently received from IPPF’s Member Association in the country, Association Togolaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ATBEF), in collaboration with *Halsa International Togo, helped her make an informed decision about her sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Now rebuilding her life, 22 year-old Ziarata is looking forward to a brighter future. By Maryanne W. WAWERU My name is Ziarata. Every time I stretch out my left hand to feel the small insert beneath the skin in my upper arm, I become emotional. As I lightly press on the area, just to confirm that the insert is still there, I feel so relieved, knowing what this means for my son and I. My son is 14 months old and for several months, I had been agonizing about how to avoid another unplanned pregnancy. As a young single mother who is still trying to find direction in life, I did not want to get pregnant again anytime soon. However, I did not know how to prevent that from happening. How I got into sex work I studied up to level three in primary school, after which I dropped out. With nothing to do in the village, I travelled to the capital city of Lome in search of a job. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in securing employment because I was underage and with little formal education. That is how, at a young age, I found myself destitute in the bustling city of Lome. As years went by, desperate and with no prospects of a decent job, I joined other girls who eked a living in Lome’s public beaches through sex work. While there, I became acquainted with an organization known as Halsa International -Togo, which supports vulnerable children, girls, and young women like me though different programmes. Among other initiatives, Halsa International trains us on economic empowerment, livelihood skills, and healthy living.   Learning about how to prevent another pregnancy About seven months ago, Halsa International organized a training for a group of young single mothers on how to run a vegetable garden as a viable economic opportunity that we could pursue. During this training, Halsa also facilitated learning sessions on sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), which were conducted by ATBEF. Once a week, we would go to the location of the vegetable garden where we would tend to our vegetables in the early morning hours. Thereafter, the ATBEF team would educate us on different SRH topics, such as how to prevent pregnancy, how to avoid contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, how to negotiate for safe sex, safe abortion care, and sexual abuse among other topics. After ATBEF’s informative training sessions, we would then resume our gardening project in the afternoon. The training lasted one month. Taking measures to prevent an unplanned pregnancy It is during ATBEF’s trainings that I learnt about how I could prevent another pregnancy -something that had been worrying me for months. Thankfully, they complemented their teachings with related services and after learning about different contraceptive options, I settled on the five-year implant. I chose this method because it assured me of a pregnancy-free life for five years. As the nurse inserted the insert beneath the skin of my left upper arm, I felt relieved as I knew that I would now be able to better plan my life and that of my son, devoid of any pregnancy scares. I was even more excited to learn that I did not have to pay for the training or for the contraceptive implant, services that I would never have afforded. ATBEF catered for all the costs. Becoming an SRHR ambassador to my peers The reproductive health training provided by ATBEF in collaboration with Halsa International has been life changing. Today, I feel more empowered to make healthy decisions about my sex life. I now feel confident about negotiating for safe sex because I’m more aware of my rights. I believe I can now better protect myself from STIs and HIV. I now educate my peers on SRH because I feel knowledgeable about the topic. I have even convinced a few of them to access SRH services such as HIV testing and contraceptives from ATBEF, especially during the mobile clinics the organization conducts regularly around the public beaches where many sex workers can be found. Saving for a brighter future The training and the contraceptive I received also ignited a desire in me to change my life. Nowadays, I rise up early in the morning and head to the local market to help women traders sell their fruits and vegetables. From this, I’m able to earn about 1,500 CFA ($2.65) daily, which is about twice more than what I was making from sex work. I have even been able to set aside some savings, something that I was taught to do by Halsa International. These savings are giving me hope that someday, I will leave the public beaches and rent a small house for my son and I. That is why as I feel the small insert beneath the skin in my upper arm, I do so with relief, knowing that in five years’ time, my son will be in school, which is what I desire most for him. I intend for my son to pursue the highest level of education. With the contraceptive implant, I will have sufficient time to better plan my life. I believe there is so much I will have accomplished in those five years, thanks to the small insert beneath the skin in my upper arm, and thanks to ATBEF for making it possible. *Ziariata’s name changed to preserve anonymity *ATBEF collaborates with several partner organizations to empower young people across Togo. One such partner is Halsa International, which works to improve the lives of vulnerable populations especially children, adolescent girls, and women. Through this partnership, ATBEF provides SRHR information and services to Halsa International’s beneficiaries, such as young women like Ziarata.

In the heart of Zambia’s rural and underserved urban communities, women and girls often face invisible barriers to accessing family planning. Health facilities are far, stigma is real, and myths about contraceptives persist. For adolescents, persons with disabilities, and women living in poverty, these challenges are even greater leaving many without the information or services they need to make informed reproductive health choices. To address these gaps, the WISH 2 project rolled out an innovative solution: taking FPservices directly to households. Through a door-to-door campaign implemented across eight provinces, the programme brought trusted health workers and peer educators into communities, sparking conversations that had long been silenced. “By bringing services closer to communities through approaches like door-to-door campaigns, WISH 2 aims to break down barriers, demystify family planning, and create a more supportive environment for informed SRH decision-making,” says a community leader. The campaign relied heavily on Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Peer Educators, who went from house to house providing accurate information, dispelling myths, and linking women directly to FPservices offered through outreach. Working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health, community leaders, and partners such as JHU, the approach not only increased knowledge but also built trust. The results were striking. Within just three months, the number of couple years of protection (CYP) rose sharply from 29,329 in April to 46,830 in May, with continued strong uptake in June. More women, especially in remote areas, began choosing long-acting methods, a sign of growing confidence and autonomy in decision-making. “The door-to-door strategy proved to be a powerful and effective approach for increasing access to FPservices at the community level,” reflects one health worker involved in the campaign. “It gave women the privacy and space to ask questions they would never raise in public.” Despite being time- and resource-intensive, the campaign’s success lies in its sustainability. By leveraging CHWs and Peer Educators who already live and work within these communities, the programme reduced operational pressures while ensuring that the approach can be scaled and maintained. One of the most important lessons, according to the team, is the role of local leadership. Engaging community leaders and influencers to actively promote FPservices strengthens trust and ensures buy-in. It’s what makes this approach work. Building on this momentum, the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ) plans to expand the door-to-door strategy to more communities. The vision is clear: a Zambia where every woman and girl, no matter where she lives, has the power to make informed choices about her reproductive health.  

In the heart of Rubkona County, South Sudan, a place often defined by conflict, displacement, and fragility, Nyamuch stands tall. A community leader, women’s representative, and mother, she knows too well what silence costs. In Rubkona County, South Sudan, a region marked by years of armed conflict and displacement, accessing basic health services remains a daily struggle, especially for women and girls. Amid limited infrastructure, sporadic facility closures, and persistent insecurity, reproductive health care often falls through the cracks. In Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites and temporary shelters, family planning was not just unavailable, it was unheard of. “Before, we lived in fear, unwanted pregnancies, no information, no voice,” says Nyamuch, a local women’s representative and community mobilizer. “Now we speak for ourselves, and our daughters will too.” The turning point came when Nyamuch and other women leaders received targeted training from the IRC under the WISH 2 project as part of a locally led initiative in early 2025. The workshop focused on accurate family planning information, counselling techniques, and communication tools tailored to the cultural and humanitarian context. These trained community leaders began organizing outreach through school visits, peer dialogues, and household outreach, they have demystified family planning, challenged myths, restored trust in health services and bridged the gap between health providers and women in displacement. Between January and May 2025, Rubkona reported a 43% increase in family planning uptake, with a 28% rise in long-acting reversible contraceptive use compared to the same period in 2022. These are not just numbers, they reflect safer choices, reduced unintended pregnancies, and rising confidence in local health systems. Yet it hasn't been easy. Deep-rooted norms around spousal consent often posed barriers and led to instances of GBV. In response, IRC integrated male engagement sessions, promoting dialogue and shared decision-making, which helped reduce resistance and build community support. “This is not just about contraception,” says Atem Deng, Health Coordinator at Rubkona PHCC. “It’s about rebuilding trust in health services, in women’s rights, and in our ability to support our own communities, even in crisis.” Rubkona’s story is a testament to grassroots leadership in fragile settings. It proves that when women lead, systems shift, even in the most fragile contexts. Scaling this model across similar settings offers a roadmap for building SRH resilience and advancing reproductive rights in the face of crisis. When women lead change, even under the shadow of conflict, systems begin to heal, and progress takes root.  

Across communities, women face different realities when it comes to reproductive health. Some carry the burden of misinformation, others struggle to make decisions in silence, and many grow into champions who inspire change. Through the WISH2 project, women are finding safe spaces, accurate information, and supportive care that allow them to take charge of their futures. Here are the stories of three women whose journeys reflect the diverse ways WISH 2 is changing lives. Choosing Her Future in Silence At just 24, she stepped into the clinic quietly, her face marked with determination. A university student and mother of two, her academic journey had been interrupted by closely spaced pregnancies. She longed to resume her studies and secure a brighter future. Much of what she knew about contraception came from peers and media sources, but she had no clear idea how to begin or where to find trustworthy guidance. What she was certain of, however, was her desire to return to university and pursue her degree. She had heard from friends that Implanon could be a suitable method, but when it was unavailable, she opted for Sayana Press, a decision that was both practical and deeply personal. What made her story even more striking was her insistence on confidentiality. She wanted her decision hidden from her husband, knowing the risks, yet unwilling to let go of her autonomy. The service provider, trained under the WISH 2 project, encouraged her to discuss the decision with her husband and suggested she take time to reflect. But ultimately, she was assured of her right to choose for herself, and her request for privacy was respected. Through the WISH 2 project, she found a youth-friendly, confidential service that honored her voice and supported her choice. In that safe space, she regained control of her life and her future. From Myths to Informed Choice For another 24-year-old student, the barriers looked very different. She was not hiding her decision but was instead overwhelmed by fear and misinformation. From her peers and community, she had heard repeatedly that contraception could cause infertility, infections, and long-term health problems. These myths clouded her judgment, creating doubt even as she recognized the importance of protecting her health and education. Education, for her, was the foundation of a better future, and she did not want anything to stand in the way. When she visited a WISH 2-supported clinic at Juba International Hospital in South Sudan, she encountered something new: patient, respectful counselling from a trained provider. Each of her fears was carefully addressed with facts, and every question she asked was met with compassion. Gradually, her doubts gave way to trust. By the end of the session, she chose the Combined Oral Contraceptive pill, her first step into family planning. Through WISH 2, she did not just receive a method; she gained the confidence to make informed decisions based on knowledge rather than fear. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of accurate information and respectful care. From Client to Community Champion At 28, she entered the clinic with a smile confident, informed, and supported. This was her third visit, and she already knew the method that best suited her needs. Unlike others who struggled with secrecy or misinformation, her journey had been steady and affirming. Her strength was rooted in the support system around her: her husband, her mother, and even her husband’s family encouraged her to use family planning. With their backing, she could continue her work and education without compromise, a change that her loved ones could see clearly in her progress. Inspired by her own journey, she has now stepped into a new role as a community champion for WISH 2 project. With knowledge and encouragement gained through the WISH 2 project, she speaks openly about her experience, dismantling stigma and motivating other women to learn, choose, and lead. For her, empowerment is not just personal, it is something to be shared. Each of these women represents a unique journey: one of secrecy, one of overcoming fear, and one of leadership. Together, they illustrate the transformative power of WISH 2: creating safe spaces, dispelling myths, and nurturing champions. By supporting women at every stage of their reproductive health journeys, the WISH 2 project ensures that no matter where they begin, they can move toward a future defined by knowledge, choice, and dignity.  

In Howl-Wadag District of Benadir Region, Mogadishu, the story of family planning is one of quiet transformation. For decades, Somali women and girls have faced some of the world’s toughest reproductive health challenges. With a maternal mortality rate of 563 per 100,000 live births, a fertility rate as high as 6.9, and a modern contraceptive prevalence of just 1%, the need for accessible, safe, and trusted family planning services has never been greater. Conflict, displacement, and drought have weakened Somalia’s health system, leaving communities especially internally displaced persons with little access to quality reproductive health services. Deep-rooted social and religious norms, widespread myths about contraception, and male opposition further limit women’s reproductive choices. Yet, amidst these challenges, Arif Health Center stands as a symbol of change. Through the WISH 2 project, the Ministry of Health has received critical support to expand FP services, strengthen provider capacity, and engage communities in open dialogue about reproductive health. At Arif Health Center, over 85,000 people, including many displaced families, now benefit from comprehensive care encompassing maternal and child health, birth spacing, and nutrition services. FP counseling, ensuring that every woman who walks through the door is informed of her choices. The availability of a reliable contraceptive supply chain has eliminated frequent stockouts, and method options have diversified from injectables and implants to pills and condoms giving women the freedom to choose what suits them best. The impact has been profound. Between WISH Phases I and II, Arif Health Center recorded a remarkable 68% increase in the number of women accessing family planning services. Monthly uptake rose from an average of 210 clients in 2022 to 353 in 2025, marking the highest level since the start of WISH support. The method mix also diversified significantly. While short-term methods such as injectables previously accounted for 80% of total use, their proportion dropped to 55% in 2025 as more women opted for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), which together increased from 15% to 40% of the total method mix. This shift reflects not only greater awareness and trust in modern contraception but also the success of provider training, continuous community engagement, and religious leader advocacy in normalizing family planning. Women are now choosing methods based on informed preference rather than limited availability or fear of side effects. This change did not happen overnight. A critical breakthrough came through religious leaders, who were engaged to link family planning with Islamic teachings on maternal well-being and responsible parenthood. Their support has been transformative turning FP from a taboo into a topic of health and faith. Community health workers, once hesitant themselves, are now champions for birth spacing, sharing accurate information and countering myths in markets, mosques, and homes. The lessons from Arif Health Center reveal that progress in fragile settings depends on trust, partnership, and persistence. Strengthened provider capacity, consistent supplies, and community engagement together created a ripple effect boosting confidence, expanding choice, and saving lives. Despite ongoing challenges, such as limited funding, displacement, and the fragility of the health system, Somalia’s experience offers a clear message: with the right support, even the most fragile contexts can witness a positive shift in family planning uptake. The journey continues. The Ministry of Health and WISH 2 partners are now working to expand this model to other districts, ensuring that every Somali woman, regardless of circumstance, can access voluntary, rights-based family planning services and the dignity, safety, and hope that come with it.  

Nestled along the southern shores of Lake Kariba, Sinazongwe District is one of Zambia’s most remote areas. Many of its communities are scattered across hilly terrain and along the lakeside, where accessing health services can mean walking several kilometres under the scorching sun. For young women and adolescents, especially those who are unmarried, the journey to seek family planning services can be even more daunting due to stigma and lack of privacy. In Zambia, only 48% of married women aged 15–49 use modern contraceptive methods, and 20% of married women still have an unmet need for family planning. The situation is often worse in rural and hard-to-reach districts like Sinazongwe, where health facilities are far apart and social norms limit young women’s access to contraception. It is within this challenging context that the WISH 2 project, in partnership with local health authorities and WISH 2 implementing partners, has been working to expand access to modern contraception through community outreach. One of the most transformative interventions has been the introduction of Sayana Press, a self-injectable contraceptive that women can administer privately and conveniently. While Zambia may not yet have a fully formalised, standalone National Self-Care Framework for SRHR, there are emerging toolkits and policies supporting self-care in SRHR.   “Young people can easily access Sayana Press during outreach and unmarried girls prefer it because it’s discreet, no one needs to know they are using contraception,” explained Elector Siyapwaya, a Community Health Worker in Sinazongwe health facility. “When I teach a young woman to use Sayana on her own, I feel proud. It means she can plan her life without fear,” added Siyapwaya. In Sinazongwe District, family planning services were integrated within the Well-Baby Clinic, where mothers bring their infants for routine weighing and growth monitoring. Through this platform, healthcare workers also provide SRHR awareness and FP counseling on modern family planning methods. Women can receive methods covering three to one year, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits. This approach reduces the burden of long travel to health centers and makes reproductive health services more accessible to all. “As a young married woman, I used to forget to take my pills. Now, with Sayana Press, I just take one injection every three months. It’s easy, and I can do it myself or if I need assistance, CHVs are there,” shared Mwila, a 24-year-old mother of two. Despite these successes, challenges remain. Privacy during outreach is still an issue, as most sessions take place in open spaces without tents or designated service corners. “It’s difficult to ensure privacy when providing services in public spaces. Sometimes young women hesitate to approach us because others might see them,” said Siyapwaya. To address this, WISH 2 partners have invested in training Community Health Workers and Volunteers on both the administration of Sayana Press and client confidentiality to teach women how to safely self-inject, empowering them to manage their own reproductive health and promoting self-care. This community-based model is showing promising results, and the impact is visible. More young women are now choosing self-injectables, appreciating their convenience and discretion. For those living in remote or conservative areas, Sayana Press represents more than a contraceptive, it embodies control, choice, and dignity. Convenient, private, and requiring no frequent clinic visits, it offers women greater autonomy over their reproductive health. As outreach services continue to extend to the most isolated parts of Sinazongwe, Sayana Press is proving to be more than a method, it is a symbol of empowerment, helping young women take charge of their health and futures, even in Zambia’s most hard-to-reach communities.  

In Somalia, high fertility rates and low awareness of birth spacing continue to pose serious risks to maternal and child health. Cultural and religious norms often shape perceptions around family planning, and misconceptions remain widespread, particularly the belief that modern contraception contradicts Islamic teachings. Despite growing demand for maternal health services, SRHR remains a sensitive topic, especially among young married couples and rural communities. Recognising the influence of religious leaders in shaping community attitudes, a strategic intervention was launched to equip them with accurate, culturally appropriate information on birth spacing and its alignment with Islamic values. From May 18 to 25, 2025, a Social and Behaviour Change capacity-building workshop was held in Mogadishu. The workshop brought together 20 participants, including Muslim scholars, Ministry of Health officials, representatives from Benadir University, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Facilitated by Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs in collaboration with IRC and Ipas, the training focused on unpacking social norms around childbearing and promoting the Islamic concept of tanzīm al-nasl (birth spacing). Through guided sessions, participants explored health benefits, faith-based justifications, and barriers to uptake. The workshop culminated in the co-creation of tailored SBC messages targeting young married couples and their key influencers. To ensure cultural relevance, these messages were pretested with diverse community groups, including men, religious leaders, mothers-in-law, and youth. Since the workshop, 12 religious leaders have integrated birth spacing messages into their Friday sermons, reaching congregants across three districts. Several participants also committed to incorporating the messages into mosque-based and community discussions. One Imam, initially hesitant, reflected: “I had always believed that having many children was a sign of strength. But I’ve come to see that Islam encourages care, compassion, and responsibility in parenting. I will now discuss spacing with my wife so we can raise a healthy family.”   Abdulkhadir Wehliye, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Health, noted that the participatory approach was a game-changer: “The messages are context-specific and resonate with local realities, unlike the generic materials we used in the past. I am confident that messages developed will be well received by the community and will contribute to the social norm change envisioned by the program and the government. “Our communities need both healthy mothers and healthy children,” said Sheikh Hassan. “Birth spacing supports that goal and reflects Islamic values of compassion and care. But family planning is still misunderstood by many, so we, as religious leaders, must help reconcile faith with health.” The initiative demonstrated the value of engaging faith leaders in addressing sensitive SRHR topics. Co-developing content with trusted influencers ensures cultural legitimacy and greater community acceptance. Culture and religion are deeply intertwined in Somalia, and decisions made by government bodies, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), take these factors into account. There is a growing interest among young Muslim leaders and scholars in the topic of child spacing. This presents a unique opportunity to address related social norms from an Islamic perspective. Co-creating communication materials with Islamic leaders can integrate key messages into their daily community engagements. Tailored content can target youth and young married couples through platforms such as universities, colleges, mosques, and religious gatherings.  

  From the WISH 2 Team Lead Today, on World Contraception Day, we reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring that contraception is recognized and realized as a right, a responsibility, and a reality for all. Since its launch in 2007, World Contraception Day has been commemorated every year on 26 September, making 2025 the 19th annual global observance of this important campaign to raise awareness and advance SRHR.  The day reminds us of the power of choice and the transformative impact of SRHR on individuals, families, and communities. Access to safe, voluntary, and high-quality contraception is not only a health imperative, but also a pathway to dignity, equity, and opportunity. Under the WISH 1 (WISH2Action) project, 3.6 million additional family planning users were reached, an estimated 22 million maternal deaths, 4.3 million unsafe abortions, 13.2 million unintended pregnancies, and 19.2 million disability-adjusted life years were averted, a powerful demonstration of the lifesaving impact of sustained investment in SRHR. Building on this momentum, WISH 2 East and Southern Africa, set targets to reach 4.2 million family planning users, with the intention of preventing 3.2 million unintended pregnancies, 1 million unsafe abortions, and 5,600 maternal deaths across seven countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. Since the start of the project, WISH 2 has reached 169,590 annualised clients as at the end of June 2025. Through this project, we remain committed to expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services across Eastern and Southern Africa, with a particular focus on fragile and humanitarian settings where women, adolescents, and marginalised groups face the greatest barriers. By strengthening service delivery, advancing social and behaviour change, advocating for enabling policies, and generating evidence for learning, WISH 2 is ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Central to this effort is strong partnership with governments, whose leadership and stewardship are essential for sustaining progress. WISH 2 works hand in hand with national and local authorities to complement their strategies and contribute to country-led priorities for universal access to contraception and broader SRHR. Yet, these gains are under threat. Global funding for SRHR is declining, undermining women’s rights, equity, and agency, and putting millions at risk of preventable harm. As we mark this 19th World Contraception Day, we call on governments, donors, and partners to renew their commitment to SRHR. Together, we can ensure that contraception remains accessible, affordable, and inclusive, empowering every individual to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. On this day, we celebrate the dedication of our partners, country teams including Member Associations, stakeholders who support the cause and frontline providers who work tirelessly to make contraceptive services more inclusive, resilient, and rights based. Together, we are creating a future where every individual, regardless of circumstance, can make informed choices about their reproductive health. Let us continue to learn, innovate, and act so that contraception is recognized not only as a method of family planning, but as a fundamental right for all. Contraception is not just health care, it is a right, a responsibility, and a reality we must protect and advance. Happy World Contraception Day!