ZANZIBAR: EMERGENCY contraceptive pills (ECPs) are a vital component of reproductive health, offering a means to prevent unintended pregnancies after unprotected intercourse.
Despite their importance, a significant proportion of women in Tanzania lack awareness regarding the appropriate time to use ECPs.
Research indicates that many women in Tanzania are unaware of ECPs, including when and how to use them effectively. A study conducted in various regions found that a majority of women could not accurately identify the window for taking ECPs, generally within 72 hours post-intercourse.
This lack of knowledge often stems from limited access to comprehensive sexual education and reproductive health information.
Tabora based Dr Hassan Mtausito says that in many Tanzanian communities, discussions around contraception and sexual health are often considered taboo, saying this cultural stigma can hinder open conversations about reproductive health, leading to misinformation or a lack of information altogether.
He said educational disparities also play a significant role in knowledge gaps, where women with limited education may not have the skills to seek out or comprehend information about ECPs.
“Access to healthcare services is uneven in Tanzania, particularly in rural areas. Many women may not have the opportunity to consult healthcare providers who can offer guidance on ECPs,” he says.
The doctor says inadequate training of healthcare providers themselves can further exacerbate the issue, as providers may not effectively communicate the correct usage of ECPs.
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Dr Kijakazi Mashoto, Head of Innovation and Technology Transfer Section at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) says misconceptions surrounding ECPs are prevalent, where some women may believe that ECPs are the same as abortion pills or may be misled by rumours regarding their side effects.
This misinformation, she says, can deter women from seeking out or using ECPs when needed.
Speaking on the sidelines of the recent Tanzania Health Summit held in Zanzibar recently, Dr Mashoto said that lack of awareness regarding ECPs, including P2 can have significant consequences for women’s health and autonomy.
The inadequate training of healthcare providers on emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) in Tanzania presents several challenges and implications for reproductive health. Here are some key points to consider: “Many healthcare providers may lack comprehensive knowledge about the indications, effectiveness and side effects of ECPs, including P2, which can lead to inadequate availability of ECPs, as providers may hesitate to dispense them or may not inform patients about their options,” she said.
She says addressing the inadequate training of healthcare providers on emergency contraceptive pills in Tanzania is crucial for improving access to reproductive health services, since by investing in education and addressing societal attitudes, healthcare systems can better support women’s health needs and empower them to make informed choices about their reproductive lives.
Dr Mashoto says that according to her recent research, 82.9 per cent of women of reproductive age (WRA) don’t know the appropriate time to use ECPs, while 82.5 per cent are unaware that no prescription is required to get ECPs and Only 20.1 per cent access ECPs through health facilities while majority (68.7 per cent) go to private outlets.
She says that they collected information from women who are old enough to give birth, service providers, where data from health centres indicate that the number of women who use contraceptives are not high, compared to the circulating information that they are being misused.
“From the people we interviewed, it is obvious that people are misinformed on the proper use of ECP, including P2, where there are some women who said that they use them to perform abortion, while the real use of the method is to stop pregnancies,” she says.
She says that ECPs, such as P2, play a crucial role in reproductive health, particularly in Tanzania, where access to regular contraceptive methods may be limited. Dr Mashoto says that P2 is primarily effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, where it works by preventing ovulation, fertilisation, or implantation, saying its effectiveness decreases the longer the delay in taking the pill after unprotected sex.
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Dr Virginia Mulongo, a veteran health expert and gynaecologist based in Bunju on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam says ECPs are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. She says that when used correctly, P2 can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89 per cent, saying that users need to follow instructions regarding timing and dosage, because inconsistent use can lead to reduced effectiveness.
In Tanzania, cultural attitudes towards contraception and sexual health can affect the acceptance and use of ECPs. Stigma associated with emergency contraception may discourage women from seeking it when needed, says Dr Mulongo.
“Increasing awareness about how and when to use ECPs effectively can improve their utilisation. Educational programs targeting youth and women can empower them to make informed choices,” she says, adding that availability in pharmacies and health centres is critical, because ensuring that ECPs are easily accessible without prescription barriers can enhance their use.
She also concurs that proper training for healthcare providers can ensure that they can offer accurate information about ECPs, reducing misinformation and enhancing proper usage.
The doctor says that integrating ECPs into broader family planning services can also provide a holistic approach to reproductive health, making it easier for women to access them when needed. In conclusion, she says that when used properly, P2 can be a highly effective emergency contraceptive in Tanzania.
However, she says its success depends on timely access, education and the removal of cultural barriers.
“Ongoing efforts to improve awareness and access will be vital in maximising the benefits of ECPs in preventing unintended pregnancies,” says Dr Mulongo.
She says P2 is available over the counter in pharmacies, but accessibility can vary by region, with urban areas typically having better access than rural ones, because awareness of emergency contraception among the population is still limited.