29% of Burundians use contraception methods in Burundi

On the occasion of the World Contraception Day on September 26th, health officials say Burundians hardly adhere to the use of contraception methods.

Audryne Kaneza: “Several barriers that hinder the use of modern contraception methods”.

According to a demographic health survey conducted in 2016-2017, the results reveal that 29% of women adhere to the contraception methods. Dr. Juma Ndereye, Director of Health and Reproduction Program says among them 23% use modern contraception methods while 6% use a natural method which is favored by some religious denominations.

“We are not yet satisfied with the current situation when 99% of Burundians are sensitized to all contraception methods but reluctant to use them”, he says adding that it’s a continuing activity through different sensitization campaigns.

Audryne Kaneza, Program Coordinator of the Burundian Association for Family Welfare-ABUBEF says there are several barriers that hinder the use of modern contraception methods in Burundi. She mentions socio-cultural and religious barriers, rumors, ignorance and prejudices. “All of these impediments occur because people don’t consult qualified and competent health officials to get reliable information,” she says. Kaneza says the pills and injections are preferred to implants, condoms, fertility awareness, vasectomy, tubal ligation and emergency contraception.

For the Program Coordinator, it would be better to engage a dialogue between people and health officials. He says decision-makers should establish policies and strategies to convince Burundians to adhere to the use of contraception methods adding that the demographic growth is everybody’s concern.