By Juliet Makwama
The Zambia Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (ZAGO) has noted the urgent need for Zambia to strengthen contraception access as the first and most effective line of defence against unsafe abortions.
Zambia joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Safe Abortion Day on September 28.
And ZAGO says while some progress has been made in as far Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) is concerned, stigma and misinformation has continued to discourage women and girls from seeking timely care, hence the need for collaborative effort to continually highlight safe and legal abortion services.
ZAGO Secretary General Quagy Siamalambwa also observed that inadequate trained CAC providers affects quality of service delivery, hence continued collaborative effort which includes piloting innovations such as e-signatures to; improve legal access and training CAC providers who also serve as strong advocates for contraception counselling at every point of care, among other efforts.
Dr Siamalambwa was speaking during a media conference on sexual and reproductive health attended by journalists, government officials, parents, adolescents and health personnel.
Dr Siamalambwa emphasised that while safe abortion services save lives, contraception prevents the crisis in the first place, reaffirming the commitment to expanding access to modern family planning methods as an integral part of Comprehensive Abortion Care and as a cornerstone of Zambia’s maternal health strategy.
“Prevention is always better than cure, and contraception is our most powerful tool to protect women and girls from the dangers of unsafe abortion. We continue to call upon the media, educators, parents, and community leaders to amplify the message that preventing unintended pregnancies through contraception is the safest and most sustainable way of reducing maternal deaths from unsafe abortion” Dr Siamalambwa said.
And Speaking at the same conference, The Zambia Medical Association ZMA said challenges such as early pregnancies and unsafe arbotions are often rooted in inaccurate information and cultural taboos affecting sexuality, and that they need to be addressed through the provision of age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and scientifically accurate information.
ZMA president Masiku Phiri said it is therefore important that sexuality education is supported as this has proved to be one of the most important frameworks in equipping learners with knowledge to prevent negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes, and a platform to discuss gender issues, human rights to promote respectful, non-violent relationships.
Dr Phiri said the framework is a backbone of Zambia’s efforts to promote adolescent health, gender equality, and the rights of young people.
“It aims to provide accurate, age-appropriate information on sexuality, reproductive health, relationships, and human rights – empowering learners to make informed decisions. Sexuality education is an evidence-based approach that equips young people with the information, skills, and values necessary to make responsible decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health,” Dr Phiri said.
Dr Phiri stressed that learners who are empowered will have positive contributions for the country’s development as they will be healthier and more informed.
And the Medical Women Association of Zambia MWAZ president Joyce Sakala expressed concern that teenage pregnancy remains a significant health challenge in Zambia, with far reaching implications on the health, education, and socioeconomic development of the country.
Dr Sakala said preventing teenage pregnancy is not merely a health issue but a catalyst for social development and national progress, urging the media to collaborate with experts and stakeholders to create an enabling environment where adolescents and young people are well informed, empowered, and protected.
“According to recent statistics, a substantial percentage of pregnancies in Zambia occur among adolescents aged 10-19 (adolescent age group), many of which are unplanned and often result in adverse health outcomes, school dropout, HIV/STIs, increased vulnerability to poverty and social exclusion,” Dr Sakala said.
Dr Sakala challenged healthcare providers and advocates to work tirelessly to ensure that contraception is accessible, affordable, and provided in a respectful confidential manner tailored to the needs of the young people.
She said this is because barriers such as myths and misconceptions, stigma, misinformation and disinformation, as well as limited youth-friendly health spaces hinder access to contraceptive services, especially among adolescents and young people.
And youth representative Lisa Halimwi called for change of attitude with some health care providers who have negative perceptions or stigma towards adolescents seeking services at health facilities.
Ms Halimwi also called for the opening up of more youth friendly centres where adolescents can be attended to by fellow young people so that they can be comfortable seeking services.
