Tuli Kamati

In Namibia, access to contraception remains a critical challenge. Although the country has made significant strides in improving reproductive health services over the years, the use of modern contraceptives remains low, especially among young people. This situation calls for urgent action to educate people of reproductive age on contraceptives.

Education on contraceptives is vital because it empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. With comprehensive information on contraceptive methods, individuals can choose the most appropriate method that suits their needs and lifestyle. They can also avoid unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. 

Furthermore, education on contraceptives can help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Namibia. The regime treating comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) like it’s an attack on morality is exactly why young people of reproductive age end up using unsafe methods, with nearly 30% of maternal deaths in Namibia being caused by unsafe abortions, according to the World Health Organisation. Educating individuals on the use of contraceptives can help reduce unintended pregnancies, which in turn reduces the need for unsafe abortions and, more importantly, save lives. 

In addition, educating people on contraceptives can contribute to the overall development of Namibia. By preventing unintended pregnancies, individuals can focus on their education and career goals. This, in turn, can lead to economic growth and development.

Education on contraceptives should be comprehensive, age-appropriate and culturally sensitive. It should cover a range of contraceptive methods, including oral contraceptives, condoms, implants, intra-uterine devices and emergency contraceptives. It should also provide information on how to access these methods, and how to use them effectively. 

Another component left out of reproductive health education is that not all contraceptives are compatible with everyone. More needs to be done by healthcare workers during consultations to ensure they provide patients with the option that will have the least likely side-effects for them, as well as utilising stringent screening methods. 

Hormonal vs non-hormonal, injectable or pills, etc, leaves most women to find out information from other women on platforms such as Twitter regarding side-effects. But all information online is not always accurate, with some of it spreading fear, which is not useful to anybody and has no scientific backing, although having a community is important to discuss contraceptive use. So, I do not negate the usefulness of people talking to one another, and sharing useful resources and experiences. 

Finally, it is crucial to involve parents, teachers and community leaders in educating people of reproductive age on contraceptives. These individuals can provide support, guidance and advice on reproductive health matters, which can help to break down cultural barriers and stigma surrounding the use of contraceptives. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, “...knowledge of contraception is universal in Namibia, and upwards of 99% of men and women have heard of at least one method”. This method is most likely condoms, and looking at the reality on the ground, there is a significant difference between knowing about a method, having access to it, and using it correctly. Women have reported being unable to negotiate condom use in their relationships, regardless of socio-economic class. This is another indicator of how not knowing other forms of contraceptives places your sexual health at risk. A lot needs to be done to destigmatise contraception and create safe spaces, especially for the youth engaging in sexual activities. 

In conclusion, educating people of reproductive age on contraceptives is critical for improving reproductive health outcomes in Namibia. It can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, and contribute to overall development. Therefore, there is a need for comprehensive, age-appropriate and culturally-sensitive education on contraceptives in Namibia. Gatekeeping knowledge or only making it accessible to those who use private medical care is a sure disaster to ensure the status quo remains. 

* Tuli Kamati is the Deputy Director of the Voices for Choices and Rights Coalition.