RUTANA, July 7th (ABP) – Few families are engaged in the family planning program through the use of modern methods at a satisfactory level, according to statistics from the past two years.
This was stated by Mrs. Nadine Kakunze, reproductive health supervisor at the Gihofi district health center in Rutana province, during an interview with the Burundi News Agency (ABP).
Mrs. Kakunze indicated that by 2023, the population using family planning methods was estimated at 23%, with 6% using natural methods and 17% using modern methods, and that by 2024, this rate had risen slightly to 19% for modern methods. She emphasized that these figures show that there is still a gap and that there is a need to intensify awareness-raising.
Regarding the obstacles that prevent people from adopting these methods, Kakunze explained that many citizens lack schooling; whereas an educated person quickly understands the benefits of these methods. She also mentioned the influence of religions that teach that family planning is a sin. This lack of education, combined with certain religious beliefs, makes it difficult to understand the true usefulness of these methods, she added.
Another problem, according to her, is the lack of mutual understanding within couples, where sometimes the woman is convinced of the benefits of family planning, but the man does not, which creates conflicts. “Often, men think it doesn’t concern them, when it should be a decision between the couple,” said Kakunze.
She further noted that some people no longer adhere to it because of misinformation received in the community, leading them to believe that these methods will make them sick. On this subject, she reassured that if there is a problem with a method, there are nine different methods, and everyone has the full right to choose the method that is best for their health.
Mrs. Kakunze encouraged families to adopt family planning because it has many benefits, such as reducing deaths due to closely spaced pregnancies; children can also be breastfed properly, which improves their growth; and diseases related to malnutrition are avoided; both mother and child are healthy, they get sick less, and the couple can also live their intimate life without fear of unwanted pregnancy.
She concluded by calling on families not to ignore progress, as failure to adhere to family planning is a rejection of development. She urged families to discuss and decide together how many children they can properly raise, as this would protect the mother’s health and allow her to continue her activities for the well-being of the entire family.