More than a thousand people attended the launch of South Africa's National Family Planning campaign in Johannesburg yesterday. The launch was spearheaded by the Department of Health, in partnership with various civil society organizations and international development agencies.
Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA Regional Director for East & Southern Africa.
In attendance was the Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, the Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize, and the programme director, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa. Addressing the audience with a vote of thanks was the Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Mondli Gungubele.
The launch follows the revision and dissemination of the Contraceptive and Fertility Planning Policy and Service Delivery Guidelines. The theme of the campaign is 'My Responsibility, My Choice, Our Future – I choose dual protection'. It aims to provide information and services to South Africans about various methods that prevent HIV, STIs and pregnancies. It promotes dual protection, which stresses that if people have sex they must use a condom and a second method of protection.
The South African Government has introduced a new contraceptive method, the sub-dermal implant, which is a new long-acting contraceptive device. This highly effective device is a small, flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick. It is inserted under the skin in the upper arm and can be removed at a later stage. It works for three to five years, depending on the type of implant.
At the launch, UNFPA Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, commended the leadership of South Africa, in particular the Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi. “Family Planning is the most important, life-saving intervention you can provide to a girl or a woman,” she said.
On the new method of family planning, Dr. Motsoaledi said: “It gives women the freedom to control their own lives. It can be taken out at any time and if they want (to fall pregnant) it only takes a few weeks to conceive.” Explaining the dual protection approach, he said that even if people use other types of contraception, they should always use condoms in conjunction.
