Study Highlights Use of Long-Acting Contraceptives in 26 African Countries

A recent study exploring reproductive health practices across 26 sub-Saharan African nations has shed light on the utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. These methods, which include hormonal and copper-based options, offer several advantages, notably their high effectiveness and duration of protection ranging from three to ten years. Once inserted by trained healthcare providers, they work continuously without requiring daily attention, with failure rates of less than 1%, significantly lower than short-term methods like pills or condoms.

LARCs are reversible; fertility typically resumes quickly after removal, making them a flexible choice for women who may wish to conceive in the future. Their adoption has increased in high-income countries due to policies promoting access, awareness campaigns, and integration into routine health services. However, in many parts of Africa, their overall use remains limited. The study found that on average, 21.7% of sexually active women in these countries use LARCs, indicating a heavy reliance on short-term contraceptive methods.

Among the studied nations, Benin, Mali, and Tanzania demonstrated higher usage rates, with nearly half or more women opting for long-acting options. Conversely, Namibia, Togo, and Niger showed minimal use, with prevalence rates below 5%. This disparity reflects differences in healthcare infrastructure, cultural norms, government policies, and community education.

Barriers to wider use include limited access to trained providers, stock shortages, higher out-of-pocket costs, and prevalent myths about infertility and health risks associated with these contraceptives. Addressing these challenges requires multi-faceted strategies: improving supply chains, training healthcare workers, conducting culturally sensitive education campaigns, and enhancing affordability.

Efforts to expand the availability of LARCs are essential for reducing unintended pregnancies and improving maternal health outcomes across the continent. By learning from the success stories of countries with higher adoption rates, African nations can implement targeted interventions, promote informed choices, and leverage community engagement to overcome misconceptions. Ultimately, increasing access to and awareness of long-acting contraceptives can play a vital role in empowering women and supporting reproductive rights.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-birth-africa-tracks-contraception-countries.html