In response to the increasing rate of teenage pregnancies in the province, the Eastern Cape provincial health department has come up with a measure aimed at addressing the problem. A contraceptive vending machine is set to be launched in Mthatha, Eastern Cape on Wednesday.
This is part of an initiative to increase the adoption of various contraceptive methods in response to the nation’s problem of adolescent pregnancy.
Young population at high risk
The high number of teenage pregnancies, according to the department, puts young people in the population category’s greatest at risks.
This comes after the province’s end-of-December 2023 17.1% teenage newborn delivery rate.
“Teenage pregnancy is as a result of a number of factors like early sexual [behaviour], sexual assault (rape). Also… consented sex without taking contraceptives that are available. Such as an emergency pill, which is taken within 3 – 5 days of having unprotected sex. It is taken orally daily, and long-acting reversible contraceptives like implants and intrauterine devices,” said the department.
Girls and young women targeted
According to the department, they are targeting girls and women who are planning a family with the contraceptive vending machine. It aims to decrease unintended pregnancies that result in unsafe abortions. The move also boosts access to services related to HIV prevention and sexual reproductive health.
Data reveals that 11,500 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years old gave birth to babies in public health facilities. This during the dangerously high spike in adolescent pregnancies in the country during the last three years (2020 – 2023).
First of its kind in South Africa
The vending machine is the first of its kind in South Africa, according to national health spokesperson Foster Mohale. It will be positioned in busy, easily accessible public spaces like shopping malls. Also at higher education institutions, and Sassa grant pay points.
“These vending machines will carry a variety of oral contraceptives such as Nordette, Triphasil, Microval, Ovral. Also and emergency contraceptives or morning after pill. HIV prevention such as HIV Self-testing kit, Lubricants, Male and female condoms too. Pregnancy test and Sanitary towels will also be available at the vending machines,” said Mohale.
