By Benjamin Akoto
Sunyani, Sept. 30, GNA –Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) distributed more than 1.9 million contraceptives nationwide, Mr Charles Oduro Owurani, a Project Assistant, at the Sunyani branch of the Young and Wise Centre of the PPAG has said.
They included condoms, IUDs, emergency pills, implants, oral pills, and injectables, he stated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani to commemorate this year’s World Contraception Day.
Observed annually on September 26, the WCD advocates accessible and affordable contraceptives and this year one is being celebrated on the theme, “A Choice for All Freedom to Plan, Power to Choose”.
Mr Owurani called for a collective approach to tackle persistent gaps in modern contraceptive use among women in the country.
He expressed worry that only 28 per cent of married and 46 percent of unmarried women used modern contraceptives.
Mr Owurani explained the PPAG was offering a variety of contraceptive services and highlighted the significance of self-care options in enhancing contraceptive access, thereby enabling individuals to manage their reproductive health discreetly and conveniently.
He however cautioned against the misuse of emergency contraceptive pills among adolescents, saying those pills ought to be used only in emergency situations and not as a substitute for regular contraception.
Mrs Margaret Gyena Dzokoto, the Volunteer Branch Chairperson of PPAG, underlined the need to create awareness and improve access to contraceptives among young people, however, they must make informed decisions before they opt for contraceptives.
She called on individuals, corporations, and non-profit organizations to support the PPAG’s efforts in ensuring a universal access to quality reproductive health information and services.
GNA