Helpdesk Report: Contraceptive Prevalence Rate Increases
Abstract
Query
Which countries if any (in the last 20 years) achieved increases in contraceptive prevalence rates for women of reproductive age of (a) over 3% and (b) over 5% per year? Can conclusions be drawn about private sector service provision as an enabling factor for these increases?
Summary
Based on UN MDG data for married women, countries that achieved a 3% or 5% increase in a year or a similar average over more years include The Gambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia. Statistics from other sources include increases shown in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Afghanistan. The report includes a table with current contraceptive use rates among married and unmarried women between 15-49 years old in Africa.
The report includes an overview of research on the following areas:
- UN data
- Data on contraception use for unmarried women
- Country studies on contraceptive prevalence
- Private-sector and family planning provision
- Examples of increased contraceptive use
It is difficult to draw conclusions about private sector service provision as an enabling factor. There was little evidence of private sector impact found within the scope of this study. It is mentioned alongside other providers where countries have seen improvements in contraceptive prevalence but its contribution is not clear.
Ashford (2002) and Tarmann (2001) both note that distribution of products is a key strength of the private sector. Case studies of increased use of contraceptives often report that injectables and sterilisation are the most successful.
Citation
Bolton, L. Helpdesk Report: Contraceptive Prevalence Rate Increases. Human Development Resource Centre, UK (2011) 12 pp.
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