Knowledge, access, and acceptance of contraceptive methods remain significant public health challenges to family planning services, resulting in low contraceptive use and high levels of unmet need in the country, says Marie Stopes PNG.
Country Director, Ms. Angelyn Famudi said in a statement: “This unmet need is largely driven by cultural, religious, social, and infrastructural barriers including geographic challenges, with many women unable to access or reluctant to use contraceptive methods due to prevailing myths, misconceptions, and limited healthcare options.”
The widespread misconceptions and misinformation pose a major obstacle to access contraception in PNG. Many women, especially in rural and certain urban areas, are afraid of modern contraceptives due to misinformation that associates them with infertility or serious health risks, such as cancer.”
As the result: “PNG’s maternal mortality rate stands at 215 deaths per 100,000 live births, highlighting the urgent need for expanded family planning services.”
Moreover: “PNG’s maternal mortality rate stands at 215 deaths per 100,000 live births, highlighting the urgent need for expanded family planning services.”
And furthermore: “These pregnancies further limit educational and economic opportunities for young girls, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disempowerment.”
Despite these challenges, National Government Policies such as the National Family Planning Policy, Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy, Youth and Adolescent Health Policy, and the National Population Policy aim to address these gaps in family planning and reproductive health.
“These policies focus on expanding access to modern contraceptives, reducing teenage pregnancies, and promoting comprehensive sexual education.”
This, in turn, contributes significantly to national development. For countries like PNG, where fertility rates are high, contraception can help prevent closely spaced pregnancies, which are linked to maternal mortality.
As we commemorate World Contraception Day, Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea (MSPNG) takes this opportunity to reflect on both the progress and ongoing challenges related to contraception in PNG.
World Contraception Day, observed annually on September 26, is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about contraception and enabling individuals to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.
Contraception refers to methods and techniques used to prevent pregnancy. These include a range of methods such as barrier methods, hormonal options, intrauterine devices (IUDs), permanent solutions, and emergency contraception.
It enables individuals and couples to make informed choices about their reproductive health and family planning. Importantly, contraception provides the basic right for all individuals to make decisions best suited to their personal needs and circumstances.
The 2016-2018 PNG Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) revealed a concerning scenario: only 37% of married women use modern contraceptives, while the unmet need for family planning stands at 30%.
Contraception is not solely a health issue—it is a matter of socio-economic importance. Women and/girls, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like PNG, benefit from access to contraception in profound ways.
It empowers them to control their fertility, avoid unintended pregnancies, and delay childbirth, allowing them to pursue education and enter the workforce.
The absence of comprehensive sexual health education hinders the acceptance of contraceptives. For young women and adolescents, the stigma associated with contraceptive use intensifies the problem, leading to high rates of teenage pregnancies.
Since 2006, MSPNG has been at the forefront of improving access to reproductive health services, particularly in remote areas.
Through our efforts, MSPNG continues to support the Government of PNG in achieving its national health goals by providing accessible contraceptive services and family planning education.
By empowering women and girls to take control of their reproductive health, our work contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
MSPNG’s also work in line with the national government’s MTDP IV to achieve PNG’s national objectives.
As we move forward, there is a clear need for increased investment in public health infrastructure, expanded educational programs, and greater involvement of men, traditional leaders, and church and women leaders in family planning dialogues.
For PNG to fully realize the benefits of contraception, multi- sectoral efforts must focus on reducing cultural stigma, expanding access to modern contraceptives, and ensuring that women and girls have the information and resources necessary to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
However, addressing these challenges will not only improve health outcomes and promote gender equality, but also drive sustainable economic development.
Together, we can ensure that no woman or girl is left behind as we work toward a healthier, more prosperous future for all.