Communities fail to utilise family planning services

The study also claims that of the 20 pieces for the intra uterine devices(IUDs) that were supplied, only seven were dispensed.

Communities in Luweero District are not utilising health services at the health units, with health officials able to dispense only 30 per cent of the items they receive from the National Medical Stores.

According to the district health officer, Dr Joseph Okware, modern family planning services have not been fully utilised despite the sensitisation programmes.

“Our health units are equipped to offer some of the family planning services but many have failed to take advantage of these services,” Dr Okware told the Saturday Monitor in an interview on Thursday.
“Some of the people could be using natural methods while several have been influenced by some religions that are against some of the methods,” he added.

A study conducted by the Forum for Women in Democracy at selected health centres in the financial year 2010/2011 indicates that out of the 4,464 male condoms distributed at Luweero Health Centre IV, only 408 were dispensed and out of the 963 Oral contraceptives received by the health unit, only 72 were dispensed.

The study also claims that of the 20 pieces for the intra uterine devices(IUDs) that were supplied, only seven were dispensed.

However, at a recent village held by FOWODE in Kyevunze Village, many residents claimed they are stigmatised when they go to health centres to get services.

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