UNFPA blames doctors, media on contraceptives myths
United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) says medical personnel and the media are to blame for the increased belief that contraceptives have side effects.
UNFPA assistant representative Dorothy Nyasulu said this on Friday during a Media Training in Family Planning, Human Rights Protocol and Demographic Dividend in Blantyre.
She was reacting to reports that many people continue to shun contraceptives because of myths and misconceptions surrounding them. The meeting saw some trainees confess that they have relatives and know other people who were told they developed certain health problems because of the contraceptives they used.
“It is my call to all medical personnel to explain very well about the contraceptive methods available in their facilities, how they work and what could be the possible side effects because when we are talking about the issue of human rights and standards, we said providing adequate information to assist clients to make informed decision is actually one cardinal principal that needs to be adhered to.
“Usually when people are given adequate information and they chose a method based on having been told the exact things, the chances of their coming back to stop a method are very low,” said Nyasulu.
On the media, Nyasulu said the media can do better by taking a leading role in sensitising the population to the truth about contraceptives. She said there is an overly emphasis on side effects because people who experienced the service are passing on misleading messages to others. She said it is a fact that everything, food inclusive, can make one get allergy.
“Contraceptives can work for some people and would not work for others and this is where the issue of providing accurate information, examining the client and making sure they understand is of paramount importance,” added Nyasulu.
