South Africa: Birth Control Shortages Leave Women in NW and GP Fearing Unplanned Pregnancies

Some women in Mahikeng, in the North West, fear unplanned pregnancies due to a shortage of contraceptives at their local clinics for at least the past four months.

"I went to the Unit 9 Clinic last Friday to collect the contraceptives that I normally collect monthly, but the nurse told me they don't have them. It's out of stock," Audrey Mosanya from Motlhabeng Village tells Health-e News. She usually gets a three-month supply, which she last collected in February.

"When I asked when they would have stock, she said she isn't sure, I must keep checking with them."

Mosanya has been on the pill since 2016, after the birth of her son, and has never faced challenges before.

"I am really worried now. This situation gives me sleepless nights, I won't lie. I am not ready to fall pregnant. I can't afford another child. I hope they sort this issue out as soon as possible."

Another woman, Neo Taje from Setlopo, has been on Nur-Isterate - an injection given every two months - since July last year. She is due for her next jab towards the end of June, but is now worried after hearing about the shortages.

"When I first heard about the shortage on social media, I got worried and called the Matlhonyane Clinic to check. It's a very small clinic, and they explained to me that they only had a very small supply and hadn't received any new stock yet," she says.

"I'm just concerned about whether I'll get the injection when I go for my appointment. If it's not available, I will rather abstain."

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in the North West has condemned the shortage, saying the union will meet with the department on 19 June to address the issues.

Reuben Molete, DENOSA provincial secretary, claims the shortages are due to suppliers not being paid on time and poor planning between what is needed and what is ordered.

"The shortage of contraceptives and other medications is very dangerous. It poses health risks, increases the burden of disease, and leads to higher pregnancy rates," says Molete.

The North West Department of Health has acknowledged the shortage of some contraceptives, such as the oral pill and sub-dermal implant, across facilities in the province.

"There are intermittent stock shortages of certain contraceptive products and selected medicines have been experienced at some facilities in the province," says Tshegofatso Mothibedi, departmental spokesperson.

Mothibedi says the department is working on a plan to ensure the availability of stock across all facilities in the province.

Women in parts of Gauteng have made similar