Africa-Press – Eswatini. Health authorities have noted low utilisation of emergency contraception at public health facilities despite adequate national supplies, highlighting the need to strengthen awareness, confidence, and access to sexual and reproductive health services across the country.
The matter was highlighted on February 25, 2026, during the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Strategic Documents Dissemination meeting held at Bethel Court, organised by the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNFPA and other development partners.
Speaking at the meeting, Programme Director for Sexual Reproductive Health, Mngcineni Ndlangamandla, said reports indicate that the Central Medical Stores is currently overstocked with morning-after pills, not due to reduced need, but because many Emaswati prefer accessing emergency contraception from private pharmacies rather than public health facilities.
He explained that the trend presents an opportunity for the health sector to further strengthen public education, confidentiality, and youth-friendly services within government facilities.
Ndlangamandla emphasised that emergency contraception is available free of charge at public facilities and is provided confidentially by trained healthcare workers in line with national family planning guidelines.
Health officials further highlighted that emergency contraception does not offer protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, stressing the continued importance of integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services. The Ministry continues to promote dual protection, encouraging the consistent use of condoms alongside appropriate family planning methods to reduce both unintended pregnancies and new HIV infections.
Addressing adolescent health, the Ministry reiterated that teenage pregnancy is not encouraged and remains a key public health and social concern. Officials noted that national efforts prioritise prevention through comprehensive sexuality education, youth empowerment programmes, parental guidance, and access to adolescent- and youth-friendly health services. Emergency contraception, they stressed, is intended as a last-resort option and not a routine method, particularly for young people.
The discussion took place alongside the dissemination of several national SRH strategies and guidelines, including the Family Planning Guidelines Addendum, which incorporates emergency contraception as part of a broader rights-based approach to expanding contraceptive choice and addressing unmet family planning needs.
Ndlangamandla said the Ministry is strengthening youth-friendly services, improving privacy at health facilities, and expanding community outreach to ensure that individuals feel supported and confident when accessing sexual and reproductive health services in the public sector.
He added that improving utilisation of available commodities is as important as ensuring supply, noting that effective use of these services contributes to healthier families, reduced unintended pregnancies, and improved national health outcomes.
The Ministry of Health has encouraged communities, parents, healthcare workers, and partners to support awareness and education initiatives that promote responsible behaviour, informed choices, and equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services for all.
