PARENTS URGED TO EMBRACE FAMILY PLANNING FOR HEALTHY FAMILIES

By Maryam Nassor

Parents have been urged to embrace modern family planning methods, which are offered free of charge at all hospitals across the country, in order to maintain healthy families.

This was stated by Dr. Safia Hamza Haji from Mahonda Health Center in North 'B' District, Unguja, during an interview with this reporter.

She said there are numerous benefits to using family planning methods, including protecting the health of both mothers and children.

She explained that when families plan the number of their children according to their financial capabilities, they are better positioned to provide essential needs such as food, clothing, and quality education.

“There are many benefits to family planning; one of them is ensuring that children enjoy good health and proper upbringing,” she said.

Additionally, she noted that family planning empowers women in society by giving them more time to participate in leadership and decision-making roles.

She revealed that the response at her health center has been positive, with up to four thousand clients per month seeking various family planning services.

“At our center, the response is good—we received up to four thousand clients last month,” she said.

Meanwhile, some women who visited the center to receive services also shared their experiences. Mwajuma Kombo said that family planning services are safe and effective.

She mentioned that she is now pregnant with her second child after removing an implant she had used for two years.

Similarly, Asya Muhidini, who also visited the center, said that since she started using family planning methods, she has fully recovered from her previous issue of recurrent miscarriages.

“For a long time, I experienced repeated miscarriages, but since I started using family planning methods, I have completely recovered,” said Asya.

Medical research shows that family planning can significantly reduce maternal and child mortality rates across Africa.