Staying at home is among the measures put in place by the government of Rwanda in bid to control the spread of COVID 19 virus.

This however, has seen most essential services being affected, family planning being one of them. In Gicumbi District, Miyove sector, residents share their concerns on family planning services.

One of the challenges for women, its hard it’s hard to now find time to seek help on contraceptive methods, which was not the case before.

Habumukiza Jean Pierre, said losing his job and staying at home has not been easy on her side, which he said is something he is trying to cope with as it came as a surprise, no one was expecting it.

Mukarubuga Esperance said although the measures put by the government are helpful, for her personally she is facing a challenge of going for family planning services as she used to due to lack of time.

Donatha, a community health worker at the sector said “Women continue to face obstacles seeking family planning services. Services such as the crucial care women used to get on how to go about family planning issues. Also, those with expired contraceptive methods opt to not come for replacement due to different reasons,” she said.

Miyove Health center continues to provide FP services amidst lockdown

At Miyove Health center, Nyamvura Constance, who leads the Center said they have been forced to postpone family planning programs that used to be offered for the couples.

“we used to have a session of guiding and counselling for couples concerning pregnancy and also family planning services, which was helpful to the family as a whole,” she said.

She noted that women turning up for contraception services has since gone down, because the center has adjusted opening and closing hours, whereby they close earlier than before, therefore, meaning those who might want to seek services late in the day, they can’t do so.

She added that anything that limits availability and choice of contraception affects women’s health, and the pandemic has come with such challenges.

The Vice Mayor of welfare, Ms. Elizabeth Mujawamaliya, expressed concern over family planning access under lockdown measures in some family,

“There have already been shortages of oral and emergency contraceptives, which can lead to a high number of pregnancies even among the young people,” she said.

Mujawamaliya added that the number of family conflict ha also risen as most couples spend all their time at home, yet before, which makes it easy for on and off fights.

“However, through longtime mobilization, in partnership with fellow leaders we are approaching the family Shaving conflicts, to help them solve and change their behaviors,” she said.

“Stress, loss of income and isolation all can exacerbate the risk of violence at home. Learn about domestic abuse and what you can do to protect yourself and family. Your questions answered. Recommendation from WHO. Advice for the public. If you want to report an incidence of violence, you should follow your country’s guidance on how to report violence and contact the service where you are most likely to get a survivor-centred response. Some countries are making exceptions to movement restrictions for reporting of violence specifically.” Said Official, WHO

“Remember that reporting may put you at risk, so ensure you have a safety plan in place. You may find making a report mentally or emotionally difficult. Seek the support of friends, relations, neighbours or colleagues, or local support services for survivors of violence.” He added

According to Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), the FP is the one among the programs which contributes to reduce maternal and child death. While modern contraceptive prevalence rises in Rwanda from 10% to 45%between 2005 and 2010 and to 48% in 2015, unmeet for family planning persists at 19%.