Women's Limited Choice and Availability of Modern Contraception at Retail Outlets and Public-Sector Facilities in Luanda, Angola, 2012–2015

Abstract

Despite high rates of unintended pregnancy, access to a wide range of contraceptive methods, especially injectables and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), is severely limited in both public and private facilities. Knowledge of contraceptive choices is likewise limited, yet a substantial proportion of women are not using their preferred method among the methods they know of.

Abortion history and its association with current use of modern contraceptive methods in Luanda, Angola

“… 29 , 30 Furthermore, condoms are currently the most widely available FP method in Luanda, followed by the oral pill and injectable methods. 14 FP programs should focus on improving provision of LARC methods, particularly in the context of PAC services. Angola recently implemented a PAC program that has improved postabortion contraceptive uptake, but the results of our study indicate a high need for supplies and training to offer methods postabortion that would be more effective and long term than condoms.…”

“…3 More recent data from Luanda suggest that women in Angola are facing limited contraceptive choices, which may affect postabortion contraceptive uptake. 14 Understanding the relationship between induced abortion history and contraceptive use is imperative to meeting the high levels of unmet contraceptive need and improving the state of FP services in the country.…”

Predictors of Modern Contraceptive Use Among Married Women in Angola: A Population Based Study

“…Prior studies in Angola showed maternal age, maternal educational status, prior information and knowledge about contraceptive use, discussion with partner, marital status, and accessibility to supply were the main factors for contraceptive use (14)(15)(16). According to 2015/2016 Angola Multiple Indicator and Health Survey, married women in urban areas are more likely to use modern methods of family planning (18%) than married women in rural areas (only 2%) (17).…”

“…Few studies have been conducted in Angola related to contraceptive use (14)(15)(16). However, these studies were focused on a single factor (15) and limited to some areas of the country (14,15). Moreover, the available studies might not indicate the current situations of modern contraceptive use.…”

The Collapse of the Price of Oil and the Importance of Fair Market Competition and Optimizing Public and Private Resources: Assessing Angola's Contraceptive Market Landscape

“…In GHSP's March 2017 article by Nieto-Andrade and colleagues, “Women's Limited Choice and Availability of Modern Contraception at Retail Outlets and Public-Sector Facilities in Luanda, Angola, 2012–2015,” the authors assert that public health policies must ensure the availability and affordability of contraceptives on the market and expand the range of options for women. 1 I would argue that public health policies should instead support fair market competition and optimize the use of both public and private resources. If subsidies are necessary, they should be discrete, targeted, and time-bound to reduce crowding out the commercial private sector, which increases the cost of family planning for donors and governments (i.e., taxpayers).…”