In a bid to provide reliable and flexible family planning, the government of Rwanda has introduced the contraceptive pill Microgynon Fe.

The pill is the third proposed oral contraceptive for which the government is subsidising the cost.

The pill, costing Rwf602 at most pharmacies in Kigali, provides an affordable family planning choice for women and addresses the growing demand for contraceptives, said Thomas Nsengiyumva, the in-charge of family planning and a co-ordinator at the Ministry of Health.

Much as the government is trying to implement policies on family planning, only a few women use contraception due to the high costs, misconceptions and illiteracy.

Chantal Kageni, a mother of three residing in Nyarugenge district, said a doctor told her about a unique and personal contraceptive method.

“It is not that these methods make women infertile, cause birth defects, cause extra weight, or constipation. It is because most women do not know which method is the best for them and they are reluctant to ask doctors,” explained Kageni.

According to Ministry of Health statistics, in 2008, Rwanda had 27 per cent contraception use; there was a slight increase to 44 per cent in 2010, while the overall target is to get to 70 per cent by 2015.

Rwandans have been using several methods for family planning including oral contraceptives, implants, hormonal injectable patches and the hormonal ring.

According to Danny Mutembe, chief pharmacist and deputy director at the Pharmacie Conseil in Kigali, there are misconceptions about oral contraceptives, and women should seek medical advice.

He said Microgynon Fe is the most used pill in the world, is easy to use and compliance friendly; it is trusted by consumers, health care providers and organisations like USAid and UNFPA.