World Contraception Day: A Global Call for Awareness
World Contraception Day, observed annually on September 26, serves as a global campaign dedicated to enhancing awareness of contraception and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. The initiative aims to prevent unintended pregnancies and improve overall public health outcomes worldwide. For 2025, the theme is 'A Choice for All. Freedom to Plan, Power to Choose,' underscoring the universal right to access safe and effective contraception.
Concerning Decline in Contraception Use in New Caledonia
In New Caledonia, the Agence Sanitaire et Sociale (ASS), a key part of the government's Direction des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales (DASS), utilized World Contraception Day to draw attention to a worrying trend in contraception use. According to the adult health barometer, the use of contraception among adults in the territory saw a substantial decrease from 75% in 2015 to just 50% in 2022. This decline is considered 'equally concerning' as the situation observed among adolescents.
Adolescent Sexual Health and Unintended Pregnancies
The issue extends to the younger population, with the 2019 youth health barometer revealing that 27% of adolescents aged 10 to 18 reported having engaged in sexual intercourse. While 63% used a condom during their last encounter, only 35% utilized another method of contraception. The ASS highlighted that 'protection remains insufficient' and stressed the need to strengthen access to information and services for adolescents. The consequences of insufficient contraception are evident, with the average age for a first pregnancy in New Caledonia being 23 years. Furthermore, nearly one in three women expressed a wish to have waited or did not desire their pregnancy, and one-third of women have undergone at least one voluntary termination of pregnancy.
Promoting Empowerment Through Education
The Agence Sanitaire et Sociale emphasizes that contraception is a 'tool for emancipation and freedom,' enabling individuals to manage their affective and sexual lives serenely, avoid unwanted pregnancies, and choose the timing for starting a family. To counter the declining usage and address misconceptions, the ASS annually educates nearly 6,000 students in colleges and high schools. These educational programs cover various contraceptive methods, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, self-respect, consent, and risk reduction, aiming to 'break taboos and deconstruct misconceptions.'
5 Comments
Habibi
Government agencies shouldn't push personal health decisions. People should decide for themselves.
Bella Ciao
Crucial data! Education is absolutely key to reversing this worrying trend.
Mariposa
Perhaps people are simply choosing natural family planning. Not necessarily a 'decline' in responsible choices.
Coccinella
It's commendable that the ASS is educating students on sexual health, as knowledge is undoubtedly empowering. However, simply providing information might not be enough; addressing socioeconomic barriers to accessing contraception and healthcare services is equally vital for real impact.
Muchacho
The statistics on adolescent sexual activity and insufficient protection are indeed alarming and highlight a clear need for intervention. However, it's equally important to ensure that these educational programs are culturally sensitive and don't alienate the very communities they aim to support.