News / Local
Depo-provera fuel HIV
03 May 2017 at 04:54hrs | Views
Women from Matabeleland region who use Depo-provera are at great risk of contracting HIV, World Health Organisation (WHO) has reportedly said.
Chances of contracting the virus are said to be as high as 50 %.
The contraceptive is said to be common in Matabelelaland.
People who use it often engage in unprotected sex, knowing they will not fall pregnant.
WHO in its official website says for the past 25 years, there has been mixed evidence as to whether use of hormonal contraceptive methods is associated with a woman's risk of acquiring HIV.
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) service delivery coordinator Ms Janet Godzi told the Chronicle that though the risk has not been proven, combating HIV required the use of multiple strategies.
"So far no study has proven that indeed using depo- provera increases the risk of contracting HIV but we have heard of cases where women engage in unprotected sex simply because they are on depo-provera," said Ms Godzi.
"We must remember that no one can safely fight HIV with one method hence even those who are circumcised must condomise. The only contraceptive that can protect from HIV is a condom which protect from unwanted pregnancies and HIV at the same time."
"It generally affects the menstruation pattern and causes headaches in some women. It also increases appetite and some women actually gain weight in the process."
ZNFPC provincial manager for Matabeleland region Mr Blessed Gumbi said depo was the region's favourite contraceptive.
"We hope more women will start using contraceptives as we continue with our programmes and still practice safe sex. We therefore urge members of the public to make the most of available methods to reduce the risk of HIV transmission."
"Our national modern contraceptive prevalence is 67 percent and Bulawayo and Mashonaland West provinces are both at the top with 70.9 percent".
Chances of contracting the virus are said to be as high as 50 %.
The contraceptive is said to be common in Matabelelaland.
People who use it often engage in unprotected sex, knowing they will not fall pregnant.
WHO in its official website says for the past 25 years, there has been mixed evidence as to whether use of hormonal contraceptive methods is associated with a woman's risk of acquiring HIV.
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) service delivery coordinator Ms Janet Godzi told the Chronicle that though the risk has not been proven, combating HIV required the use of multiple strategies.
"So far no study has proven that indeed using depo- provera increases the risk of contracting HIV but we have heard of cases where women engage in unprotected sex simply because they are on depo-provera," said Ms Godzi.
"We must remember that no one can safely fight HIV with one method hence even those who are circumcised must condomise. The only contraceptive that can protect from HIV is a condom which protect from unwanted pregnancies and HIV at the same time."
"It generally affects the menstruation pattern and causes headaches in some women. It also increases appetite and some women actually gain weight in the process."
ZNFPC provincial manager for Matabeleland region Mr Blessed Gumbi said depo was the region's favourite contraceptive.
"We hope more women will start using contraceptives as we continue with our programmes and still practice safe sex. We therefore urge members of the public to make the most of available methods to reduce the risk of HIV transmission."
"Our national modern contraceptive prevalence is 67 percent and Bulawayo and Mashonaland West provinces are both at the top with 70.9 percent".
Source - Chronicle
