By Samuel Mbewe
Luapula Province, Zambia — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is making significant strides in expanding family planning options for mothers, particularly in the rural and underserved areas of Luapula Province.
Through the integration of various reproductive health products, the UN agency aims to empower women and adolescents to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
In a recent statement, UNFPA Country Representative Seth Broekman revealed that the organization has rolled out thirteen family planning options in three districts across Luapula.
These options include intrauterine devices (IUDs), subdermal implants, condoms, injectables, and oral contraceptive tablets. The goal is to provide accessible and diverse services to mothers, allowing them to choose the method best suited to their needs.
“Empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health is crucial for their well-being and the future of their families,” said Mr. Broekman. “Improved access to family planning leads to better health outcomes for both mothers and children, creating more opportunities for economic growth, education, and poverty reduction.”
While the expansion of family planning services is a welcome step, challenges remain in remote areas such as Samfya. Limited access to healthcare facilities, economic barriers, and social factors often prevent women from receiving the reproductive health services they need.
However, UNFPA is addressing these obstacles by investing in innovative technologies, including the electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS), which enhances inventory management, data quality, and reporting accuracy. This technology helps reduce stockouts and ensures a steady supply of essential medicines.
“The introduction of eLMIS will significantly improve the availability of reproductive health supplies, ensuring that facilities are well-stocked and ready to meet demand,” Mr. Broekman explained.
The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency (ZMMSA) has also played a key role in improving supply chains. Ernest Sinyinda, the Regional Hub Manager for ZMMSA in Luapula, shared that the partnership with UNFPA has greatly boosted the availability of reproductive health products.
He highlighted that the stock levels for reproductive health supplies in the region have now reached 78%, with increasing demand from health facilities.
Through these combined efforts, UNFPA aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve maternal health outcomes, and create a future where women in Luapula Province have the resources and support they need to plan their families and lead healthier lives.
The ongoing partnership between UNFPA, local authorities, and healthcare providers is seen as a critical step towards achieving these goals.
