A recent Demographic and Health Survey 2019-20, by the National Institute of Statistics showed that there is probably more room for sensitization of family planning methods across the country.

The study established that uptake  of use of contraceptive methods has grown to 64 per cent from about 53 per cent in 2015.

58 per cent of married households use modern methods with Implants being the most popular while 6 per cent use a traditional method.

Contraceptive methods can be classified as modern or traditional methods. Modern methods include female sterilization, male sterilization, the pill, the intrauterine device (IUD), injectables, implants, condoms, lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), while rhythm and withdrawal are considered traditional.

Interestingly, the studies showed that women in rural areas were found to be more likely to use a contraceptive method than women in urban areas (65 per cent and 61 per cent, respectively).

Use of contraception was found to be highest among currently married women in the North province and lowest among those in Kigali.

Fertility rate in Rwanda averaged 4.1 per woman; 3.4 in urban areas and 4.3 in rural areas. That means that on average an urban dweller is likely to deliver 3 children in her lifetime while a rural area resident could deliver 4 children.

The World Bank has previously noted that the fertility rates should ideally come down to 2.5 (2 children) so that the economy can grow steadily as well as to reduce challenges such as malnutrition and stunting.

Use of family planning in response to fertility preferences of women is ideal in ensuring that the country can curb challenges such as malnutrition.

However, there is probably more need for awareness on the use of family planning in line with individuals’ and couple’s preferences. While 64 per cent uptake is progress, 36 per cent is much ground to cover.