Times Of Swaziland: GOVT SHOULD CONSIDER EVRA PATCH

GOVT SHOULD CONSIDER EVRA PATCH
================================================================================
Editor on 11/12/2024 15:01:00


Sir,
Adolescent pregnancy in Eswatini remains a critical issue, affecting the health,
education and economic opportunities of young girls and their communities. With
an adolescent birth rate of 87 per 1 000 females aged 15–19, approximately 13
400 adolescent pregnancies occur annually among 154 200 female adolescents.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address
reproductive health challenges. The Evra Patch, a discreet skin-worn
contraceptive, offers an effective method for reducing adolescent pregnancies.
With a contraceptive efficacy rate of 92 per cent to 99.7 per cent, it has the
potential to prevent up to 1 700 pregnancies annually within a target population
of 10 000 adolescents.
Broader benefits
Beyond financial savings, Evra Patch offers long-term socioeconomic advantages.
Reducing adolescent pregnancies enables young women to continue their education,
fostering economic independence and reducing reliance on social support systems.
Education empowers young individuals, breaking cycles of poverty and
contributing to a more resilient society. For postpartum women not
breastfeeding, the Evra Patch provides immediate contraception, bypassing the
six-week waiting period required by some methods. This enables proactive family
planning, further aligning with Eswatini’s public health and development
objectives.
Reproductive health
Combining the Evra Patch with condom use creates a dual-method approach that
amplifies its impact. This strategy not only prevents pregnancies but also
reduces the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
(STIs). By aligning with Eswatini’s public health priorities, including the
UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, this approach addresses broader reproductive health
challenges, reducing new HIV infections among adolescents and enhancing overall
public health outcomes.
Recommendations
As a nurse-midwife at RFM Hospital and a maternal child and adolescent health
researcher, I have firsthand insight into the barriers young individuals face in
accessing reproductive health services. A collaborative and community-centred
approach is essential to maximising Evra Patch’s impact. The Ministry of
Health Eswatini, in partnership with sexual and reproductive health (SRH)
organisations, NGOs and international stakeholders, should secure funding,
resources, and policy support for the Evra Parch programme. Community leaders,
educators and healthcare workers need to be actively engaged to promote
awareness and foster acceptance of the Evra Patch through culturally sensitive
outreach programmes.
The Evra Patch represents a transformative solution to the persistent issue of
adolescent pregnancy in Eswatini. By reducing pregnancies, improving health
outcomes and enhancing educational and economic opportunities, it supports
national public health and development goals.  Its cost-effectiveness and broad
societal benefits highlight its value as a strategic investment in the
country’s future. Through thoughtful implementation and collaboration, the
Evra Patch has the potential to significantly improve the health and well-being
of Eswatini’s adolescents, contributing to a healthier and more equitable
society.
Zama Mkhonta, Nurse-Midwife,
Maternal, Child and Adolescent
Health Researcher at RFM Hospital