GOVT SHOULD CONSIDER EVRA PATCH

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

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