Family planning in Rwanda: status and prospects

This article analyzes the status and future prospects of family planning in Rwanda. The use of traditional contraceptive methods is examined and major constraints to modern contraceptive use are discussed, both for potential users (low demand) and family planning delivery systems (poor supply). Current contraceptive prevalence, as well as evidence of potentially higher demand, are analyzed. Contraceptive prevalence for modern methods is estimated at 3-4 percent, for 1988, of women of reproductive age who are at risk of exposure to conception. An attempt is also made to target future contraceptive prevalence rates needed to attain specific levels of fertility. Finally, the prospects for family planning as well as recommendations to increase contraceptive use are reviewed.