OUAGADOUGOU — A recent study from the PMA Burkina Faso research project has indicated a decline in the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) among women in Burkina Faso, with the rate dropping significantly among unmarried, sexually active women from 68% in 2022 to 61% in 2024. The findings were presented on Tuesday at the University of Ouagadougou.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the decline was observed across various demographics, including women in union and all women aged 15 to 49. Specifically, the mCPR for women in union dropped from 31% to 28%, and from 28% to 25% for all women within this age group. In the capital city of Ouagadougou, the rates fell from 67% to 62% for unmarried, sexually active women, from 40% to 37% for women in union, and from 35% to 31% for all women.

The study also highlighted geographical disparities, showing a decrease in urban areas from 41.5% to 38.4% and in rural areas from 29.1% to 25.5%, with a national decrease from 31.2% to 27.7% between January 2022 and January 2024. These trends are particularly concerning given the goals of the National Family Planning Plan (PNPF) 2021-2025, which aims to increase the mCPR from 31.9% in 2020 to 41.3% by 2025.

Dr. Georges Guiella, an investigator on the project, suggests that the decline could be attributed to insecurity, population movements, particularly among women, and challenges in mobilizing women during national family planning weeks. Despite these setbacks, Dr. Guiella noted that the situation “is not dramatic because it could have been worse.”

The study also shed light on contraceptive preferences, with implants (46%), intramuscular injectables (23%), and subcutaneous injectables (11%) being the most common methods among women in union. Conversely, unmarried women showed a preference for male condoms (53%), intramuscular injectables (12%), and the pill (4%).

Interestingly, the report also found that the unmet need for family planning sharply declined from 32% in December 2014 to 16% in February 2024. However, 42% of current users of modern contraceptive methods reported not receiving advice on potential side effects or problems related to their chosen method at the time of consultation. Additionally, only 42% of users stated that the decision to use contraception was made jointly with their spouse or partner.