Blessing Nduku & Wesley Murove
Women in Gweru are poised to gain greater control over their reproductive health with the introduction of Sayana Press, a new self-injectable contraceptive designed to improve access to family planning services.
The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has implemented this self-care model, allowing women to administer the contraceptive themselves after receiving proper training. This approach reduces the need for frequent visits to health facilities and addresses long-standing barriers to access.
During a sensitization meeting with journalists at Gweru Theatre, ZNFPC Midlands Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Kudakwashe Mbedzi explained that the self-care approach aims to overcome traditional obstacles that have limited women’s access to family planning services, particularly issues related to distance and the frequency of clinic visits.
“Sayana Press is a self-injectable contraceptive that can be administered without the need for a health facility, making it easier for women to access family planning services without long travel distances,” he stated.
Mbedzi described the method as safe, highly effective, and easy to use. Its design allows for self-injection after clients receive adequate training.
He emphasized that it is small, lightweight, features a short needle, and is simple to use, making it ideal for self-injection once clients are properly trained.
The objective is to enhance the knowledge and attitudes of health workers in promoting Sayana Press as a self-care option and to encourage its uptake among eligible clients.
“We also aim to clarify the critical roles of service providers and key stakeholders in supporting this program,” he added.
According to Mbedzi, service providers are essential in building client confidence and ensuring the correct and consistent use of the method.
The first phase of this initiative was implemented in Mashonaland East, Matabeleland South, and Bulawayo Metropolitan provinces, followed by Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, and now expanding to Harare Metropolitan, Masvingo, Midlands, and Matabeleland North. Mbedzi further noted that health service providers would play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective use of the method.
“Before clients begin self-injection, providers will be assessed to ensure they are competent in offering self-care services.
During the initial visit, trained providers will demonstrate the steps involved in self-injection, reinjection schedules, and infection prevention procedures, supported by videos and educational materials.”
Clients will be advised to visit the nearest health facility for resupply, with clear dates indicated on their client cards. Community health workers will also monitor and support them remotely.
Mbedzi emphasized the importance of safe storage and disposal of used devices at the community level.
“Clients should store unused Sayana Press devices in a clean, cool, and dry place, away from children, sunlight, and moisture.”
Lockable pouches or boxes are encouraged when possible. Used devices should be placed in sealable containers, such as empty jars, and returned to the health facility during the next visit.
They can also be disposed of in pit latrines or autoway pits, but sharps should never be burned at home.
With effective implementation, this self-care model is expected to increase access to contraceptive services, empower women, and improve reproductive health outcomes.
Sayana Press self-care enhances autonomy, access, and continuity of contraceptive use.
With strong stakeholder support and ongoing monitoring, it will be both sustainable and effective.
Sayana Press is a modern, all-in-one subcutaneous injectable contraceptive developed by Pfizer as an alternative to the traditional intramuscular Depo-Provera.
Its design within the Uniject™ system, which is prefilled with a smaller fixed dose of the drug, simplifies administration and facilitates access to family planning services, especially in low-resource settings and for self-injection.
