Title:
Comprehensive Abortion Care in Chibombo District
Authors:
Namushi, Jombo
Year:
2013
PAGE:
x, 56
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
Unsafe Abortion, Chibombo, Comprehensive Abortion Care, CAC, Women, Barriers, Zambia, Abortion Laws,
Abstract:
Introduction: Zambia has one of the most liberal abortion laws in Sub-Saharan Africa. Liberal abortion laws however, have not translated into improved health for most Zambian women as many still die from unsafe abortion. There are many factors which continue to hinder women from accessing safe abortion services provided under the umbrella of Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC). This raises questions on the liberality of abortion laws which seem illusory. In Chibombo District implementing CAC services has been challenging and services remain poorly utilised as women continue to die and suffer from the consequences of unsafe abortion. This study seeks to analyse implementation of CAC services in the district to determine barriers to accessing services, in order to contribute to the pool of knowledge for developing effective evidence based interventions. Method: This is a Secondary data study. The Data collection methods are review of CAC registers and reports, existing literature and analysis of existing data sets. Data analysis was done with the help of graphs, tables and the supply and demand-side barriers conceptual framework. Results: Access to CAC services in the district is still poor despite training of providers and infrastructure development to strengthen the capacity of facilities to provide services. Only six (6) safe abortion services against a total of 259 abortion related services were provided in the six months rollout period of CAC services. Younger age among women was associated with more barriers to accessing care. Both supply and demand barriers still exist. Lack of acceptability of abortion services seem to be the critical demand and supply barrier. Conclusion: Legalising abortion is not an end to the means, but just a starting point in creating a platform to reducing unsafe abortion. Effective CAC services is the best intervention currently available, with good implementation the battle against unsafe abortion could be won. The current CAC services in Chibombo District are ineffective. Both demand and supply barriers still exist and need to be addressed simultaneously in order to improve access to CAC services for all women and mitigate the consequences of unsafe abortion.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development, Policy and Practice
Country:
Zambia
Region:
Southern Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2013 Namushi
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
xFNsuRCbjB_20161026140132243.pdf