The right to choose : a catalyst for development and dignity

Every September 26, the international community celebrates World Contraception Day. This day is much more than just a date on the public health calendar; it embodies a fundamental principle: every person’s right to freely decide when, how many, and how far apart to have children. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, and particularly in the province of Équateur, where the prevalence of modern contraception recently peaked at barely 7% (EDS 2023–2024), limited access to information and family planning methods fuels a vicious cycle of maternal mortality, unwanted pregnancies, and school dropout among adolescent girls 

Under the international theme “A Choice for All: Empowerment, Intention, Access,” the 19th edition took on a concrete form in the Ingende Rural Health Zone. 

Under the lead of Oxfam in partnership with APEE, Santé Monde, and AMEF, and financed by Global affairs Canada (GAC) as part of the PRESYS project, a large-scale campaign offering free services and raising awareness demonstrated that transforming sexual and reproductive health in rural areas is not inevitable, but a matter of shared commitment. 

Concrete achievements : reproductive health for everyone, men and women alike 

For five days, from September 26 to 30, 2026, the Ingende Health Zone was transformed into a vast space for dialogue, education, and care. Through strategies combining door-to-door visits, awareness-raising in public spaces, meetings in churches, and the mobilization of men’s clubs, field teams broke down the sociocultural barriers, misconceptions, and taboos surrounding contraception. 

In total, more than 313 referrals were made to health centers for access to implant services. Consultations and supplies were provided free of charge. This initiative raised awareness and provided care to 2,711 people, including 1,221 women and girls. 

POPULAR SATISFACTION AND A STRUCTURAL IMPACT FOR THE FUTURE 

The high attendance recorded in the four targeted health zones (including Batsina and Wangata) attests to the local population’s deep need for family planning. Residents praised the community-based approach, which directly involved health providers, community liaisons (RECOs), and young peer educators. 

In terms of outlook and long-term impact, the PRESYS project supports women’s economic empowerment by enabling them to maintain their income-generating activities. By spacing pregnancies, women are better able to plan for the future, anticipate their needs, and strengthen their autonomy. 

The project also promotes school retention among girls and adolescent girls by raising awareness of the consequences of early pregnancies. These efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of early pregnancies and in school dropout rates. 

Through a more inclusive approach, the project engages men and boys as key actors in family health and the prevention of STIs and HIV. By involvement them, the PRESYS project contributes to a more equitable sharing of responsibilities related to sexual and reproductive health, thereby reducing the burden that often falls on women. 

In other words, by combining mass awareness-raising with the effective provision of free services, the PRESYS campaign laid the groundwork for sustainable behavioral change. The inclusion of men and the mobilization of religious leaders now provide a protective community environment that supports informed choices by couples and young people.

KEY ELEMENTS AND FIELD TESTIMONIES 

Nothing better illustrates the success of this initiative than the voices of the people receiving support themselves, whose stories highlight the immediate human impact of these public health interventions. 

The PRESYS project supports women and girls like Ruth on their journey toward women’s empowerment. “Before this campaign, I didn’t know anything about family planning. Giving birth every year made it impossible for me to pursue my economic activities or ensure my family’s well-being. With the help of the providers’ explanations, I chose the Jadelle method. Today, I feel at peace; I can better organize my life, and I’ve regained the time to build my future. I want to thank the NGO APEE, the PRESYS Project, and GAC for this opportunity.” Ruth’s story is not an isolated case. It demonstrates the importance of these interventions 

It is also important to highlight the involvement of young men, whose participation should not be overlooked. Gédéon Bandeli, 23, is one of the young men supported by the project. His story shows that the impact extends beyond the individual: “I realized during our discussions that preventing unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) isn’t just the responsibility of young women, but also that of young men. By having free access to condoms, I can put what I’ve learned into practice. Today, I encourage my friends to educate themselves and protect themselves without any shame.” These approaches foster a more inclusive awareness of shared responsibility as well as issues related to sexual health. 

CONCLUSION AND CALL TO ACTION 

The celebration of World Contraception Day in Ingende proved that when health services reach out to communities, barriers come down and demand is expressed. 

To ensure these gains are sustained, maintaining the supply of contraceptive supplies, continuing community outreach, and regularly following up with referred individuals remain the cornerstone of a resilient and inclusive health system in the Equator.