The Gauteng Department of Health says contraceptive use among women of reproductive age remains low, with only 32.45% accessing contraceptive services in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.
The department raises the concern as it continues efforts to increase uptake of free contraceptives. The report focuses on measuring access to contraceptive services rather than giving detailed reasons for non-use. While it highlights the uptake shortfall, it does not provide, in the available text, a breakdown by district or age group, or specific barriers such as supply issues, awareness, stigma, or service access constraints.
Other outlets covering the broader topic would typically examine potential causes behind low take-up—such as outreach, counselling, commodity availability, or social factors—but those differing angles are not included in the material provided here.
