A member of the National Association of State Midwives (ANSFES), Sina Diop is committed to promoting reproductive health and family planning. In this interview, she discusses the main challenges, namely rumors, sociocultural barriers, lack of information, and the cost of contraceptive methods. She advocated for greater awareness, particularly among men, and for increased use of social media to break taboos.

 

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Sina Diop, I am a state midwife and a digital communications support member of the National Association of State Midwives (ANSFES). I am also certified in mental health and hold a diploma in project management.

What are the challenges in family planning?

There are many challenges to overcome. The first is misinformation and rumors. Many believe that contraception makes people infertile or causes disease, which is completely false. These misconceptions are the main obstacle to promoting family planning. They hinder our work as providers. When we explain to women what family planning is, some refuse to listen because they've already heard it's bad or dangerous. However, it's not just about spacing births. It also helps prevent infertility and provides treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

How do you deal with men who refuse to allow their wives to use contraception?

This is a real problem. In our societies, sexuality remains a taboo. Many men have never had the opportunity to discuss it within their families. When we invite them to talk about it, they feel uncomfortable. We must therefore work to raise awareness, and the media play an important role in breaking taboos and disseminating accurate information.

 

What difficulties do you encounter in the field?

As part of postpartum family planning, we offer women the option of choosing a contraceptive method immediately after giving birth. Many refuse, saying, "I'll ask my husband for advice." These obstacles have a direct impact on health, as too short a birth interval can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the child.

Do you have a memorable anecdote?

Yes, especially with grand multiparous women, that is, women with more than five pregnancies. Some are on their 10th or 12th pregnancy, without ever having used any contraceptive method. These women are exposed to serious, sometimes fatal, complications, especially after several closely spaced cesareans. After a cesarean, the uterus must rest for at least two years, but some become pregnant barely a year later, which can put their lives in danger.

What is the role of ANSFES in promoting family planning?

Our role is to educate and raise awareness. The association currently trains midwives who are champions in advocating for the sexual and reproductive rights of adolescents, young people, and women. Because talking about women's and children's health means talking about the health of society as a whole. We need to be present on these platforms. Personally, I have a TikTok account with over 100,000 followers where I raise awareness. I also give my number to families who want to talk. Sometimes, a woman just wants to talk, to confide; it's not necessarily to ask for a method, but to find moral support.

Are there financial barriers to accessing family planning?

Yes. Even though some methods are subsidized, they remain inaccessible for some women. Pills cost between 300 and 500 CFA francs. For women without financial independence, this can represent a real obstacle. It is therefore necessary for other partner organizations to support this effort.

In conclusion, what message would you like to convey?

Family planning isn't just about women, it's about couples as a whole. Men must be included in the discussions. And since social media is now essential, we must use it to provide reliable and accessible information, because ultimately, access to the right information remains the biggest challenge.