In support of the national family planning campaign, which was launched by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in February, the City of Joburg is making a new sub-dermal contraceptive device available.
Earlier this year, the Department of Health launched the sub-dermal contraceptive device that is inserted underneath the skin in a woman’s upper inner arm, and which can be effective for three years.
According to the City, nurses in public health facilities have been trained and can insert the implant without a doctor’s help.
“City of Johannesburg Metropolitan wants to ensure that all its city clinics have trained nurses who can insert the sub-dermal implant. This requires a competency which can only be achieved through proper training,” the council said.
Healthcare company MSD South Africa, has provided the City with training material and expertise to enable it to achieve its goal.
“MSD is committed to contributing to the health of all South Africans. Family planning is very important for the whole nation, and women now have a choice of contraceptive to suit their needs. MSD is honoured to be a part of this campaign,” MSD South Africa managing director, Kaja Natland said.
The city council’s deputy director for public health, Elionora Lebethe, said the contraceptive is available at all public clinics across Joburg. There are 80 clinics across the city.
“There are trained nurses at all our facilities and the training is ongoing,” Lebethe said.
She said her department had already received positive feedback about the contraceptive, adding that no complications had been reported by those implanted with the device.
