A fair to remember

A family planning fair brings pregnancy and HIV tests, cervical cancer screenings, family planning counselling, and free contraceptives to Ahua Village, in rural Côte d’Ivoire. © UNFPA Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire currently has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. "We have no maternity centre,” said Ahua’s chief, Nana Kouassi. © UNFPA Côte d'Ivoire

Women must travel to the maternal health centre in Dimbokro, the nearest town, for care. Family planning would go a long way towards improving the community’s maternal health. © UNFPA WCARO

Contraceptives reduce pregnancy-related injuries and deaths. They also empower families to plan the number and spacing of their children, enabling women to return to school or work. © UNFPA WCARO

Kouassi Ernest Krah (centre) and his colleagues spoke with men about how family planning can improve women’s health. They also encouraged condom use to prevent sexually transmitted infections. © UNFPA Côte d'Ivoire

Health workers also offered private consultations, explaining a range of family planning options, including pills, injectables, implants, intrauterine devices and condoms. © UNFPA Côte d'Ivoire

Adolescents should learn about these issues, said Deborah Bah, who became pregnant at 17. She wants young people to know about "abstinence and also that contraception is available." © UNFPA WCARO

Evelyn added that family planning will enable her to better support her one-year-old son. "I do not want to have more children right away,” she said. © UNFPA WCARO