Family Planning in Rwanda

Preliminary data from a new national survey in Rwanda show a dramatic rise in use of modern contraception among married women: from 10% in 2005 to 27% in 2008. This preliminary data, from a forthcoming MEASURE Demographic and Health Survey, were released by Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics on 30 May 2008. In addition to the gain in modern contraceptive use, the data show a decrease in Rwanda’s fertility rate to an average of 5.5 children per woman, down from 6.1. Mortality rates have declined 28% for infants and 32% for children-under-five since 2005.

IntraHealth has recently published a very readable report “Family Planning in Rwanda: How a Taboo Topic Became Priority Number One” written by Julie Solo and funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Family Planning in Rwanda documents how the government and development partners have overcome social and cultural barriers to family planning. The full report is posted in pdf on the IntraHealth website. A press release, as well as more information on the recently released preliminary Rwandan Demographic and Health Survey results are also online on the IntraHealth website.