World Contraception Day is observed annually on 26 September to raise awareness of the importance of access to safe and effective contraception. The Sustainable Development Goals also call on all countries to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including for family planning by 2030 (SDG target 3.7). Contraceptives include pills, implants, intrauterine devices, surgical procedures, condoms and other methods that help to prevent unintended pregnancy.

The Government of Sierra Leone has made significant commitments to strengthen family planning and access to contraceptives, in line with the FP2030 global partnership, including by expanding access to quality services, transforming harmful gender and social norms, and advancing sustainable financing.

In 2023, 640,000 women used a modern method of contraception, preventing an estimated 240,000 unintended pregnancies, 87,000 unsafe abortions and 770 maternal deaths. Explore more