Banjul

Gambia / Banjul

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In 2015, it was estimated that about 11% of women in Gambia (who were married/in unions and between the ages of 15-49) were using any form of contraception, including traditional methods. This was lower than the Western African regional average (about 17% of women). The most common form of contraception were injectables (about 5% of women) and pills (about 3% of women). Other modern methods, such as implants (less than 1% of women), IUDs (less than 1% of women), and female sterilization (less than 1% of women) were uncommon. Traditional methods were also practiced by some women, but they were also very uncommon.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click here and here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Note: The longest-lasting EC is currently ellaOne. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, and it's been over 3 days since you had unprotected sex, you can still take EC, which may work up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective and should be taken as soon as possible.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

Pregnancy

Laws & Social Stigmas

The maternal mortality rate (MMR) is 706 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to 2015 data. This MMR is ranked 9th in the world, and is roughly comparable to Burundi.

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.

List of Additional Resources

• Ministry of Health
• The Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA): "The Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA) is a voluntary NGO that was established in 1968 by a retired doctor named Dr. Samuel J. Palmer. It began by mainly to offer planned parenthood information and services to the general population especially women in their reproductive age. Today, it is focused on disseminating and promoting quality sexual and reproductive health information and rights for all men and women in The Gambia, particularly young people, and protecting people against AIDS/HIV via lobbying, advocacy, advice, behaviour change counselling, use of contraception and the provision of health care services for partners and individuals. The GFPA is run by volunteers who help formulate policy and make decisions for the Association which are then carried out through bodies at the district, divisional and national levels throughout the whole of the Gambia. The National Council, elected by the General Assembly every two years, performs the executive functions of the Association."