Maputo

Mozambique / Maputo

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 Mozambique, you can purchase condoms and birth control pills at pharmacies without a prescription. While you may technically need a prescription for birth control pills, this is not typically enforced, and birth control pills are available over-the-counter. However, for other forms of contraception, such as implants, injectables, and IUDs, you may need to directly visit a hospital or clinic to obtain them.

Costs

The cost of a Mirena IUD is 30 000 MZN (440$ USD equivalent) but the copper IUD is also available for about 10$ USD, as of 2017. Condoms (preservatives) are widely available in pharmacies and supermarket at a very low cost.

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 to prevent pregnancy. 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.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Mozambique, emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are available over-the-counter at pharmacies. You can also find them at public sector clinics and social marketing programs. No prescription is required.

Generally speaking, emergency contraceptive pills are accessible in pharmacies and clinics in Mozambique, particularly in larger cities. However, the knowledge of emergency contraceptives (i.e. what they are, how to use them, etc) may be low among the general populace. In 2011, it was estimated that about 10% of women (of reproductive age) in Mozambique had knowledge of emergency contraceptive options. Furthermore, a study conducted by DKT International in 2015 found that, while emergency contraceptive pills were available in many pharmacies (i.e. 31 out of the 34 of the pharmacies that they surveyed carried the pill), many pharmacists or pharmacy employees held little knowledge of emergency contraception (such as the correct way to use it).

What to Get & Where to Get It

• You can find emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) available at many venues, including pharmacies, clinics and hospitals, social marketing programs, sexual violence programs, family planning programs, and SRH youth-friendly services. They are sold over-the-counter (no prescription required). Some brands you may find are Escinor 1.5, Postinor-2, Pregnon, and SEKURE.
• Not: 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.

Costs

• You can get the emergency contraceptive pill (Postinor-2) in public health facilities, free of charge.
• If you purchase emergency contraceptive pills at a private clinic or pharmacy, you can expect to pay around $1.20 - $3, as of 2015.

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.

Gynecological Exams

What to Get & Where to Get It

You can see one of the best female gynaecologist in the country at clinic ICOR (Instituto Do Coracao). Tel. +258 214 1634 7 Address: 1111 Avenue Kenneth Kaunda in Summershield area. Ask for Dr. Elizabeth Mulhovo. She is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays and speaks English fluently. Although ICOR clinic reception staff speak english, you will struggle to make an appointment over the phone; it is best to go in person. This is one of the best private clinics in the country, specializing in cardiology, but you will be able to have any test, procedure, or surgery done there.

Costs

The cost of a gynaecological consultation at clinic ICOR is 1800 MZN (or 26$ USD equivalent). Credit card payment is available, as of 2017. The cost of a Mirena IUD is 30 000 MZN (440$ USD equivalent) but the copper IUD is also available for about 10$ USD, as of 2017.

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.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Abortions are legal in Mozambique since 2014. You can have an abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy or within 16 weeks in case of rape.