Windhoek

Namibia / Windhoek

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 Namibia, you need a prescription to purchase most contraceptive methods, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills), at pharmacies. However, you can access condoms (male and female) without a prescription.

In 2015, it was estimated that about 57% of Namibian women (who were married/in unions and of reproductive age) used some form of birth control, including traditional methods, which was a bit lower than the Southern African average (64% of women using contraceptives). Furthermore, it was found that about 17% of women had unmet family planning needs, which was higher than the Southern African average (13% had unmet needs). The most common forms of contraception for Namibian women was contraceptive injectables (28%). This was followed by male condoms (12%), birth control pills (7%), and female sterilization (6%). There were low rates of usage for IUDs (1%), contraceptive implants (less than 1%), and male sterilization (less than 1%). There were practically no users of vaginal barrier methods (0%). Traditional methods, such as the rhythm method or withdrawal, had low usage as well (less than 1%, respectively).

Costs

• At a pharmacy, you can expect to pay the following prices, as of August 2018: Oral contraceptives ranging from N$100.00 to N$250.00. Condoms range from N$20.00 to N$150.00.

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.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Namibia, you can only access emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) by prescription.

Generally speaking, emergency contraceptive pills are not commonly used in Namibia. While the data is old, in 2006-07, it was found that 1.6% of women had ever used ECPs and about 21% had knowledge of ECPs.

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.

Support

• The Namibia Networks of AIDS Service Organisations (NANASO): "The Namibia Networks of AIDS Service Organisations (NANASO) is a National network comprising of national networks of AIDS Service Organisations (ASOs). NANASO’s supports a 1000-strong affiliate network of AIDS Service Organisations and individuals. Services include Training, Advocacy, Libraries, Distribution hubs, Community fora and networks, building AIDS Competent communities and bridging the gap between local and national, communities." Address: 30, Liter Street, Windhoek Namibia. Phone: +264 61 261122. Email: nanaso@nanaso.com
• PEPFAR Namibia Information from the US Consulate: "The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Namibian government are in partnership to meet joint priorities, to build capacity and systems needed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the national HIV/AIDS program. We work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) and partners to plan, implement and monitor co-investments to achieve epidemic control and foster a sustainable response." Address: U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Sanlam building, 3rd Floor, Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia. Office: +264 61 295 8520. Fax: +264 61 400 663.
• Project Hope - Namibia: "Project HOPE began strengthening health care services and providing health education in Namibia in 2002 while implementing HIV/AIDS workplace education programs. HOPE's programs have since grown to include TB treatment and education, strengthening the coping capacities of households and communities caring for OVC, working to prevent HIV/AIDS among young women and village health banks."

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.

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.