10,963
edits
Gynopedia needs your support! Please consider contributing content, translating a page, or making a donation today. With your support, we can sustain and expand the website. Gynopedia has no corporate sponsors or advertisers. Your support is crucial and deeply appreciated.
Accra: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
→What to Get & Where to Get It
| (28 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
|City=Accra | |City=Accra | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[File:Accra Traffic.jpg|400px | thumb|right|]] | |||
'''OVERVIEW''' | '''OVERVIEW''' | ||
In Ghana, contraception (birth control) is available without a prescription. However, modern contraceptive methods are not widely used, especially among poor women. Emergency contraception (the morning after pill) is available without a prescription and there are no age restrictions. There are no travel restrictions tied to HIV status, and more open-minded STD/STI testing facilities (that work with queer, sex worker and HIV-positive individuals) can be found. While abortion is not legal in all cases, it is legal under many circumstances and is certainly practiced in Ghana. For those interested in any women's health services, such as gynecological exams or referrals for abortion providers, Marie Stopes Ghana is a good places to consult first. | |||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
| Line 14: | Line 18: | ||
In Ghana, you can purchase contraception (birth control) without a prescription. While contraceptives are available, they are not widely used by Ghanaian woman. In 2008, a study found that 17% of married women and 28% of sexually active unmarried women were using modern contraceptives. Furthermore, 35% of married women and 20% of sexually active unmarried women had unmet family planning needs. In particular, poor Ghanaian women had the lowest levels of contraceptive use. One of the main reasons reasons that Ghanaian women (34%) didn't use contraceptives was fear of health risks or side effects. | In Ghana, you can purchase contraception (birth control) without a prescription. While contraceptives are available, they are not widely used by Ghanaian woman. In 2008, a study found that 17% of married women and 28% of sexually active unmarried women were using modern contraceptives. Furthermore, 35% of married women and 20% of sexually active unmarried women had unmet family planning needs. In particular, poor Ghanaian women had the lowest levels of contraceptive use. One of the main reasons reasons that Ghanaian women (34%) didn't use contraceptives was fear of health risks or side effects. | ||
This low level of contraceptive usage often results in unintended pregnancies. While many of the women did not a child at the time of the 2008 study, or they did not want children at all, they were not using contraceptive methods. As a result, 37% of pregnancies in Ghana are unintended, 23% are mistimed and 145 are unwanted. In 2008, family size in Ghana had decreased to 4 children (as opposed to 6.4 children in 1988). However, family planning needs and sexual education still have major inroads to make in Ghanaian society.<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/abortion-ghana Abortion in Ghana]</ref> | This low level of contraceptive usage often results in unintended pregnancies. While many of the women did not want a child at the time of the 2008 study, or they did not want children at all, they were not using contraceptive methods. As a result, 37% of pregnancies in Ghana are unintended, 23% are mistimed and 145 are unwanted. In 2008, family size in Ghana had decreased to 4 children (as opposed to 6.4 children in 1988). However, family planning needs and sexual education still have major inroads to make in Ghanaian society.<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/abortion-ghana Abortion in Ghana]</ref> | ||
There are currently initiatives in Ghana that aim to train health care providers, such as nurses and midwives, about contraceptive methods. For example, DKT International has worked to train health care providers about IUDS, contraceptive implants and other modes of family planning.<ref>[https://www.dktinternational.org/country-programs/ghana/ DKT International - Ghana]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* In Ghana, you can purchase birth control pills without a prescription at pharmacies. Some brands you can expect to see are Ovrette, Lo-Femenal | * In Ghana, you can find '''condoms''' sold in pharmacies, health care centers and online stores. For example, you can buy Durex, Fiesta, Pasante and Rough Rider condoms from [http://ikannonline.com/sexual-health/condoms-contraceptives/condoms.html Ikann], which is branded as "Ghana's first online pharmacy." | ||
* [http://lydiacaresgh.com/ Lydia] | * You can purchase '''birth control pills''' without a prescription at pharmacies. Some brands you can expect to see are Diane 35, Ovrette, Lydia, Lo-Femenal, Microgynon-30 and Yasmin. To see prices for these pills, visit the "Costs" section below. | ||
* [https://mariestopes.org/where-in-the-world#ghana Marie Stopes International - Ghana]: "Marie Stopes International Ghana (MSI Ghana) has become a leader in the provision of quality family planning services, a voice for collaboration between the private sector, NGOs and Ghana Health Services on critical issues of women’s health, and an innovator of strategies to reach under-served women and families... Through the USAID-funded Strengthening International Family Planning Organizations (SIFPO) project, MSI Ghana will increase access to and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health services among the female porters (Kayayei) in Accra and develop referrals for gender-based violence services." Contact: Marie Stopes International Ghana, C900/4 Mensah Sarbah Road, Kokomelemle, Accra North, Ghana. Telephone: +223 (0) 544 340 153 / +233 (0) 302 241 517. Email: info@mariestopes.org.gh. | * You can find intrauterine devices (IUDs) in Ghana. For example, you can get the hormonal IUD at Marie Stopes Ghana. For more information, call toll-free for a confidential talk (0800 20 85 85) OR WhatsApp (0556489090). | ||
* You can find '''contraceptive shots/injectables''' in Ghana. For example, you can get contraceptive shots/injectables at Marie Stopes Ghana. For more information, call toll-free for a confidential talk (0800 20 85 85) OR WhatsApp (0556489090). | |||
* * You can find '''contraceptive implants''' in Ghana. For example, you can get contraceptive implants at Marie Stopes Ghana. For more information, call toll-free for a confidential talk (0800 20 85 85) OR WhatsApp (0556489090). | |||
====Contraception Resources==== | |||
* [http://lydiacaresgh.com/ Lydia] provides contraceptive options for women in Ghana, including oral contraceptives and Lydia 'Safeload' IUD. "Lydia Contraceptive is a trademark of DKT International, an NGO and one of the largest private providers of family planning and reproductive health products and services in the developing world. DKT International Inc. Ghana was established in 2011 with its head office in Accra. DKT Ghana has a core mission to provide SRH products and services to the people of Ghana." Check out the website for details. | |||
* [https://mariestopes.org/where-in-the-world#ghana Marie Stopes International - Ghana]: "Marie Stopes International Ghana (MSI Ghana) has become a leader in the provision of quality family planning services, a voice for collaboration between the private sector, NGOs and Ghana Health Services on critical issues of women’s health, and an innovator of strategies to reach under-served women and families... Through the USAID-funded Strengthening International Family Planning Organizations (SIFPO) project, MSI Ghana will increase access to and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health services among the female porters (Kayayei) in Accra and develop referrals for gender-based violence services." To find all MSI Ghana locations, click [https://screenmedia.mariestopes.org/find-us/?SelectedCategoryServiceId=&SelectedLocation= here]. Contact: Marie Stopes International Ghana, C900/4 Mensah Sarbah Road, Kokomelemle, Accra North, Ghana. Telephone: +223 (0) 544 340 153 / +233 (0) 302 241 517. Email: info@mariestopes.org.gh. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* Here are costs you can expect for '''birth control pills''' in Ghana, compiled from two different pharmacies in Accra (February 2018): Yasmin - between GHC 83.50 to 86.50; Diane 35 - between GHC 53.9 to 56; Microgynon pack (1x21 - 16, Microgynon (3x21) - GHC 48.6; Dianette - GHC 35; Microgynon Fe - GHC 5; Lydia - GHC 3. | |||
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ||
| Line 34: | Line 49: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* In Ghana, you can purchase emergency (morning after pill) without a prescription at pharmacies. Some brands you can expect to find are NorLevo 1.5mg (take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex) and Pregnon (take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex). | * In Ghana, you can purchase emergency (morning after pill) without a prescription at pharmacies. Some brands you can expect to find are NorLevo 1.5mg (take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex) and Pregnon (take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | ||
* If you can't access dedicated emergency contraception, you can use birth control pills as replacement EC instead. To do this with progestin-only pills, you can take Ovrette (take 40 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex). To do this with progestin-estrogen combined pills, you can take Lo-Femenal or Microgynon-30 (take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later). For combined pills with in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used. | * If you can't access dedicated emergency contraception, you can use birth control pills as replacement EC instead. To do this with progestin-only pills, you can take Ovrette (take 40 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex). To do this with progestin-estrogen combined pills, you can take Lo-Femenal or Microgynon-30 (take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later). For combined pills with in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | ||
* [http://lydiacaresgh.com/ Lydia] provides emergency contraception (called "Lydia PostPil") to women in Ghana. Check out the website for details. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 80: | Line 95: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* Ghana has an HPV vaccination pilot program, as of | * Ghana has an '''HPV vaccination''' pilot program, as of July 2017, but no official nationwide program has been introduced yet.<ref>[http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/GHA.pdf Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases Report - GHANA, July 2017]</ref> | ||
Human Papillomavirus and Related | * '''Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)''' is available in Ghana, and the country is particularly interested in ensuring access to PEP for health care workers and rape survivors.<ref>[http://www.ghanaids.gov.gh/gac1/pubs/Guidelines_for_Antiretroviral_Therapy_in_Ghana_2010_NACP.pdf GUIDELINES FOR ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN GHANA - National HIV/AIDS/ STI Control Programme]</ref> | ||
* There are no known PrEP programs in Ghana.<ref>[http://www.prepwatch.org/ PrEPWatch World Map]</ref> | * There are no known '''Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)''' programs in Ghana, as of February 2018.<ref>[http://www.prepwatch.org/ PrEPWatch World Map]</ref> | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 94: | Line 109: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* '''Pads and pantyliners''' are widely available in Ghana. | |||
* '''Tampons''' are available in supermarkets or pharmacies, particularly in city. | |||
* Regarding '''menstrual cups''', there are some local sellers, such as [https://www.facebook.com/GhanaPrincessD/ Princess D Menstrual Cup - Ghana]. You may also be able to buy the [http://wopeden.com/luv-ur-body-menstrual-cup-2253.html Luv Ur Body Menstrual Cup] online through the Wopeden website, a Ghanaian e-commerce company. Also, Alliance for African Women Initiative (AFAWI) has partnered with Ruby Cup to bring over 200 menstrual cups to adolescent girls in the Greater Accra region. However, there are no known sellers of DivaCup, MoonCup, LadyCup or Lunette in Ghana, so those brands should be purchased online. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 104: | Line 121: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* [https://kbth.gov.gh/ Korle Bu Teaching Hospital]: This government hospital, founded in 1923, is considered to be one of the best (if not the best) hospital in Ghana. It has 2,000 beds, 17 clinical, and diagnostic Departments/Units. They perform general gynecological exams, surgeries, and procedures. Hotlines: +233 - (302) 739510 (Main)/ +233 - (506) 210458 / +233 - (243) 407809 | Email us: info@kbth.gov.gh | |||
* [http://www.airportwomenshospital.com.gh/ Airport Women's Hospital]: "Our gynecological focus as a Hospital is to provide comprehensive services and the most advanced care relating to the reproductive health of women of all ages." Phone: +233 30 273 6107 | |||
* [http://www.temawomenshospital.com/ Tema Women's Hospital]: This hospital is in Tema, which is 25 km from Accra. "The Tema Women’s Hospital was established in April 1996 under the visionary leadership of Dr Paul Owusu Baah, with the aim of providing health care with dignity. The hospital provides services in obstetrics and gynaecology as well as general clinic for both in patient and out patient in a relaxed, caring and supportive environment." | * [http://www.temawomenshospital.com/ Tema Women's Hospital]: This hospital is in Tema, which is 25 km from Accra. "The Tema Women’s Hospital was established in April 1996 under the visionary leadership of Dr Paul Owusu Baah, with the aim of providing health care with dignity. The hospital provides services in obstetrics and gynaecology as well as general clinic for both in patient and out patient in a relaxed, caring and supportive environment." | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 115: | Line 133: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* [https://kbth.gov.gh/ Korle Bu Teaching Hospital]: This government hospital, founded in 1923, is considered to be one of the best (if not the best) hospital in Ghana. It has 2,000 beds, 17 clinical, and diagnostic Departments/Units. Hotlines: +233 - (302) 739510 (Main)/ +233 - (506) 210458 / +233 - (243) 407809 | Email us: info@kbth.gov.gh | |||
* [http://www.dmacfoundation.org/ Divine Mother and Child Foundation]: This NGO is in Ghana (but not in Accra). "Divine Mother and Child Foundation(DMAC FOUNDATION) is a not for profit Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to identify, address and prevent complications that arise during pregnancy, labor and postpartum periods and ultimately decrease maternal and infant mortality rates in Ghana." Tel: 0342197398. Mob:0249396497. info@dmacfoundation.org. inquiry@dmacfoundation.org. | * [http://www.dmacfoundation.org/ Divine Mother and Child Foundation]: This NGO is in Ghana (but not in Accra). "Divine Mother and Child Foundation(DMAC FOUNDATION) is a not for profit Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to identify, address and prevent complications that arise during pregnancy, labor and postpartum periods and ultimately decrease maternal and infant mortality rates in Ghana." Tel: 0342197398. Mob:0249396497. info@dmacfoundation.org. inquiry@dmacfoundation.org. | ||
* [http://www.listerhospital.com.gh/thehospital.html Lister Hospital and Fertility Centre]: "Lister Hospital and Fertility Centre is the most technologically advanced private hospital in West Africa. It offers modern and advanced medical facilities for both in and outpatients, comfortable accommodation and a highly trained staff who provide extensive general and specialist healthcare and diagnostic services." | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 130: | Line 150: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* Marie Stopes International Ghana: They should be able to help you or direct you to appropriate services. Address: No. 36 Akwei St, Tesano-Accra, Accra, Ghana. Call +233302 20 85 85, 0800-2 85 85. | |||
* Some hospitals to check out: La General Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Reproductive Health Center, Dansoman Polyclinic (Family Planning Unit), Achimota Hospital (Family Planning Unit), Ridge Hospital (Family Planning Unit), Mamprobi Polyclinic (Family Planning Unit). | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 142: | Line 165: | ||
==List of Additional Resources== | ==List of Additional Resources== | ||
* [http://www.moh.gov.gh/ Ministry of Health] | |||
* [https://www.ippf.org/about-us/member-associations/ghana Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana]: "The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) was set up in 1967 to provide family planning services to the people of Ghana. Over the years, its work has expanded to cover a whole range of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Today, in addition to basic family planning support, PPAG provides maternal and child health care, infertility management, and voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS. It also provides other SRH services (for example, programmes for the management of erectile dysfunction)." | |||
* [https://www.mariestopes.org.gh/ Marie Stopes Ghana]: "Marie Stopes Ghana began providing contraception and safe abortion services in 2007. Since then they have become one of the country’s most trusted providers, helping more than 200,000 women each year." "Whatsapp us on 055 648 9090. Call us today for a confidential, toll-free chat. 0800 20 8585." | |||
* [http://www.equaldex.com/region/ghana Equaldex - Ghana]: This online resource provides information on LGBTQ status and rights in Ghana. It is important to note that homosexuality is illegal in Ghana, as of February 2018. | |||
* [http://awdf.org/ African Women's Development Fund]: "The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) is a grantmaking foundation that supports local, national and regional women’s organisations working towards the empowerment of African women and the promotion and realisation of their rights." Based in Accra, Ghana. Call +233 28 966 9666. Email: awdf@awdf.org | |||
* [http://oasisforsafetyfoundation.org/ Oasis for Safety]: "Oasis for Safety (OFS) is non-profit, non-governmental organization registered in Ghana. West Africa & the UK. Public benefit is central to the work of OFS. The desire is to do the best for all beneficiaries. The Foundation has a dual mission to improve the birthing experience for women in Ghana and to effect a reduction in maternal mortality; and also to address domestic violence issues in partnership with contributors and sponsors. A lot of the activities of OFS impacts on public health. We have no political objectives." | |||
* [https://www.womankind.org.uk/where-we-work/ghana Womankind - Ghana]: "Our partners - local or national women’s rights organisations - provide direct support for women and girls, from a safe place to escape violence or information about their rights to leadership training or funding to start their own business. They also work to change laws and policies which discriminate against women and girls, and challenge the damaging attitudes and stereotypes at the root of inequality." | |||
* [http://gendercentreghana.org/ The Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre (Gender Centre)]: "The Gender Centre is committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of women. It works with both women’s groups and other organisations providing support and training in areas such as implementing women's rights, project planning and campaigning." | |||
* [https://www.facebook.com/WomeninLawandDevelopmentGhana Women in Law and Development in Africa, Ghana (WiLDAF-Ghana)]: "WiLDAF-Ghana is one of the members of a strong pan-African organisation, bringing together different organisations to promote a culture of respect for women’s rights in Africa. WiLDAF was established in 1991 with the aim of empowering women by promoting their rights and ensuring their active participation in their communities." | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 150: | Line 183: | ||
|titlemode=append | |titlemode=append | ||
|keywords=ghana, accra, contraception, birth control, emergency contraception, morning after pill, std test, sti test, hiv, treatment, medications, pharmacies, abortion, clinic, tampons, women's health | |keywords=ghana, accra, contraception, birth control, emergency contraception, morning after pill, std test, sti test, hiv, treatment, medications, pharmacies, abortion, clinic, tampons, women's health | ||
|description=Find sexual, reproductive and women's health care in | |description=Find sexual, reproductive and women's health care in Accra. | ||
}} | }} | ||