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'''OVERVIEW''' | '''OVERVIEW''' | ||
Botswana has seen tremendous economic growth since its independence in 1966, which has also manifested into improved health care and family planning services. While the level of health care access varies in the country, the government has taken significant measures to improve contraceptive availability and HIV | Botswana has seen tremendous economic growth since its independence in 1966, which has also manifested into improved health care and family planning services. While the level of health care access varies in the country, the government has taken significant measures to improve contraceptive availability and HIV treatment. You can find a variety of contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills, IUDs, contraceptive implants, contraceptive injectables and contraceptive rings, but a prescription is typically prescribed. As contraceptive availability has improved in the country, Botswana has also seen a decreasing fertility rate over time. If you want emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills), you'll typically need a prescription or you'll need to visit a family planning clinic. Regarding STIs, Botswana has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world. There are no travel restrictions related to HIV/AIDS, and there are many resources for accessing HIV tests, receiving HIV treatment, or obtaining counseling and community support. However, it should be stressed that HIV/AIDS is a major issue that Botswana has dealt with in the past and continues to deal with. Regarding menstrual products, you should be able to find pads/pantyliners, but costs may be high. Meanwhile, there are some Botswana-based sellers of menstrual cups, but you may find more options if you look online for international distributors. For new mothers, Botswana offers twelve weeks of maternity leave. Finally, abortion is permitted in Botswana only under certain circumstances, and it's not generally available upon request. If women can afford to do so, they often seek out abortions in [[South Africa]]. | ||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
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Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has experienced steady economic growth, largely due to its prosperous diamond industry. Consequently, the country has seen an expansion of its health care resources, including family planning methods. In 1984, family planning services began to be included in nearly all health facilities and, in 1989, the family planning logistics manual (contraceptive commodities and drugs) was developed. While only 16% of women in Botswana used any form of contraception in 1974, the rate increased to 40% by 1996 and 51% by 2007. Meanwhile, the use of traditional methods, such withdrawal or the rhythm method, decreased from 7.5% in 1984 to 2.6% in 2007. In 2015, it was found that 56.3% of women in Botswana (who were of reproductive age and married/in unions) used some form of contraception, and 16.8% of women had unmet family planning needs. The most common forms of contraception were found to be male condoms (35.8%), contraceptive injectables (7.3%), birth control pills (6.5%) and female sterilization (2.2%). Traditional methods, like the rhythm methods (1.1%) and withdrawal (0.4%), were not common. There were also low usage rates of IUDs (0.9%), vaginal barrier methods (0.6%) and implants (0.5%).<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in | Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has experienced steady economic growth, largely due to its prosperous diamond industry. Consequently, the country has seen an expansion of its health care resources, including family planning methods. In 1984, family planning services began to be included in nearly all health facilities and, in 1989, the family planning logistics manual (contraceptive commodities and drugs) was developed. While only 16% of women in Botswana used any form of contraception in 1974, the rate increased to 40% by 1996 and 51% by 2007. Meanwhile, the use of traditional methods, such withdrawal or the rhythm method, decreased from 7.5% in 1984 to 2.6% in 2007. In 2015, it was found that 56.3% of women in Botswana (who were of reproductive age and married/in unions) used some form of contraception, and 16.8% of women had unmet family planning needs. The most common forms of contraception were found to be male condoms (35.8%), contraceptive injectables (7.3%), birth control pills (6.5%) and female sterilization (2.2%). Traditional methods, like the rhythm methods (1.1%) and withdrawal (0.4%), were not common. There were also low usage rates of IUDs (0.9%), vaginal barrier methods (0.6%) and implants (0.5%).<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in | ||
Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> In 2016, two new contraceptive implants (Jadelle and Nexplanon) and the contraceptive ring (Nuvaring) were | Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> In 2016, two new contraceptive implants (Jadelle and Nexplanon) and the contraceptive ring (Nuvaring) were introduced into the Botswanan health market,<ref>[http://www.botswanayouth.com/ministry-of-health-introduces-2-new-contraceptives/ MINISTRY OF HEALTH INTRODUCES 2 NEW CONTRACEPTIVES]</ref> and health care providers were trained in their usage by the UNFPA. For this reason, there may be wider usage of contraceptive implants and rings than recorded in previous data. | ||
As contraceptive methods have improved in Botswana, the fertility rate has declined. In 2017, the fertility rate in Botswana was 2.56 children born per woman. This was noticeably lower than fertility rates in 2000 (3.8 children per woman)<ref>[https://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?c=bc&v=31 Fertility Rates, Botswana]</ref> and especially since 1981 (7.1 births per woman),<ref>[http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPRH/Resources/376374-1282255445143/Botswana52411web.pdf Reproductive Health at a Glance: Botswana]</ref> indicating that women are gradually having less children and being exposed to more effective contraceptive methods. The lowest fertility rates are found in women who live in city or town areas and have a secondary or university education. | As contraceptive methods have improved in Botswana, the fertility rate has declined. In 2017, the fertility rate in Botswana was 2.56 children born per woman. This was noticeably lower than fertility rates in 2000 (3.8 children per woman)<ref>[https://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?c=bc&v=31 Fertility Rates, Botswana]</ref> and especially since 1981 (7.1 births per woman),<ref>[http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPRH/Resources/376374-1282255445143/Botswana52411web.pdf Reproductive Health at a Glance: Botswana]</ref> indicating that women are gradually having less children and being exposed to more effective contraceptive methods. The lowest fertility rates are found in women who live in city or town areas and have a secondary or university education. | ||
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In Botswana, abortion is not available upon request. It only permitted in certain cases, which include: when the pregnancy endangers the physical or mental health of the woman, when there is severe risk of fetal impairment, or when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/2753/botswana Botswana - Women on Waves]</ref> <ref>[http://worldabortionlaws.com/map/ World Abortion Laws Map]</ref> If someone illegally receives an abortion, they may be subject to up to seven years in prison.<ref>[http://www.gov.bw/en/Citizens/Sub-Audiences/Women/Unsafe-Abortions/ Government of Botswana: Unsafe Abortions]</ref> | In Botswana, abortion is not available upon request. It only permitted in certain cases, which include: when the pregnancy endangers the physical or mental health of the woman, when there is severe risk of fetal impairment, or when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/2753/botswana Botswana - Women on Waves]</ref> <ref>[http://worldabortionlaws.com/map/ World Abortion Laws Map]</ref> If someone illegally receives an abortion, they may be subject to up to seven years in prison.<ref>[http://www.gov.bw/en/Citizens/Sub-Audiences/Women/Unsafe-Abortions/ Government of Botswana: Unsafe Abortions]</ref> | ||
Until 1991, Botswana did not permit abortion, and exceptions to the law were not granted. However, beginning the 1980s, the government began to see increased challenges to its strict abortion policies, as there was a bigger spotlight based on the high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Today, Botswana has rather liberal abortion laws compared to many other sub-Saharan African countries, but the laws still do not allow a huge percentage of women to receive safe and legal abortions.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm UN Report: Abortion Laws - Botswana]</ref> For this reason, it's reportedly fairly common for women to travel to South Africa in order to receive legal abortions upon request. If women cannot afford to travel to South Africa, they may resort to clandestine abortion providers in Botswana, some of whom may provide unsafe or unsanitary conditions. The government of Botswana is concerned about the safety of these clandestine providers. While there is a movement to further liberalize abortion laws in Botswana, there are also a strong Christian-based lobby that aims to prevent full legalization.<ref>[http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=47067 Abortion Clinics Target Botswana]</ref> | Until 1991, Botswana did not permit abortion, and exceptions to the law were not granted. However, beginning the 1980s, the government began to see increased challenges to its strict abortion policies, as there was a bigger spotlight based on the high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Today, Botswana has rather liberal abortion laws compared to many other sub-Saharan African countries, but the laws still do not allow a huge percentage of women to receive safe and legal abortions.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm UN Report: Abortion Laws - Botswana]</ref> For this reason, it's reportedly fairly common for women to travel to [[South Africa]] in order to receive legal abortions upon request. If women cannot afford to travel to [[South Africa]], they may resort to clandestine abortion providers in Botswana, some of whom may provide unsafe or unsanitary conditions. The government of Botswana is concerned about the safety of these clandestine providers. While there is a movement to further liberalize abortion laws in Botswana, there are also a strong Christian-based lobby that aims to prevent full legalization.<ref>[http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=47067 Abortion Clinics Target Botswana]</ref> | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* Ambulance: Call 997 (Toll Free) | |||
* Police: Call 999 (Toll Free) | |||
* Fire Brigade: Call 998 (Toll Free) | |||
* Medical Rescue: Call 911 (Toll Free) | |||
* [http://www.kagisanowomenshelter.org.bw/ Kagisano Society Women's Shelter (KSWS)]: "The Kagisano Society Women’s Shelter (KSWS) is a non-profit organisation which aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence in Botswana. It is the first and one of the only two shelters in Botswana that are a refuge for women survivors of Gender Based Violence and their children." Physical Address: Plot 6062/3 Extension 19 Broadhurst, Gaborone. Postal Address: Private Bag X046, Gaborone Botswana. Tel: +267 3907659. Mobile: +267 74 265 081. Fax number: +267 3908691. | * [http://www.kagisanowomenshelter.org.bw/ Kagisano Society Women's Shelter (KSWS)]: "The Kagisano Society Women’s Shelter (KSWS) is a non-profit organisation which aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence in Botswana. It is the first and one of the only two shelters in Botswana that are a refuge for women survivors of Gender Based Violence and their children." Physical Address: Plot 6062/3 Extension 19 Broadhurst, Gaborone. Postal Address: Private Bag X046, Gaborone Botswana. Tel: +267 3907659. Mobile: +267 74 265 081. Fax number: +267 3908691. | ||
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* Click [http://www.equaldex.com/region/botswana here] to learn about LGBT laws in Botswana. Note that homosexuality is illegal in Botswana, as of February 2018. | * Click [http://www.equaldex.com/region/botswana here] to learn about LGBT laws in Botswana. Note that homosexuality is illegal in Botswana, as of February 2018. | ||
* [http://www.moh.gov.bw/ Ministry Of Health & Wellness, Botswana]: Address: Nelson Mandela Dr, Gaborone, Botswana. Phone: +267 363 2500. | * [http://www.moh.gov.bw/ Ministry Of Health & Wellness, Botswana]: Address: Nelson Mandela Dr, Gaborone, Botswana. Phone: +267 363 2500. | ||
* [http://www.bofwa.org.bw/ Botswana Family Welfare Association (BOFWA)]: "Our focus areas are: Young People and Adolescents, Comprehensive Abortion Care, Advocacy, Contraception, Gender Equality, HIV and AIDS, Sexual Rights, Women's Health." Head office: 390 0489 / bofwa@bofwa.org.bw. Gaborone branch: 3165 129 | |||
* [http://www.genderlinks.org.za/ Gender Links - Botswana]: "Formed in March 2001, Gender Links (GL) is a Southern African NGO, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa that promotes gender equality and justice..." Email: botsmanager@genderlinks.org.za | * [http://www.genderlinks.org.za/ Gender Links - Botswana]: "Formed in March 2001, Gender Links (GL) is a Southern African NGO, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa that promotes gender equality and justice..." Email: botsmanager@genderlinks.org.za | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/mbgebw/ Men & Boys for Gender Equality]: "A Botswana based NGO that engages men and boys to reduce gender inequalities, GBV, prevent HIV and promote health & well being of Women, Men and Children." Email: desmondlunga@gmail.com | * [https://www.facebook.com/mbgebw/ Men & Boys for Gender Equality]: "A Botswana based NGO that engages men and boys to reduce gender inequalities, GBV, prevent HIV and promote health & well being of Women, Men and Children." Email: desmondlunga@gmail.com | ||