The rapid growth of the global population includes a significant increase in the number of people living with disabilities. Currently, over 600 million individuals worldwide live with some form of disability, with an estimated 80 million residing in Africa. Notably, statistics show that there are more women with disabilities than men.

Globally, there are significant inequalities in accessing sexual and reproductive health services among women. However, this disparity is particularly alarming for women with disabilities, especially those in Africa. These women face numerous challenges in accessing the healthcare they need, including modern contraceptives, which are crucial for improving sexual and reproductive health.

Modern contraceptives have been one of the most effective tools for enhancing women's reproductive health. Despite the widespread acceptance and availability of these contraceptives since their invention, their use among women with disabilities in Africa remains noticeably low. This is concerning given the proven effectiveness of modern contraceptives, which have the potential to benefit this vulnerable population significantly. This also becomes imperative, considering the fact that these individuals are not asexual.

A recent scoping review led by Obasanjo Bolarinwa on improving the sexual health of women with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa over the past 29 years, following the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, Egypt, in 1994. This conference established the concept of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The review highlighted that the use of modern contraceptives among women with disabilities in Africa has been minimal, with various barriers preventing access to desired contraceptive methods. These barriers include physical accessibility issues, societal stigma, lack of targeted healthcare services, and insufficient education about contraceptive options.

As we observe World Contraception Day in 2024, it is essential to reflect on the progress made in the field of contraception and consider the inclusivity and gender equality aspects of this progress. It is critical that healthcare systems in Africa actively support and encourage the availability, distribution, and use of modern contraceptives among women with disabilities. To achieve this, all barriers related to access and utilisation disparities must be addressed, ensuring that women with disabilities can choose and use the contraceptives that best meet their needs.

Furthermore, logistics around the distribution of home-based modern contraceptives should be prioritised by policymakers and stakeholders. This approach would address the accessibility challenges faced by women with disabilities, enabling them to access and utilise contraceptives more effectively. By doing so, we can accelerate progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly targets 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 5 (Gender Equality).

In conclusion, ensuring that women with disabilities in Africa have access to modern contraceptives is not just a matter of health but also of equity and human rights. Concerted efforts must be made to eliminate the barriers these women face, allowing them to fully benefit from advancements in reproductive healthcare.