First of its kind FREE contraceptive vending machine in SA

In an effort to combat a surge in teenage pregnancies and unsafe sex, the National Health Department has launched a “Self-Care Wellness” contraceptive vending machine in the Eastern Cape.

The National Health Department says it will enhance access to reproductive health and HIV prevention services, and is aimed at girls and women of childbearing age.

“South Africa has witnessed an alarming surge in adolescent pregnancies in the past three years (2020-2023) with more than 11 500 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years having delivered babies in public health facilities,” a statement by the department read.

The machines offers a range of oral contraceptives (including Nordette, Triphasil, Microval, Ovral), as well as emergency contraceptives (otherwise known as “morning after pills”). HIV self-testing kits, lubricants, male and female condoms, pregnancy tests, and sanitary towels will also be made available in the machine.

All the products available in the machine are free of charge.

This machine “forms part of the ongoing efforts to improve uptake of various methods of contraception in response to the scourge of teenage pregnancy in the country,” says Foster Mohale, departmental spokesperson for the National Health Ministry. IMAGE: Supplied

Deputy Health Minister, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, unveiled one of the first machines at a filling station in Mthatha on Wednesday. Departmental spokesperson, Foster Mohale, says the service is ready and available for use.

“We would like to encourage young people to make use of these machines in order to access this important contraceptives, together with HIV prevention services.”

To address concerns relating to theft and vandalism of a machine, Mohale says it has placed it in easily accessible and high-traffic public spaces. He adds that the machines will be regularly maintained and refilled.

“We are working with the provincial Departments of Health, the districts and the health facilities, in order to ensure that these machines are always filled.”

While it is still in the roll-out stage, the department intends to implement this drive nationwide.

When that time comes, these contraceptive machines may be found at other accessible areas like institutions of higher learning and shopping centres.

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