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China tops Asia in contraceptive pill use, ranking in the global top 10, while India ranks much lower with 50% usage, reveals the latest UNFPA report.
According to the WHO and UNFPA, the contraceptive needs of approximately 257 million women in developing countries remain unmet. (News18)
Contraceptive use plays a crucial role in public health, family planning, and women’s empowerment across the globe. A recent report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has shed light on global patterns of contraceptive use, particularly contraceptive pills such as Mala D.
According to the findings, China has now entered the top ranks globally, becoming the only Asian country among the leaders. Meanwhile, India lags behind, raising concerns about access, awareness, and healthcare infrastructure. The findings offer important insights for developing nations striving to improve women’s health and population control efforts.
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Western Nations Lead In Contraceptive Use
Countries such as Finland, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom continue to lead the way, with over 70% of women using some form of contraception. These high rates are attributed to strong family planning initiatives and public health systems that prioritise women’s reproductive health.
China Joins The Top 10 Globally
China has become the only Asian nation in the top 10 for contraceptive use, a development linked to its long-standing emphasis on family planning policies, particularly the one-child policy and its aftermath.
The country’s contraceptive usage rate now stands at nearly 70%, positioning it as a model for other nations in the region.
India’s Position And The Need For Improvement
India, in contrast, is ranked 57th globally, with around 50% of women aged 15 – 49 (the reproductive age group) using contraceptives. This data highlights the need for significant progress to meet national targets and address healthcare disparities.
Key Findings From The UNFPA Report
- Over 70% of women in Finland, Switzerland, Canada, and the UK use contraception.
- China’s usage rate is close to 70%, making it a leading example in Asia.
- India’s contraceptive use is at 50%, placing it in the middle range globally.
Contraception And Women’s Empowerment
The UNFPA stresses that increased access to contraception is vital for:
- Women’s empowerment
- Population control
- Improved health outcomes
Despite global improvements, significant gaps remain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNFPA, the contraceptive needs of approximately 257 million women in developing countries remain unmet.
India’s Family Planning Landscape
According to India’s PDHS 2017-18, the country has a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 3.2 and a contraceptive prevalence rate of 34%. The government aims to raise this to 60% by 2025.
Globally, as of 2021, around 874 million of the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age were using modern contraceptives, indicating gradual progress.
Challenges And The Road Ahead For India
India still faces multiple hurdles, particularly in rural areas, where lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare, and social stigma hinder contraceptive use. However, government-led initiatives and awareness campaigns are slowly driving positive change.
The UNFPA report concludes that for India to strengthen its global position, it must:
- Improve access to contraceptives
- Increase education and awareness among women
- Strengthen healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas
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Author: News18
