Tanzania cracks the whip on family planning advertisements

Days after claiming that family planning was for those 'too lazy to take care of their children', Tanzania has now suspended broadcasting of family planning advertisements.

In a letter signed by the permanent secretary in the ministry covering health and gender issues asked the head of FHI 360, a US-based non-governmental organisation, to immediately stop airing advertisements under a project called Tulonge Afya (Let's speak health).

'The ministry intends to revise the contents of all your ongoing radio and TV spots for family planning, thus I request you to stop with immediate effect airing and publishing any family planning contents in any media channels until further notice,' the letter, dated September 19, said.

Tulonge Afya (Let's speak health). (Malunde)

A source at the health ministry who did not wish to be named confirmed the letter's authenticity.

On September 9, Tanzania President John Magufuli expressed his doubts about family planning and condemned the use of contraception and urged Tanzanians to continue reproducing.

Tanzania President John Magufuli (eNCA)

Speaking during a public rally on Sunday, Magufuli said only lazy people use birth control.

"You have cattle. You are big farmers. You can feed your children. Why then resort to birth control? This is my opinion, I see no reason to control births in Tanzania.

"Those going for family planning are lazy because they are afraid they will not be able to feed their children," Magufuli is quoted by The Citizen newspaper as saying.

'If you cannot work then opt for family planning but if you can work hard why family planning?' he posed.

Officials from FHI 360 and USAid Tanzania office are yet to respond to the letter.

Tanzania school girls. (International Business Times)

In 2017, Mr. Magufuli also waded into controversy after banning pregnant school girls from school.

He argued that allowing young mothers to continue with their education would be a mistake since they would be distracted if they were allowed back in school.

'Ukishapata mimba ni Kwaheri Translated: (After getting pregnant, you are done.) He said.

Teenage pregnancy in Tanzania continues to pose serious social and economic challenges and has been on the rise.

According to government data, the number of pregnancies in girls aged between 15 - 19 continues to rise - increasing from 23% in 2010 to 27% in 2015. This is higher than it was 20 years ago.