Implants do not protect women from HIV, health ministry clarifies

“We must keep reminding people that an implant does not prevent HIV or STIs. It only prevents pregnancy. We do not want to reduce pregnancies and at the same time increase HIV infections. That would be catastrophic,” Dr Mugahi said.

Health officials say strengthening parish- and village-level family planning services is critical as Uganda works toward achieving a 50% modern contraceptive uptake by 2030.