Myths and Misconceptions hamper acceleration of fertility decline in Uganda.

In many sub-Saharan African countries, demand for children or desired family size is high while demand for and use of contraceptives is low thus fertility high. Through community dialogues and information from women of reproductive age, married men, opinion leaders and health worker as key informants to identify the reasons for low uptake of Family Planning services, it was found that lack of awareness, and myths and misconception are some of the key the factors that hinder uptake of Family planning. Some of the myths and misconceptions were; "FP leaves parents childless in case of a calamity because they can’t produce any more- Permanent methods (When children die)". "FP reduces sexual libido among women (Reason why men don’t permit their wives undertake FP)". "FP is a trick by white men (Europeans) to finish off the African race so that they can take over our land". "FP causes women to produce deformed children".
Our people have to be helped to understand the use of the available family planning methods by allaying their fears, many of which are unfounded. Awareness creation and community sensitization interventions should be priority in the family planning programs for an effective reduction of fertility