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  • Title: Traditional structures clash with new imperatives.
    Author: Kayembe TB.
    Journal: Draper Fund Rep; 1983 Aug; (12):3-5. PubMed ID: 12338981.
    Abstract:
    Many factors need to be considered when planning and instituting a program designed to reduce or maintain birthrates. A question that arises in the case of a country such as Zaire is what would be the effects of a doubling of population size by the year 2000. The population of Zaire has more than doubled since independence in 1960, increasing from about 13 million to about 30 million, of which 44% are under the age of 15. If, as projected, total population gain doubles in the next 25 years, a minority of the population will have to produce the food and goods necessary to sustain the young, unproductive majority. Even at this time frequent food shortages and the lack of basic amenities such as sanitation and adequate housing are facts of daily life. Further population increases will only add to the burden. The government of Zaire, while it must respect traditional cultural values, has a responsibility to alleviate the problems and has taken several steps toward encouraging family planning and increasing the status of women in social and professional spheres. The National Family Planning Bureau provides birth control services and information free of charge to hospitals, clinics, and public health dispensaries throughout the country. Emphasis is on choice rather than limitation. The government has also created a Bureau of Women's Rights with the objective of promoting women's rights throughout Zaire. Additionally, the creation of coeducational schools has encouraged changes in attitudes toward family planning. Boys and girls can now compete on equal terms. There has been some involvement of women in government and business and an increase in job opportunities, particularly in areas once dominated by men. Yet, there is widespread resistance to family planning from many parts of the population. Program implementation has been difficult because of the family structure. Many couples have no freedom with regard to family planning. The clan, which has ultimate responsibility for the support of the children, actually makes the decision. This system of shared responsibility means that the doctor or health care specialist seeking to promote family planning must understand local custom. The traditional method of family planning is sexual abstinence from the time of the child's birth until the child begins to walk. This resulted in an average of 2 years between births and contributed to the practice of polygamy, but the availability of contraceptives has changed the situation markedly. It is often the husband, who wants to maintain control over his family, who is reluctant to accept government family planning policies. Another factor which has inhibited the acceptance of family planning is the mortality rate among young children.
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