**12. Conclusion**

Over the past five decades, the use of FP methods has steadily increased in SSA with percentage of married women using modern contraceptives ranging between <20% and 69%. Unmet need for FP is unacceptably high. Despite near universal knowledge on contraceptives, practice remains low. Thus, there is a need for publicity campaigns through information, education and communication (IEC) to address social and cultural barriers to FP including misconceptions, misinformation and myths about modern FP methods.

Since decision-making power still resides with men, creating an environment in which both sexes can seek services and encouraging men to discuss FP with their wives will go a long way in promoting service utilization. Contraceptives for spacing are the predominant forms of FP preferred in SSA and show that even within this population demand for contraceptives exists. So, campaigns and provision of services that frame contraception as a method to space births and improve maternal and child health may be more culturally acceptable to promote use. Contraception should be vigorously promoted in SSA not only for its demographic dividends but also on socio-economic and health grounds and the attainment of SDGs.
