More choices for women as GRPA introduces Contraceptive Patch

A new contraceptive option has entered the Guyanese market as health providers move to expand reproductive choices for women and girls across the country.

The Contraceptive Patch, a 99 per cent effective hormonal adhesive skin patch, prevents pregnancy and was officially introduced locally through the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA).  Kobe Smith, the Director for GRPA said more than 5,000 contraceptive services were delivered across Regions One to Ten in 2025 alone.

Smith explained that the decision to introduce the patch was driven by direct feedback from women.

“We never want a woman or a girl to say that there are no options available or that suites her body and her freedom,” Smith said.

He said many women told us they were not comfortable with implants or injections, or they had concerns based on what they heard from others.

The introduction of the contraceptive patch marks a significant step in diversifying available methods. Unlike traditional options such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, daily pills, and injectables, the patch serves a more modern response for preventing pregnancies.

The patch, which functions similarly to a small adhesive bandage, can be placed on various parts of the body, including the arm, back, or abdomen. Health officials say it offers a discreet and flexible alternative, particularly for those seeking non-invasive solutions.

“What are the alternatives? The alternative is that there will be unplanned pregnancies that people don’t want,” he said.

Traditional contraceptives are available at healthcare providers nationwide but through collaboration with international partners, the organisation was able to overcome financial and logistical barriers to introduce the product locally.

“We found ways around breaking down the barriers to find resources to bring it in and so it is here finally. There were no major challenges that we saw…We have heard from the women that come to our clinic that they want to see something else and we did our own research and reached out to our international partners,” Smith said.

The contraceptive patch is currently priced at approximately $17,000 for a box of three. While some have raised concerns about affordability, Smith argued that the cost remains competitive compared to private-sector options or importing the product individually.