According to a report by Monitor, a 19-year-old girl, referred to as Namuli, shared her experience of learning about this method while working at Misonzi Landing Site in Bufumira Sub-county. After dropping out of school, she engaged in commercial sexual activities for survival and was taught by older women to take two Panadol tablets with a cup of warm milk as a means to avoid pregnancy. “They said it was the best option if I couldn’t access a health facility,” Namuli explained.
A survey conducted by Power to Youth, a consortium of non-governmental organizations, revealed that this practice is prevalent among various age groups in Kalangala’s remote landing sites. The survey highlighted that younger girls typically take two tablets with milk, while older women reportedly consume higher doses. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive health education and accessible contraceptive services in the region.
Health professionals, including Dr. Michael Suuna from Kalangala Health Centre IV, have condemned this practice as a dangerous myth. He emphasized that Paracetamol is not a contraceptive and can cause severe health risks if taken in excessive amounts. The situation calls for immediate intervention from health authorities to educate young people about effective family planning methods and ensure access to reliable contraceptives.