The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association has introduced the contraceptive patch to the local market, expanding reproductive health options available to women and girls across the country.
The patch is a hormonal adhesive skin patch with a 99 percent effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy. GRPA Director Kobe Smith said the decision to introduce the product was driven directly by feedback from women who expressed discomfort with existing options such as implants and injections, or had concerns based on information shared within their communities.
“We never want a woman or a girl to say that there are no options available or that suits her body and her freedom,” Smith said.
The patch can be placed on various parts of the body including the arm, back, or abdomen, offering what health officials describe as a discreet and flexible alternative to more invasive methods. Existing options available locally include intrauterine devices, implants, daily pills, and injectables.
Smith noted that GRPA delivered more than 5,000 contraceptive services across Regions One to Ten in 2025 alone. He said the organisation worked with international partners to overcome financial and logistical barriers to bring the product to Guyana.
“We found ways around breaking down the barriers to find resources to bring it in and so it is here finally. 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. Smith acknowledged affordability concerns but argued the cost remains competitive compared to private-sector pricing or the cost of importing the product individually.
Traditional contraceptive methods remain available at healthcare providers nationwide.
SOURCE: Kaieteur News, “More choices for women as GRPA introduces Contraceptive Patch,” April 1, 2026
