WVD in Africa
Voices on the Line: The First Step to a Confident Choice
“Thank you for calling Langiza Chikondi Clinic, my name is Micheline — how may I help you today?”
The response that follows is always different — sometimes curious, sometimes hesitant, and other times full of confidence. That moment is never just a routine greeting. It’s the beginning of what could be a deeply personal conversation, and often, the first step on someone’s journey towards informed reproductive choices and my role is to walk this moment with them.
No two calls are ever the same. Some callers are direct — they’ve done their research and are ready to book. Others are unsure or nervous, carefully feeling their way through the decision. Many just want to understand what a vasectomy really means. Then there are those who are genuinely surprised and relieved to discover that there is a safe, welcoming space specifically open for men to talk openly about family planning and their health.
Not everyone who calls is ready to have a vasectomy immediately — some reach out to gather information and prepare themselves for the future. Even if they don’t go through with the procedure right away, clearing up myths and answering their questions is a meaningful victory. These callers often become ambassadors for accurate information in their communities, sharing what they’ve learned and encouraging others to consider the option. It’s not uncommon now to get calls that start with, “I heard about you from a friend who gave me your number, so I thought I’d call.”
I remember one man who shared that his wife was struggling with the side effects of contraceptives. I acknowledged the thoughtfulness behind his call — by considering a vasectomy, he was making a courageous and caring decision focused on improving his partner’s quality of life. He paused thoughtfully and said, “I honestly thought I was just helping my wife stop using contraceptives, but now I realize it’s so much more. I’m enhancing her quality of life, and that means a better future for all of us.”
You could hear how deeply that realization touched him. He was genuinely moved and proud to be making a decision that would have such a positive impact on his family.
A week later, he walked through our doors and got his vasectomy. That call reminded me just how powerful honest and empathetic conversations can be.
For me, it’s never just a phone call. That conversation is often the starting point of a client’s journey. And being able to see someone walk through our doors — confident, informed, and reassured — knowing they felt welcomed and supported from the very first moment we spoke, is one of the most rewarding moments of my work.
Of course, the role isn’t always easy. There are misconceptions to clear up, awkward silences to gently fill, and sometimes even a few nervous laughs to work through. But that’s all part of the process. With every call, I learn something new — about people, about communication, and about how powerful listening can be.
Working the phone line isn’t just about answering questions. It’s about opening doors, creating trust, and helping each caller take that first step towards informed, responsible family planning. And for me, that’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.
Micheline Kaunda Chanda
WVD Zambia
“I Chose Vasectomy and I Don’t Regret It”: Okello’s Bold Step Toward Shared Responsibility
Faced with the rising cost of raising a large family and watching his wife endure the physical side effects of contraceptives, Okello began to reflect more deeply on what shared responsibility really means. “I’ve seen how tough some family planning methods can be on women,” he shared. “It made me question why contraception should always fall on one partner.”
So when he learned about the free vasectomy services offered by WVD Uganda through the Wetuli Campaign, Okello saw an opportunity to make a deliberate and thoughtful choice for his family’s future. He decided to take that step, not out of pressure, but from a place of care, commitment, and clarity.
At first, Okello made the decision privately, believing he needed to carry the weight alone. But after undergoing the procedure, he opened up to his wife about it. Her reaction surprised him. “She supported me fully,” he said. “That moment made me realize that responsibility isn’t just about taking action. It’s also about trust and communication.”
Empowered by that support, Okello joined the Responsible Men’s Club and became a peer champion for vasectomy awareness in his community. Today, he helps other men navigate the often difficult conversations around family planning and reproductive health.
His advocacy work hasn’t been easy. “I’ve been mocked, insulted, even threatened,” he admitted. “But I stayed committed. Eventually, some of the same men who criticized me came back with honest questions. A few even chose to get the procedure themselves.”
Okello’s journey reflects a deeper truth: when men are empowered with accurate information and real-life examples, attitudes can shift. Flyers and brochures start the conversation, but peer educators like Okello make it real. Continued support and training are key to building a culture where men actively share in reproductive decisions.
“Thanks to WVD Uganda and the Wetuli Campaign, men like me are stepping forward,” he says. “Vasectomy is not a weakness. It’s a responsible choice. I’m proud of what I chose for my wife, my children, and our future.”
Okello’s story is not just his own. It is a message to other men, to families, and to communities: family planning is not a women-only issue. True responsibility starts with shared decisions, honest conversations, and a commitment to caring for one another.
