Vasectomy Training: Ministry of Health, UNFPA, Social Security, and WVD Changing the History of El Salvador
The Ministry of Health of El Salvador, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Social Security Institute, and the international organization World Vasectomy Day (WVD), will carry out a specialized training in the no-scalpel vasectomy technique from September 6 to 12.
The goal of this initiative is to strengthen national capacities in sexual and reproductive health by training six Ministry of Health physicians as vasectomists, as well as preparing a new local trainer. This will ensure the sustainability and expansion of the technique in the country.
Over five days, three internationally recognized trainers — Dr. Michel Labrecque, Dr. Eloisa González, and Dr. John Curington — will share their expertise with Salvadoran professionals for the second time, under the coordination of WVD’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Silvana Resendy. The training process will combine theory, clinical practice, and personalized mentorship in a teaching model that promotes quality of care, gender equity, and male responsibility in family planning.
As part of the training, medical supplies and educational materials will be delivered to ensure that the future vasectomists and trainers can replicate what they have learned in their communities.
This effort responds to the need to expand access to safe and high-quality family planning services, recognizing vasectomy as an effective, safe, and free medical procedure — and also as a transformative tool to advance responsible masculinities and the full exercise of reproductive rights.
With this training, El Salvador takes a key step toward strengthening its health system with a sustainable model that will expand the availability of male contraception services, benefiting thousands of families across the country.
Survey Reveals High Levels of Satisfaction with Information on Vasectomy and Male Reproductive Health
Recently, we conducted a survey through the WhatsApp platform WVD Connect, targeting both men who accessed free vasectomy services and those who only participated by receiving information about the procedure. The results were highly positive, reflecting a high level of satisfaction with both the service provided and the educational content, as well as strong community interest in continuing to receive information related to male reproductive health.
92% of respondents reported having a much better understanding of what a vasectomy is and how it works after their experience — whether by undergoing the procedure or by engaging with the information provided — rating the content as clear, useful, and engaging. Overall, the experience received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, underscoring the quality of each project implemented by WVD.
Among the most relevant findings:
- 85% expressed interest in continuing to receive information on vasectomy and male reproductive health.
- 90% said they would recommend the platform to a friend or acquaintance interested in the topic.
- The most frequent comments highlighted that the procedure was perceived as “simple, reliable, and safe” and that such campaigns provide men with greater freedom and responsibility in their sexual and family lives.
Some participants also offered suggestions to strengthen the initiative, such as:
- Expanding vasectomy campaigns to more regions.
- Maintaining a stable contact number to address questions.
- Incorporating health fairs and more spaces to socialize the topic.
- Addressing myths about vasectomy and providing information on reversals.
These results highlight the importance of continuing to develop communication strategies and free or affordable services that bring vasectomy and accurate information about it to more men and communities, especially those with limited access to medical services.
Taken together, the findings confirm a high demand for reliable information and safe male reproductive health procedures, reaffirming the commitment of the supporting institutions to broaden the reach of their programs, contribute to gender equity, and foster more informed family planning decisions.
Zambia
Liteta Champion Training
Date: 18th August 2025
Location: Liteta, Central Province.
On 18th August 2025, a training was conducted in Liteta with 11 Community Champions in attendance. The session focused on building their understanding of vasectomy as a family planning method, including its definition, benefits, procedure, and recovery process.
The training also introduced demand generation strategies and Social Behaviour Change and Communication (SBCC) techniques to strengthen community engagement and referrals. Additionally, the Tapeza Project was formally presented, highlighting its objectives and expected outcomes.
By the close of the session, champions expressed improved knowledge and confidence to discuss vasectomy. They are now better equipped with the strategies and communication skills needed to promote uptake and generate demand within their communities.
Uganda
Expanding Male Engagement in Family Planning
At WVD Uganda, we continue to champion male engagement in family planning through our flagship Wetuli campaign, creating awareness and demand for vasectomy as an Act of Love in family planning.
Recently, our field teams were on the ground in Masooli, Wampewo, and surrounding areas, engaging men in open conversations about family planning. The mobilization drive is part of our build-up to the free vasectomy service delivery at Kasangati Health Centre IV, scheduled for September 1st–5th, 2025. These efforts are designed to ensure men have safe, informed, and accessible choices because family planning is not only a woman’s responsibility.
Beyond awareness, we know that access matters. That’s why, in partnership with MSI Uganda, we are expanding access to vasectomy services for men who feel their families are complete. This partnership is a cornerstone of the Wetuli campaign, ensuring that services are not just available but also free and welcoming.
A recent milestone in this journey is the opening of a new MSI clinic in Masaka, giving men across the region greater access to family planning options. This development reinforces our shared vision: healthier families, empowered communities, and men embracing reproductive responsibility as a true act of love.
Together with our partners and communities, we continue to build momentum because every step forward means more families can plan, thrive, and look to the future with confidence.
Written By Akao Phiona Morrow.
