Magufuli says people using birth control are lazy and foreigners who promote it have sinister motives

The president of Tanzania has caused outrage by saying people who use birth control are lazy, according to reports.

During a public rally in Meatu, the Simiyu region, John Magufuli reportedly told people not to listen to advice in favour of birth control.

He reportedly said this advice is coming from foreigners and has 'sinister motives'.

The president claimed those opting to use birth control are lazy and do not want to work hard to feed a large family, The Citizen reports.

"Women can now give up contraceptive methods," Magufuli said, according to CNN.

"Those going for family planning are lazy...they are afraid they will not be able to feed their children.

"They do not want to work hard to feed a large family and that is why they opt for birth controls and end up with one or two children only."

He asked why people would opt for birth control, adding that he didn't see the need for it in Tanzania, reports say.

The comments included remarks about having travelled to Europe and seen the 'effects' of birth control.

Magufuli urged people in Tanzania to continue reproducing, adding that the government was increasing its investment in maternal health.

It's not the first time the president has expressed his opposition to birth control.

In 2016 he said women could 'throw away their contraceptives' amid the start of free education at primary and secondary level, the report said.