An initiative has been launched to promote self-injectable contraception among women to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
The initiative dubbed Chaguo Mkononi will be spearheaded by Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) in partnership with the Ministry of Health- Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health (MOH-DRMH) and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
According to the Director General, Ministry of Health Dr Patrick Amoth, the campaign is a great initiative that will dismantle barriers and provide comprehensive access to family planning and contraception services for all women.
"In our journey towards Universal Health Coverage, our commitment remains that we shall leave no one behind; at the ministry, we see family planning not just as a cost factor but service delivery. Because of the multiplying effect of investment in family planning, this is a very important investment to spur economic growth,” Amoth said.
Contraception toll-free hotline
RHNK also expanded its toll-free hotline, Nena na Binti Call Center, which translates to "Talk to a Girl", which will serve as a dedicated resource hub, offering unrestricted access to sexual and reproductive health and rights information and support.
Through the call centre, individuals can access information on family planning, referrals for contraception services, as well as legal and psychosocial support.
"We want to address persistent challenges surrounding unmet demand for family planning and contraception services which significantly impact reproductive health outcomes, socio-economic development, and individual empowerment," Nelly Munyasia, the Executive Director at RHNK, said.
The campaign aims to empower women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Dr Edward Serem, who heads the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health at the Ministry of Health, said the campaign will also focus on the promotion of self-injectable contraception, particularly DMPA-SC (Subcutaneous Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate).
“By emphasizing self-care interventions and the importance of informed decision-making, the campaign aims to foster autonomy, agency, and empowerment among women and girls throughout Kenya,” Serem stated.
Through the campaign, stakeholders will conduct community-based education programs to increase awareness and understanding of family planning options and to disseminate accurate information and dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning.
The campaign also seeks to mobilize stakeholders to advocate for prioritization and support family planning and contraception initiatives at both national and local levels, including increased funding, improved infrastructure, and the integration of self-injectable family planning into existing healthcare systems.
