Vihiga County in Kenya recently marked World Contraceptive Day at the Vihiga Rural Hospital, emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment in making informed reproductive health choices. The event, held under the theme "My Contraception, My Choice, My Future," brought together health officials, youth champions, and the media to advocate for access to accurate information on reproductive health. This initiative aims to enable residents, particularly young people, to make informed decisions that will have a long-term impact on future generations.
According to Caroline Muhani, a representative from Sabatia Sub County Hospital, access to accurate information is crucial in enabling residents to make informed decisions on their reproductive health. She urged the public to seek facts from health workers, youth champions, and the media, highlighting that contraception protects young people against unintended pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). This, in turn, allows them to complete their education before becoming parents, ultimately securing their future.
Health officials at the event emphasized that family planning remains a critical intervention in reducing maternal deaths and pregnancy-related complications. They called for concerted efforts to eliminate stigma and remove barriers that hinder access to family planning services. Evangeline Mwango, Vihiga County Health Promotion Coordinator, urged health facilities to integrate family planning education into routine services such as Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and immunization clinics.
To ensure the effective implementation of family planning services, Mwango emphasized the need for a consistent supply of contraceptive commodities to avoid stockouts. This will enable health facilities to provide uninterrupted services to residents. Additionally, Maternal Health Specialist Abigael Osendi called on health workers to proactively initiate non-judgmental discussions on family planning with clients, providing comprehensive counselling to help them manage potential side effects.
Osendi encouraged the uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), which are effective in preventing unintended pregnancies. Nancy Aloo, representing Jhpiego under The Challenge Initiative (TCI), reaffirmed partners' commitment to supporting the county in providing access to reproductive health services. She noted that enabling young people to access contraception secures their future by allowing them to complete school and plan their lives better.
Residents were urged to visit health facilities across the county to access free counselling, information, and a range of voluntary reproductive health services. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of reproductive health and encourage young people to make informed choices about their health. By doing so, the county hopes to reduce maternal deaths, pregnancy-related complications, and the spread of STIs.
The commemoration of World Contraceptive Day in Vihiga County serves as a reminder of the importance of reproductive health and the need for continued education and awareness on family planning. Health officials and partners are working together to ensure that residents, particularly young people, have access to accurate information and services that will enable them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Key points
- Empowering youth to make informed choices on reproductive health is crucial in securing their future and reducing maternal deaths and pregnancy-related complications.
- Access to accurate information and family planning services can protect young people against unintended pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
- Continued education and awareness on family planning are essential in eliminating stigma and removing barriers that hinder access to family planning services.
