Nairobi – 26th September 2024
Nairobi City County, in partnership with USAID, Amref, and other key stakeholders, commemorated World Contraception Day.
This year’s event themed, “Contraception Choices: The Power is in My Hands,”
In line with Governor H.E. Johnson Sakaja’s manifesto on improving healthcare accessibility, Nairobi City County provided residents with free health screenings, HIV testing, and access to both long-term and short-term family planning methods. This initiative supporting the governor’s broader vision for better health services and aligns with the county’s efforts to ensure quality healthcare for all.
The World Contraception Day 2024 walk was flagged at Njiru Level 4 Hospital and concluded at Njiru Chief’s Camp. The event brought on board health professionals providing much-needed services to the community.
Speaking at the event Dr. Oda Conny who represented the Chief Officer of Health, said, “We have made significant strides in reproductive health, according to KDHS 2022, we have achieved a total fertility rate of 2.6 and a Contraceptive Prevalence Rate of 56, a modern contraceptive prevalence(mCPR) of 77, Teenage pregnancy rate-8% but our journey is far from over with unmet need of 13%. Today is a reminder that the power to choose is in the hands of every individual, and as a county, we are here to support that choice.” With the achievement aligning with the national government’s goal to increase modern contraceptive use to 66% by 2030, supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.7, which seeks to guarantee universal access to sexual and reproductive health services within the same timeframe.
She also spotlighted the role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who, through ongoing mentorship and training, have been critical in expanding contraceptive services at the grassroots level. With over 7,820 CHPs actively serving in Nairobi, there’s potential to bring contraception closer to those in need, ensuring no one is left behind.
Robina Anene, County Reproductive Health Coordinator said, “The county has introduced self-administered contraceptives, such as DMPA-SC, which allows individuals to manage their reproductive health more independently.” She emphasized the importance of access to contraception: “Contraception is more than just a health issue, it’s about giving women, men, and young people the power to shape their futures. Nairobi County is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can access these
In attendance were Florence Syokau, Assistant County Commissioner, Dr. Emmanuel Mulaa Sub-County Medical office of Health Kasarani, Molly Anyango Otieno, Sub- County reproductive health Coordinator, other County Health professionals, Partners and Nairobi residents. The event was not just a celebration but a firm commitment to the county’s ongoing efforts in reproductive health.
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