A nongovernmental organization has launched a platform to address reproductive health issues amongst the youths in Kisumu County.
The initiative rolled out by Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW) Kenya targets to address the reproductive health challenges faced by the youth through equipping them with the relevant information on reproductive health.
Through a platform dubbed Life Yangu the youth shall also be linked to various health facilities to access medical care whenever in need.
DSW Kenya communication representative Nduta Waweru said through the platform, the youth will be directed to where to get various services within their locality.
“Currently we are working in two counties and Kisumu is one of them. The youth in Kisumu can access Life Yangu and get access to information where to get particular services,” said Waweru.
The program, she said targets youth between the ages of 18 to 24 years who are faced with a myriad of reproductive health challenges.
“We want the youths to take the initiative to seek health services without fear and also know the importance of taking care of their reproductive health and proper contraceptives use,” she said.
DSW, she added, has partnered with the county government of Kisumu on the venture which has provided facilities that are youths friendly and offer the services they want.
She called for improvement of services at the various health facilities across the county at the same time enhance the training of officers manning them to ensure quality medical care is attained in the area.
“Most of the medical personnel do not know how to engage with young people. Some have the skills to provide these services but cannot relate with the young people forcing them to shun the facilities,” she said.
The information available on the platform, she said, will go a long way to demystify some of the myths associated with contraceptives.
She challenged the media to report objectively on matters of reproductive health to create awareness and empower the youth to seek services at health facilities.
By Evangeline Mola
