West Pokot residents joined the world to commemorate World Contraception Day by raising awareness and promoting reproductive health rights for all.
The day’s theme, ‘The Power is in My Hands,’ underscored the importance of personal choice in family planning and reproductive health.
Speaking during the event held at Chepareria grounds in Kipkomo Sub-county, an official from the Ministry of Health, Solomon Tukei, said the day marks significant strides towards improving access to reproductive health services among the communities.
Mr. Tukei said the use of contraceptives allows time for spacing of children in families, thus playing a bigger role in providing them with time throughout their education journey.
“Through family planning, we can feed our children well, educate them without seeking help, and above all, reduce the cost of treatment in case of eventualities,” stressed Tukei.
He lauded Community Health Promoters (CHPs) for their efforts, encouraging them to continue with the responsibility of sensitising the public on the importance of family planning. Tukei called upon the Pokot community to pay attention to family planning, announcing that the services are available in every government hospital. “I want to request the residents of West Pokot County to visit every government hospital for family planning services,” advised Tukei.
He hailed the county government together with the partners in collaborating with the Ministry of Health in ensuring that the best services are being delivered to the people. Consolata Siree, in charge of Maternal and Child Health, said they have joined in celebrating the day that is commemorated every September 16th across the globe, where the world over is sensitised on the value of contraceptive use.
She called on menfolk to act as ambassadors in delivering the messages to their spouses and the community at large.
“I would like to ask men to act responsibly in ensuring that mothers’ health is prioritised in every family setup through ensuring that they receive family planning services. Most women avoid seeking such services because they lack moral support from their partners,” said Siree.
Winnie Cheptoo from Peace Network and Development noted that contraception uptake in the county is still the lowest, and thus the county needs to do more to make sure family planning is improved.
She mentioned that the use of contraceptives was not something new, but when taken seriously, it will lead to progressive steps in society as many people will have comfort in educating their children and providing them with other basic needs.
She urged residents to demystify myths surrounding family planning and instead seek factual information from hospitals and family health experts.
Partners present during the event where willing participants were issued with free contraceptives included Action Against Hunger, Equity Afya, Peace Network and Development, Bliss Medical Centre, and Rotary Doctors Sweden.
The government goal is to increase modern contraceptive use to 66 per cent by the year 2030 in line with the sustainable development goals, which ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services.
By Richard Muhambe
