Source: The Star
THE government has pledged to increase modern contraceptive use by 10 per cent in 2015.
This will push uptake from the current 46 per cent to 56 per cent, a measure that will address Kenya's high family planning unmet needs.
Once implemented, the initiative is expected to lower infant and maternal mortality rates that contribute to at least 21 deaths daily from pregnancy related complications.
"All people regardless of income should be able to choose the number and spacing of their children through access to high quality family planning," the Health PS Fred Segor said.
He was speaking yesterday at Serena Hotel where he officiated an event to mark Kenya's leadership and commitment to FP2020 goals.
Dubbed, "From Pledges to Progress: Expanding Family Access and Options in Kenya", the initiative is a follow-up to last year's London summit that advocated for concerted efforts to increase family planning services.
Yesterday's event was held ahead of an international conference on family planning that will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between November 12 to 15.
Kenya is among 20 other countries that have pledged to increase options of contraception aimed at improving women's and girls' reproductive health.
Segor said Sh765 million has been set aside for family planning services.
"We committed to securing additional financing for family planning to address critical barriers," he said.
Segor said the programme will address needs of the poorest and hardest-to-reach segments of the population.
The multi-billion global FP campaign hopes to reach 120 million women through information and service delivery in the next seven years.
It is funded by among others the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Clinton Health Access Initiative, with the collaboration of pharmaceutical companies that have halved the cost of contraceptives to enhance accessibility and affordability.