By Peter Ochieng
Kenya has received 450,000 doses of Subcutaneous Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-SC), a self-injectable contraceptive, which is expected to boost the country’s accessibility to family planning services.
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) will now take charge of distributing the contraceptives to health facilities across the country.
While receiving the consignment at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) warehouse in Nairobi, acting Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth said:
“The integration of DMPA-SC self-injection into Kenya’s reproductive health landscape is part of broader reproductive health self-care initiatives aimed at improving service delivery. These will support the Government’s efforts to increase access to family planning in line with global trends toward self-care interventions.”
The contraceptives were procured by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) courtesy of over Sh57 million (£348,000) funding from the United Kingdom (UK) government.
Eduarda Mendonca-Gray, Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission, said:
“Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights is a key priority for the UK. The evidence confirms that access to and availability of family planning commodities reduces poverty, it enhances prosperity and provides dignity for women.”
He added, “Since 2010 we have been supporting family planning efforts in Kenya and we remain committed to working collaboratively. We will continue working with the Health Ministry to empower women to plan for their lives and future, and to decide when to have children by choice not by chance.”
“UNFPA Representative Anders Thomsen said: “Funding for the family planning program is a vital component of the support we receive from the UK government, as it ensures that women can access and choose from a range of quality family planning methods, no matter where they live in the country. This in many ways, helps us deliver on the commitment to end preventable maternal deaths.”
Reports indicate that DMPA-SC is a user-friendly injectable contraceptive, that can be administered by trained individuals, including community health workers and women themselves.
This, is expected to expand access to family planning beyond traditional healthcare settings. The move will boost the government´s efforts to make family planning more accessible to women in the country.
Over 400,000 women of reproductive age are expected to benefit, contributing to the prevention of 42,750 unintended pregnancies and 122 maternal deaths.
