Unfounded myths still pose a major challenge towards achieving family planning in Kenya especially remote areas.
This even as government has been challenged to put more effort towards addressing health challenges facing women and children at grassroot level.
Dr.Elisheba Karenga from Afya Ya Uzazi Program says women and children at grassroot level still face challenges in accessing health services hence the county governments should ensure such is addressed.
Speaking on Wednesday at Ikumbi Health Centre in Kuresoi North Sub county during the International Contraceptives celebrations,Dr.Karenga stated that as stakeholders in the health sector they are doing all they can to ensure that they be of great help to the women and children at grassroot level as far as health matters are concerned.
She added that one of the key issues they are tackling is addressing the myths and misconceptions about family planning so that the society can make informed decisions.
“One of the things we are doing is reaching to them in the society so that they can make informed decisions about family planning” she said.
While admitting that indeed the current economy is harsh, Dr.Karenga challenged society to start thinking about the various family planning options.She called on men to also start assisting their wives to go for family planning so that children sired can be able to enjoy their rights.
“We need to embrace family planning so that the children we get we can be able to cater for their rights. Men should also play a big role towards realizing this” she said.
In a speech from Nakuru County Health Department read by County Deputy Director Public Health and Sanitation Mr. Ego Agere, the county government of Nakuru stated that it is committed towards providing the highest quality of health care to all residents.
The county government calling on locals to make use of the health care services especially maternal and child health services.
“As a county government we are committed to providing the highest qualities of healthcare services to all residents.We urge the locals to fully make use of the health care services especially maternal and child health services available” read part of the speech.
Sentiments echoed by Dr.James Oyeko from Afya Ya Uzazi Program who says residents of Nakuru County and mores so youths should be able to access all quality health care services.
But in all these, we have a lot that has been forgotten by the government despite the major role they play at grassroot level and these are the Community Health Volunteers.
Ms Regina Muthoni is a CHV who has been working at Ikumbi Health centre and she says life is not easy and that the government should consider motivating them.
“We are appealing to the government that they be able to assist us even with a little appreciation token. We have children who need to go to school, be fed and other rights” she said.
Chairman of the Ikumbi Health Facility Mr. Zachary Malel calling on the county Government of Nakuru to ensure the facility is equipped fully with drugs.
He said the facility is paramount in the area as it serves a huge population and therefore the government should ensure it is equipped fully.
“We have doctors but some shortage of drugs is a challenge and we call on the county government of Nakuru to ensure that is addressed” he said.
PHOTO/inviTRA: Types of birth control methods
