Baringo rolls out strategy to involve men in choosing contraceptives

Baringo county government has embarked on a strategy to involve men in contraception choices in a bid to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

This rallying call was made after the county failed to meet set targets on contraceptive uptake, especially among women of reproductive age brackets influenced negatively by their spouses due to the patriarchal nature of the local communities.

A report from the health department presented by the Nursing Officer in charge of Baringo County Referral Hospital, Lenna Kosgei indicates the county recorded a paltry 28.91 per cent against the projected target of 58,518 women in 2023.

The report given during World Contraception Day celebrations officiated by Chief Officer (CO) for Public Health Evans Ruto indicated low contraception uptake led to teenage pregnancies that stood at 16.8 per cent.

Ruto urged men in the county to come out strongly and champion modern contraceptives, which have been proven to work as they ensure women get pregnant at their healthiest period and when ready to have a child.

The CO called for support from partners and stakeholders, saying the county administration was working towards bridging the gap of unmet need of contraceptives within the area.

This is through raising champions who have made a commitment towards mobilisation of the community to embrace family planning services.

County Director of Medical Services Dr Kibet Kangor urged the public to rally behind this year’s theme of 'Contraception Choices: Power is in my Hands'.

He said all health facilities across the county will be offering free family planning services for the next month to achieve set targets.

Dr Kangor appealed to healthcare workers from the county to document the exercise to plan and forecast while reaching out to all who cannot access health facilities.