By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya’s family planning agenda received a major boost following the handover of critical reproductive health commodities by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Speaking at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) during the official handover, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga commended the development partners for their unwavering commitment to advancing equitable access to quality family planning services across the country.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I extend our sincere gratitude to FCDO and UNFPA for their commitment to strengthening Kenya’s reproductive health services,” said Dr. Oluga.
The commodities received include:
- 16,272 sets of Levoplant,
- 69,800 doses of DMPA-SC
- 100,000 sets of Jadelle.
“These commodities will enhance contraceptive security across health facilities, reduce the risk of stockouts, and strengthen the reproductive health system,” said Dr. Oluga.
These contributions are expected to enhance contraceptive security in health facilities, minimize the risk of stockouts, and improve the delivery of essential reproductive health services.
“It is estimated that this donation will help avert over 131,000 unintended pregnancies, reduce unsafe abortions, and ultimately save lives,” Dr. Oluga added.
He emphasized that access to voluntary contraception is not only a public health intervention but also a strategic investment in national development.
“Family planning is more than a health intervention it is a human right and a strategic investment in our country’s social and economic development,” Dr. Oluga stated.
“Access to voluntary contraception empowers individuals to make informed decisions, reduces maternal and child mortality, and enhances economic stability by enabling families to plan their future,” added Dr. Oluga.
Dr. Oluga also underscored the role of reproductive health services in creating opportunities for women and girls to pursue education and employment, ultimately driving inclusive national development.
Present at the event were Ms. Eduarda Lobo Mendonça Gray, Deputy Development Director and Head of Sustainable Development at the British High Commission, and Mr. Anders Thomsen, UNFPA Country Representative in Kenya.
The UK government, through FCDO, remains one of Kenya’s most steadfast partners in the reproductive health space.
Its collaboration with UNFPA and the Government of Kenya has significantly improved access to modern contraceptives and reinforced commodity security nationwide.
To sustain these gains, Dr. Oluga noted that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Treasury, has adopted co-financing mechanisms with development partners.