by Ronald Njoroge
Key stakeholders in Kenya’s reproductive health sector convened at the National DESIP Dissemination Conference in Nairobi to celebrate the
transformative achievements of the Delivering Sustainable and Equitable Increases in Family Planning (DESIP) Programme. Funded by UK Aid through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Programme has been pivotal in reducing maternal, neonatal, and child mortality by increasing access to Family Planning (FP) services among Kenya’s most vulnerable populations. Access to Family Planning is critical to ensuring that women of reproductive age plan for and achieve pregnancies that are planning to ensure complete recuperation after pregnancy and optimal care for newborns to at least 2 years of age
The conference, themed “Reaching the Most Vulnerable to the Last Mile: Reflections on Innovative Family Planning Practices,” showcased DESIP Programme contributions to
advancing reproductive health equity and sustainability in Kenya. Implemented across 12 counties with low modern contraceptive prevalence rates (mCPR), DESIP Programme
interventions have empowered rural women, adolescents, and people with disabilities to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
PS Kenya’s CEO, Dr. Margaret Njenga stated, “The DESIP Programme has been a game-changer in Kenya’s reproductive health landscape, empowering thousands of women and
marginalized communities with access to quality family planning services. Through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, DESIP has strengthened health systems and made a
significant impact in reducing maternal mortality while advancing Kenya’s FP2030 commitments. As we celebrate the successful conclusion of this programme, PS Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining these gains and ensuring that every woman has the
right and opportunity to make informed reproductive health choices.
Anders Thomsen, the Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said that expanding access to family planning services will improve maternal and child health outcomes.
“We are working closely with governments by providing support to ensure every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe,” Thomsen said.
He said that Kenya has achieved progress in family planning by ensuring increased uptake of modern contraceptives which is also essential to realizing gender equality.
Sheikh Mohammed, the Director General of Kenya’s National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) said that the country is increasing access to family planning by strengthening the health workers’ capacity as well as ensuring a reliable supply of contraceptives.