Kenya, contraceptive use remains a topic of concern as uptake rates continue to lag behind the national average. Despite numerous initiatives, only 30% of the population actively uses contraceptives, compared to the national average of 57%. This disparity was highlighted by Dr. Janerose Ambuchi, the Busia County Director of Medical Services, during a forum held on September 26, 2024, in Nambale Subcounty to commemorate World Contraceptive Day. The forum shed light on the importance of family planning, misconceptions about contraceptives, and the rising rate of teenage pregnancies in the county.
This article delves into the current state of contraceptive use in Busia County, examining the socio-cultural factors influencing its low uptake, the challenges that residents face, and the initiatives being spearheaded to promote family planning. It also addresses the rising incidence of teenage pregnancies and offers perspectives on how contraceptives can play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of families.
The Importance of Family Planning
Family planning is an essential component of public health and plays a critical role in empowering individuals and communities. Contraceptives allow individuals to control the timing and size of their families, reducing the risks associated with unplanned pregnancies and improving the quality of life for families by preventing the strain of managing larger households during tough economic times. The benefits of contraceptive use are far-reaching, including improving maternal and child health, reducing poverty, and promoting gender equality.
Dr. Ambuchi, in her speech during the forum, emphasized that contraceptives are scientifically proven methods that help manage family size and improve the overall health and socio-economic status of families. She lamented that Busia County lags behind in contraceptive uptake, urging residents to embrace the available methods of family planning to better manage their households.
“We are currently at 30 per cent on contraceptive uptake which is low compared to 57 per cent nationally,” Dr. Ambuchi said. She further noted that contraceptive use is crucial in controlling the rapidly growing population and preventing unintended pregnancies, particularly in young women and teenagers.
Barriers to Contraceptive Use in Busia County
The low contraceptive uptake in Busia is influenced by a combination of factors, including myths and misconceptions, socio-cultural dynamics, and logistical challenges. Dr. Ambuchi pointed out that many residents harbor fears about the negative side effects of contraceptives, with some believing that they can lead to sterility. Others must seek consent from their spouses before making decisions about contraceptive use, a practice that underscores the gender power dynamics at play in family planning.
One of the primary misconceptions surrounding contraceptives is the belief that their use can result in permanent infertility or health complications. Such misconceptions are deeply ingrained in the community and are often passed down through generations, creating a culture of fear and resistance. Dr. Ambuchi acknowledged that these myths need to be dispelled through continuous education and awareness campaigns.
“Some are not able to visit the health facilities to get the contraceptives, while others believe contraceptives will make them sterile,” she explained, adding that fear and lack of accurate information contribute to the low uptake of family planning methods.
Another challenge residents face is the need for spousal consent before choosing a contraceptive method. This practice, though rooted in cultural norms, hinders many women from exercising their right to make independent decisions about their reproductive health. Men’s involvement in family planning discussions is critical, but this must be balanced with the autonomy of women to make decisions that affect their health and well-being.
Rising Teenage Pregnancies in Busia County
In addition to the low contraceptive uptake, Busia County is grappling with a troubling rise in teenage pregnancies. According to Dr. Ambuchi, the county has witnessed an increase in teenage pregnancy cases from 18% in 2022 to 19% in 2024. Some of the sub-counties with the highest rates include Bunyala, which leads at 28%, Butula at 23.65%, and Teso North at 23.2%. The alarming statistics are a reflection of deeper issues, such as poverty, lack of access to reproductive health education, and the prevailing myths about contraception.
Teenage pregnancies are often linked to poor parental guidance, poverty, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health information. Many young girls in Busia County lack the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual health, leading to unintended pregnancies that can have lifelong consequences. Additionally, traditional beliefs discourage discussions around contraception, further limiting the options available to adolescents.
Dr. Ambuchi attributes the high rate of teenage pregnancies to a combination of these factors, underscoring the need for increased sensitization and education, both in schools and within communities. Schools, in particular, are pivotal in equipping young people with knowledge about reproductive health and contraception, helping them make informed choices about their bodies.
Efforts to Promote Contraceptive Use
Despite the challenges, there are concerted efforts underway to promote contraceptive use and improve family planning services in Busia County. Dr. Ambuchi highlighted that community health promoters (CHPs) are being trained to provide contraceptive services and dispel myths about family planning methods. These CHPs visit households, engaging with families on a personal level and educating them about the benefits of contraception.
“We are carrying out a lot of sensitisation together with partners and community health promoters who visit households,” Dr. Ambuchi said, adding that CHPs have also been trained to dispense some of these services. This approach helps bridge the gap for those who are unable or unwilling to visit health facilities to access contraceptives.
One resident, Sheila Musimbi from Nambale Subcounty, shared her positive experience with contraceptive use during the forum. She explained how family planning has helped her manage her household and provide for her children’s basic needs without strain. Musimbi’s testimony underscores the practical benefits of contraceptives in improving the quality of life for families.
“Using contraceptives has helped me to manage my well-planned family as I am able to provide the basic needs of my children. I urge women in our county to visit health centres and learn the best method they can use for family planning,” Musimbi said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Josephat Onyango, who urged men to support their wives in family planning decisions and encouraged the government to increase sensitization in schools to curb teenage pregnancies.
“I want to plead with my fellow men that we allow our wives to use contraceptives as it will help us get the desired size of families which we can manage during these harsh economic times,” Onyango said. “The government should also increase sensitisation in schools on teenage pregnancy so that our children can have this information early.”
The Way Forward: Contraceptive Awareness and Education
For contraceptive uptake to improve in Busia County, there needs to be a sustained focus on awareness campaigns and education initiatives targeting both men and women. Health officials, alongside community leaders and educators, play a key role in disseminating accurate information about family planning methods and addressing the myths and misconceptions that have hindered uptake.
The role of men in family planning is also crucial, and efforts to involve them in the conversation should be scaled up. This will not only ensure that women are supported in their reproductive health choices but also foster a shared responsibility in managing family size and well-being.
Moreover, increasing access to contraceptives through community health promoters and mobile clinics can help address the logistical challenges that some residents face when seeking family planning services. By making these services more readily available, especially in rural areas, Busia County can make significant strides in reducing unintended pregnancies and promoting healthier families.
Conclusion
Busia County’s low contraceptive uptake and rising teenage pregnancy rates highlight the need for a more concerted effort to promote family planning. Through education, sensitization, and community involvement, the misconceptions surrounding contraceptives can be dispelled, paving the way for more residents to embrace these life-changing methods. With the active involvement of community health promoters, local leaders, and schools, Busia County can move towards achieving better reproductive health outcomes and a brighter future for its families.
