In Migori County, Kenya, a concerning surge in teenage pregnancies has drawn the attention of health practitioners and NGOs, prompting intensified efforts to promote family planning (FP) as a solution. According to recent health data from 2023, teenage pregnancies now represent 19% of all pregnancies in the county, putting the well-being of young mothers and their infants at serious risk. While contraceptive usage among women of reproductive age has improved, reaching 69% in 2023 from 61% in 2021, challenges still remain, especially among teenagers.
Teen Pregnancy: A Growing Issue
The issue of teenage pregnancy in Migori is not new, but recent trends indicate that the situation is worsening. Adolescents face a higher risk of health complications, as their bodies are often not ready for the demands of pregnancy. According to Irene Oyuga, a health practitioner at Midoti Health Facility in Suna East, complications from teenage pregnancies frequently include uterine rupture and postpartum bleeding. Oyuga explains, “The womb of a teenage girl is not biologically ready to carry a child, and such pregnancies lead to high risks like uterine rupture and cervical tears that can result in fistula.”
These health risks underscore the importance of addressing the teenage pregnancy crisis with effective interventions, especially through the promotion of FP methods that can prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduce maternal mortality.
Community Stigma and Myths Around Family Planning
Despite the progress made in Migori to increase contraceptive uptake, family planning efforts face strong resistance, especially within more conservative communities. Misconceptions about FP methods remain deeply ingrained, with some community members associating them with health risks, infertility, or even promoting sexual immorality among teenagers. Critics argue that contraceptive use among adolescents encourages promiscuity, a notion that has fueled community stigma against FP services.
Oyuga, who has witnessed the consequences of these misconceptions firsthand, stresses that “Family planning is safe and scientifically proven not to cause harm or infertility.” She notes that her team has been proactive in educating the community to dispel these myths, particularly in rural areas where access to accurate health information may be limited. These efforts include educational campaigns aimed specifically at adolescents, who often face unique challenges in accessing FP services.
Partnerships Boost Family Planning Outreach
To tackle these challenges, partnerships between government initiatives and NGOs like Amref, Lwala Community Alliance, and the Beyond Zero Campaign have been instrumental in boosting contraceptive uptake. These organizations collaborate to provide training, outreach, and resources to health practitioners, enabling them to educate the community on the benefits of family planning. Thanks to these efforts, contraceptive usage among women of reproductive age in Migori has risen from 61% in 2021 to 69% in 2023, reflecting increased awareness and access.
Through programs like Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), managed by Johns Hopkins’ JHPIEGO, young people in Migori have gained greater access to information and resources on family planning and reproductive health. TCI has equipped health promoters with the necessary tools to raise awareness and provide accurate information, especially to adolescents, who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of early pregnancy.
The Role of Education in Combating Myths
Educational campaigns targeting teenagers play a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions around FP. Oyuga emphasizes the importance of focusing on school-going teens, particularly during the long school holidays when adolescents may be more susceptible to peer pressure and other influences that lead to early pregnancies. She calls for a collective responsibility to protect teenagers, stating, “Schools are closed for over two months, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect teenagers from early pregnancies.”
Programs that educate young people on the realities of FP are vital to breaking down the barriers created by stigma and myths. Training health practitioners to discuss FP methods with adolescents has been a key component of these outreach efforts, allowing youths to make informed choices that can positively impact their futures. Moreover, the educational initiatives are designed to address specific community concerns, thereby increasing acceptance and uptake of FP methods among young people.
Personal Experiences: Testimonies from the Community
For some, family planning has been transformative, allowing them to pursue their education and manage family size more effectively. Lydia Atieno, a 21-year-old mother from Suna East, shared how FP helped her avoid additional unplanned pregnancies, easing her family’s financial burden. Atieno’s story is emblematic of the positive impact that FP can have on young women, especially those who may have had to leave school due to early motherhood.
Maryanne Merix, also 21, credits her mother’s guidance on FP for helping her complete school without facing the challenge of an early pregnancy. For her, having access to accurate information and support from family was instrumental in achieving her educational goals.
However, the path has been more challenging for others like Irene Awino, a 23-year-old who became pregnant while in Form Two. Awino managed to resume her education and now mentors teenagers as a social worker. Her experiences with FP have allowed her to plan her family size carefully, and she hopes to inspire others to make similarly informed decisions.
CREAMO’s Advocacy for Partner Communication and Trust
Open communication between partners about FP is vital, as misunderstandings around contraceptive use can sometimes lead to mistrust in relationships. Dorothy Minyiri, Director of the Community Resource and Empowerment Organisation (CREAMO), highlights that hidden contraceptive use often creates conflicts between partners. Minyiri encourages couples to discuss FP openly, which she believes fosters a more supportive environment for family planning.
CREAMO has been actively supporting young mothers by educating them on FP and providing referrals to appropriate health facilities. The organization emphasizes that tailoring FP initiatives to meet the specific needs of different age groups (particularly those aged 14–24) is critical to ensuring effective contraceptive uptake among adolescents.
Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Groups
Teenagers are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to unintended pregnancies and the health risks associated with them. However, they are often overlooked in family planning discussions. Minyiri and other community leaders call on NGOs and development partners to customize their FP initiatives to address the unique challenges faced by adolescents. This includes creating youth-friendly spaces where teenagers can access contraceptives and reproductive health services without fear of stigma or judgment.
Oyuga’s team at Midoti Health Facility, for example, has integrated FP services that cater specifically to adolescents, contributing to the reduction of maternal deaths among teenage mothers. By preventing complications such as uterine rupture and postpartum bleeding, these services not only save lives but also improve the quality of life for young mothers.
The Path Forward: Overcoming Challenges Through Community Engagement
While Migori County has made strides in promoting FP, sustained efforts are needed to overcome the remaining challenges. Community engagement is essential, as overcoming stigma and misconceptions requires building trust with community members and leaders. Health practitioners like Oyuga and organizations like CREAMO and TCI continue to advocate for educational initiatives that address misconceptions about FP methods and demonstrate their safety and effectiveness.
As teenage pregnancy rates remain high, the urgency for expanded and sustained family planning efforts in Migori has never been greater. Health practitioners, community leaders, and NGOs are working collaboratively to ensure that young people have the information and resources they need to make informed choices, laying the groundwork for healthier futures. Through continued outreach, education, and community partnerships, Migori County can empower its youth to break free from the cycle of early pregnancies and unlock their full potential.
