A community-based organisation now wants the County Government of Kisumu to prioritise reproductive health services in its budget-making process.
The Community Empowerment and Media Initiative (CEMI-K) in Kisumu says vital services like Norplant and intrauterine devices should be provided for free.
CEMI-K project advocacy officer Alex Akatch said women in the informal settlements cannot afford the exorbitant costs of both Norplant and IUD, since they are very restrictive to the rural folk.
Addressing the media in Kisumu, Akatch said such devices should instead be given for free, like other reproductive devices such as condoms.
Akatch said the county government should consider factoring in the provision of reproductive health services in its budget-making process to enable more people to access them.
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“You see condom boxes when you walk around; the same should be applied to other vital reproductive health devices,” he said.
He said they are partnering with organisations such as the Urgent Action Fund (UAF) towards that end.
CEMI-K chairperson Selfina Atieno also called on county governments to factor in maternal health care.
Atieno said many women cannot afford postnatal and antenatal services since they are very expensive.
The County Assembly of Kisumu has already hinted that it will incorporate reproductive health services in its supplementary budget.
Health Committee Chairman Vincent Jagongo said reproductive health services are vital in its forecasts.
Jagongo said members of the public should raise all their concerns during various public participation sessions across the country.
By Fredrick Odiero
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