NAIROBI, June 19 (NNN-KBC) — The Ministry of Health has lauded the United Kingdom through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for their continued support to Kenya’s family planning programme.
Speaking at Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) during the handover of the commodities funded by FCDO and procured through UNFPA Medical Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Ouma Oluga acknowledged the vital role of development partners in strengthening reproductive health services.
“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.
He emphasized that the sustained support from development partners reflects a shared commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality family planning services an essential pillar of reproductive health.
The PS noted that Kenya has made substantial progress in expanding family planning services, and partner contributions have played a critical role in improving outreach and access.
“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.”
He further highlighted the role of family planning in promoting gender equality, allowing women to pursue education and employment opportunities.
The newly received commodities include: 16,272 sets of Levoplant, 69,800 doses of DMPA-SC, and 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. “It is estimated that this donation will help avert over 131,000 unintended pregnancies, reduce unsafe abortions, and ultimately save lives.”
Present during the event were Eduarda Lobo Mendonça Gray, Deputy Development Director and Head of Sustainable Development at the British High Commission, and Anders Thomsen, UNFPA Country Representative in Kenya.
The United Kingdom, through FCDO, remains a key donor in Kenya’s reproductive health agenda. Its collaboration with the Government of Kenya and UNFPA aims to expand access to modern contraceptives and ensure commodity security nationwide.
To sustain progress, the Ministry of Health through the National Treasury has implemented co-financing mechanisms with development partners to ensure continuity of services and scale up access to modern family planning methods. — NNN-KBC