Reduce Suffering in Kenya Via Health Care Services

*Not their real names

Akinyi* is 35 years old from Simbi Nyaima in Homabay County on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya. She has been married for over 10 years and has 9 children. After giving birth to her 5^th child, her husband slowly began to lack interest in providing for such a large family. He eventually left her - leaving her to deal with the children alone. Akinyi found it very difficult to survive alone with so many children, so she found a partner with whom she has 4 children. Her latest husband does what he can to support her and the children.

Akinyi explained that she had heard of family planning before but didn’t know where to get it from, and on visiting a private health clinic nearby, it was simply unaffordable. CHAT’s CORP partner, Emily, was going door to door for service provision with a government nurse and explained all the various types of contraception protection methods. Akinyi eventually chose the three-year implant. “I have this little amount I would like to give you for the good service you have provided me. You have enlightened me and brought these precious services right to my doorstep!” Akinyi said as she handed over a hundred-shilling note to the nurse.

“Thank you for that, but keep it to buy at least something for the children,” The nurse said. “CHAT offers these family planning services to the communities we serve, for free. The kind donations from our donors enable this.” CORP Emily explained. “All I will ask of you is to ensure you tell your friends about this.” She continued. Akinyi was overjoyed to hear this. She then decided to extend kindness to her sisters and friends who were also suffering without any form of support with their little children.

The following day, CORP Emily was surprised to receive a phone call from the facility in charge that five women were asking for her. She went to the health facility and found Akinyi with four other girls. She had also brought them to get implants, as they had heard what happened at her home. What a joy it was to see this. She ensured that she sensitised them, and they all chose FP contraception methods they were comfortable with.

“I am always happy when I educate my clients, and they choose a family planning method, but it's even greater joy when they go an extra mile to bring their friends in for the services. It shows that what I am doing is needed and the right solution to our problems.” CORP Emily shared. Akinyi left with her friend promising to continue sharing the news with more people.

Thanks to GG support, in the past three months, CHAT was able to reach: a total of 13,862 individuals with behaviour change information (bcc), with 4,004 family planning clients receiving different contraception methods, of which 3,008 chose the long-term methods 3 & 5 years’ protection against unwanted pregnancies.

“The evidence is pretty strong: if you have access to family planning and birth control, the abortion rate is going to go down.” Bob Casey, Jr.