Studies conducted in the Africa region demonstrate that the burden of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions is enormous. Hospital figures show that the maternal mortality rate (MMR) due to abortion accounts for 20–30 percent of all maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
In Kenya, studies reveal that:
- 90 percent of unwanted pregnancies end in abortions - 25-50 percent of abortions occur among young teenage women - 13-51 percent of gynecological admissions are due to incomplete abortions - 60 percent of emergency gynecological admissions at the main National Hospital are due to abortion.
Emergency contraceptives (EC) are the only method couples can use to prevent pregnancy after they have had unprotected sexual intercourse or a contraceptive accident. EC is not much known or used in Africa. By making EC widely available, FP providers can help reduce unplanned pregnancies, many of which result in unsafe abortion and take a large toll on women's health.
The paper presents the work of Pathfinder International’s Africa Regional Office (PI/ARO) in enhancing the use of emergency contraception in Kenya to mitigate the problem of unwanted pregnancies and abortions. It shares lessons learned through the introduction of EC into national reproductive health programs in Kenya. It further highlights the need to identify a product for special use as ECP, roles played by stakeholders and partner organizations, and the need for and role of national task forces for EC services and promotion. It also shares practical examples that can provide learning experience for those working in similar projects in other developing countries, especially in Africa.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Outline the lessons learned from Pathfinder International’s experience introducing emergency contraception into Kenya’s national reproductive health program. 2. Construct a plan for integrating emergency contraception into the health system in a developing country
Keywords: Contraception,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.