By Atieno Olang
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) play a crucial role in promoting the well-being and productivity of populations. However, access to these rights and the outcomes they bring vary across different social demographics. Factors such as inequality in accessing services, education, and decent housing contribute to these disparities.
Disadvantaged groups residing in rural, slum, or peri-urban areas face the greatest challenges in accessing essential services, including healthcare, compared to their urban counterparts. High levels of concentrated poverty often lead to social exclusion and limited access to reproductive health care, leaving individuals at risk of inadequate or nonexistent services.
When comparing health centres or dispensaries in rural areas with those in towns, the former are often in a state of disrepair. Community members frequently express concerns about the lack of doctors, essential drugs, inaccessible maternity wings, and inadequate equipment. Reproductive health care, in particular, is consistently underfunded, despite the rising prevalence of Sexual Gender-Based Violence, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and poor maternal and child health outcomes in these areas. It is crucial to prioritize reproductive health care and allocate sufficient resources to address these pressing issues in rural spaces.
All stakeholders must adopt a multisectoral approach to advocate for comprehensive reproductive health care for all individuals, regardless of their social standing in the community. The Uhuru government’s launch of the Generation Equality Forum commitments by 2030 includes a commitment to eliminate gender-based violence, which led to the establishment of the policare system. Policare aims to strengthen the referral pathway for gender-based violence cases and provide support for survivors. However, it is essential to assess whether this initiative has been effectively implemented at the grassroots level and if the services are reaching those in need. With 40% of reported cases of Intimate Partner Violence in Kenya, according to the UN Women global database on violence against women, further evaluation and action are necessary.
Research has shown that a significant portion of young people aged 17 to 24 lack knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention. This can be attributed to the inadequate investment in creating safe spaces for comprehensive sexuality education in schools and other learning institutions. Consequently, young people may avoid seeking reproductive health commodities like condoms from health facilities due to barriers in accessibility and the stigma associated with being sexually active at a young age.
Organizations such as the Network for Adolescents and Youth of Africa (NAYA) Kenya have implemented reproductive health programs to provide information and prioritize the rights of young people. Initiatives like Safe and Inclusive Cities for SRHR aim to foster partnerships and collective action to ensure a healthy and productive nation.
By addressing these challenges through collaboration and investment in comprehensive reproductive health care, we can create a society that values and prioritizes the well-being and rights of all individuals.
