BY PURITY NTHIANA
Healthcare is a very sensitive issue. We all know or have been through a rough patch regarding health matters, and that patch is pretty rough. There is a reason in Africa we say a witch bewitches with ill health because that can drain you and your family financially, physically, spiritually, and even
emotionally. But away from the sheers of darkness, some things are out of our control, and our body can fail us when we need it the most.
Reproductive health is not only crucial but it affects the outcome in life especially among women and girls. From receiving their first period, their health becomes a critical part of their lives. When period pain becomes so severe that they miss their classes or the menses are too heavy, we begin to see the uneven bar. In relation, pregnancy and childbirth threaten the lives of women and girls all over the world.
Childbirth is stepping into the unknown completely blind. Yes, many have come before you, but when it’s your time, the pressure becomes worse. Now, there is not much we can do to reduce the stress that comes with having a baby, but we can ease the minds of women by ensuring they get access to the care they need. The deaths of most mothers and children under five are caused by preventable diseases and conditions such as unsafe abortions, infections, malaria, hypertensive disorders, and heavy blood loss after birth, just to name a few. Poor quality of care at childbirth is witnessed in our health facilities and inadequate family care practices; however, care has to be empathetic. There is no need to shout at women in the maternity ward because they do not know what to do. Calmly and with love, explain the process; don’t make them feel bad for being pregnant.
Young people fear judgment and criticism from healthcare providers while seeking services. This is one of the major reasons they do not go to hospitals when they have a burning issue, literally. Presenting yourself in the hospital with a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), which is very common by the way, and then you meet the lab technician who is a neighbour and they give you the look of “you have become a bad girl,” Now, it’s an awkward situation because confidentiality just left the room. Or you just need some contraceptives, and a nurse starts asking you if you are married or have kids, had an abortion, and then life coaches you on the importance of preserving yourself and not being “loose”. The next time, you will travel miles to seek these services to avoid judgment, making it expensive.
Even with all these sorted, the government has to play its part by providing the resources needed to ensure reproductive health rights are preserved. Health care providers should be well-trained to understand the needs and challenges of adolescents. Expand maternity wards and neonatal units at the
rural centers. The government needs to allocate more budget to RMNCH programs. Provide proper infrastructure with enough supplies and in accessible areas and mobile services regularly, and we will be a step in the right direction.
