Kenya Launches Free Hormonal IUDs in Public Health Facilities

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Monday, September 30, 2024. In a significant step toward improving reproductive health, Kenya's Ministry of Health has introduced free Hormonal Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) in all public health facilities. These contraceptive devices, often recommended for women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, are now accessible to women across the country, offering a more affordable and medically viable option.

Dr. Albert Ndwiga, the Head of Family Planning at the Ministry, emphasized that the initiative aims to expand contraceptive choices for women, particularly those who previously could not afford or tolerate other contraceptive methods. "There is a population of women who would greatly benefit from hormonal-based family planning options such as the Hormonal IUDs. The Ministry continues to train healthcare workers to ensure high-quality service delivery," said Dr. Ndwiga.

Previously, Hormonal IUDs were only available in private healthcare facilities at costs ranging from KSh 20,000 to KSh 35,000. With this rollout, women can now access them free of charge in public health facilities.

Beyond preventing pregnancy, hormonal IUDs are also effective in treating menorrhagia, a condition marked by prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr. Ndwiga noted that untreated menorrhagia can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, making these IUDs particularly beneficial for women suffering from the condition.

According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey, 14% of women in Kenya do not use any modern contraceptive methods, even though they wish to delay pregnancy. One common reason cited is the incompatibility of many contraceptive methods with their bodies. The introduction of free hormonal IUDs seeks to address this gap by providing an alternative that aligns with some women's medical needs.

Data from the Ministry's Division of Family Planning Program reveals that so far, 6,816 hormonal IUDs have been distributed nationwide. Nairobi County leads with 1,285 devices issued, followed by Homa Bay (1,051), Kakamega (593), Nyeri (403) and Migori (372), accounting for nearly half of all devices dispensed.

The Kenyan government has procured 62,000 units of hormonal IUDs through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). However, it took nine years for this service to be offered in public health facilities due to financial constraints. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) added the hormonal IUD to its Essential Medicines List, and Kenya followed suit in 2019, officially authorizing its use in health facilities. Nevertheless, the method was previously only available in private hospitals, limiting access for many women.

To ensure successful implementation, the Ministry has trained 5,342 healthcare workers in 1,788 public health facilities across the country in the first phase of the program. With this initiative, the government hopes to make family planning more accessible to women while addressing other health concerns, such as heavy menstrual bleeding and the risk of anaemia.

Source: Capital News

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Published: September 30, 2024

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