Improving Access and Equity in Provision of Family Planning: Insights from the Delivering Equitable and Sustainable Increases in Family Planning (Desip) Program in Kenya

Lilian Ngesa, Population Services Kenya
Charlotte Pahe, Population Services Kenya
Margaret Njenga, Population Services Kenya
James Rotich, Population Services Kenya

Background Family planning is crucial for public health, human rights, and global development, empowering individuals and fostering sustainable futures. By 2021, 1.1 billion women globally needed contraceptive services, yet 164 million faced unmet needs. In Kenya, the FP2030 initiative aims to increase modern contraceptive use and reduce unmet needs by 2030, recognizing access as a human right. The DESIP programme (2019-2025), supported by the UK FCDO, focuses on improving access to modern contraception in Kenya, aiming to reduce maternal, neonatal, and child mortality. It targets women of reproductive age, including adolescents, poor women, and persons with disabilities Methodology DESIP employs context-specific interventions like demand creation, social behavior change, enhanced service delivery, and health system strengthening. It engages men, youth, persons with disabilities, and local community organizations to foster broader community acceptance of family planning. Mass media, culturally sensitive approaches, social marketing, community-based distributors, mentorship, and county-level technical support enhance FP service delivery. Results In 19 DESIP-supported counties, 11 reported an increase in modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) above the national average, which grew from 53% in 2014 to 57% in 2022. Conclusion The DESIP programme has significantly improved family planning access and equity in Kenya, particularly for marginalized groups.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

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