Kenya's Contraceptive Crisis: 1 in 3 Women Still Get Pregnant Despite Using Emergency Contraceptives

Kenya Faces Contraceptive Crisis: Study Reveals Alarming Pregnancy Rates Nairobi, Kenya – A new study has revealed a concerning trend in Kenya's family planning landscape. The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) found that a staggering 35% of women using emergency contraceptive pills and injectables still experienced unintended pregnancies. This alarming statistic highlights a significant gap in the effectiveness of emergency contraception in Kenya. "One in three women using emergency contraceptive pills and injectables are still likely to get pregnant," stated a presenter from SpiceFM, during a recent broadcast discussing the study. This underscores the need for improved access to reliable and effective family planning methods. The APHRC report also shed light on the issue of counterfeit contraceptives in the country. The prevalence of fake products raises serious health concerns and undermines efforts to promote safe and responsible family planning practices. A male co-host on the broadcast commented that this issue is similar to the problem of counterfeit alcohol in Nigeria, highlighting the potential for widespread health risks. The study also explored reasons why some women choose not to use contraception. Fear of side effects and other health concerns were among the most frequently cited reasons. The discussion emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education to address these concerns. Moving forward, raising awareness about the efficacy of various contraceptive methods and the dangers of counterfeit products is crucial. Ensuring access to reliable family planning services for all women in Kenya is essential for improving maternal health outcomes and empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health.