'Ready or Not' campaign aims to improve dialogue on safe abortions

A leading healthcare company has launched a new campaign to break the silence on transforming the narrative around women's healthcare including pregnancy termination.

  The "Ready or Not" campaign, initiated by VIYA Health, seeks to dismantle taboos and promote open dialogue about this crucial aspect of women's reproductive health.

 "The campaign serves as a double entendre, reflecting both the societal readiness to address these topics and the necessity of the conversation," said VIYA Health East Africa Business Lead Maureen Ondego.

  "Our goal is to foster understanding and provide women with the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health," she added.

  Unsafe abortions in Kenya account for about 35 per cent of all maternal deaths, according to the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).

  Approximately 47,000 women suffer complications each year, including severe infections and haemorrhages.

 This statistic underscores the urgent need for safe and accessible reproductive healthcare.  

 According to Ondego, the campaign aims to create a supportive environment for discussing these issues openly and adhering to legal and regulatory frameworks, fostering a society where women's health and autonomy are prioritised without judgment.

 It will launch educational materials and workshops through community centres, health clinics and digital platforms.

At the same time, VIYA Health plans to use social media, radio and community events to highlight the dangers of unsafe abortions and the importance of professional care.

Ondego said the firm will collaborate with local health organisations, NGOs and government agencies to improve reproductive health policies.