How affordable family planning will aid HIV fight

The foundation of societal well-being is greatly influenced by the availability and accessibility of reproductive health services. However, financial barriers remain a significant obstacle and this prevents many individuals from accessing these essential services.

The impact of inadequate reproductive healthcare is far-reaching, contributing to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, maternal deaths, cycles of poverty, and overall economic hardship.

There is a constitutional and legislative gap in matters of healthcare. Kenya’s journey toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure health and well-being for all remains challenging.

This struggle is mirrored in the difficulty of realising Article 43 of the 2010 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including reproductive healthcare.

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Despite this constitutional mandate, Obstetric violence remains a largely overlooked issue in Kenya, with no specific laws addressing it as a distinct violation of women’s rights.

Meanwhile, relentless budget cuts and regressive financial proposals, such as the amended Nairobi Finance Bill 2023 and the rejected 2024 Finance Bill continue to target the healthcare sector, further threatening equitable access to essential reproductive health services.

In addition, the educational system lacks a comprehensive, context-specific sexual and reproductive health curriculum (SRH). Sexual and reproductive health education in schools is limited to biological concepts, failing to address the real-life needs of Kenyan youth.

As a result, young people often navigate through trial and error, misinformation, myths and a lack of preparedness as they transition into adulthood.

Financial challenges, inadequate infrastructure, and systemic issues further worsen the situation. Marginalised populations, particularly those affected by harmful cultural practices, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual violence, and extreme poverty, are disproportionately impacted. These factors directly affect reproductive health outcomes, leading to disparities and poor health indicators.

The financial burden of reproductive healthcare—covering contraception, prenatal care, safe delivery, and sexually transmitted infections (STI) treatment—often falls on individuals and families least able to afford it. Women and adolescent girls in marginalised communities are particularly vulnerable, facing higher risks of adverse health outcomes.

If these barriers remain unaddressed, they will continue to create a ripple effect of societal challenges. Teenage pregnancies, for example, often lead to increased healthcare costs, reduced economic opportunities, and school dropouts, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Investment in comprehensive sexual education that goes beyond biology to address the social, emotional, and practical aspects of SRH is equally crucial.

Local healthcare providers, who are often best positioned to serve underserved populations, should be empowered with resources and training to offer culturally relevant education and services. Sustainable government funding for these initiatives is essential to ensure their long-term impact.

Any effort to break financial barriers must prioritize inclusion and equity. Reproductive health frameworks should consider the unique needs of marginalized groups, including individuals with disabilities, those living in rural or conflict-affected areas, and other vulnerable populations.

Most initiatives addressing reproductive health are broad and generalised. This one-size-fits-all approach often results in both direct and indirect discrimination. Governments must adopt an equity-focused approach and encourage public involvement in policy discussions to ensure no one is left behind.

Reducing the cost of reproductive healthcare is not just a moral imperative—it is a strategic investment in the nation’s future. The cost of inaction far outweighs the resources required to make reproductive healthcare accessible and affordable for all. By prioritizing these investments, we can build a healthier, more equitable society and thriving society.

Monari is an Advocate for Medical and Social Justice at Nguvu Collective