1. 1 | P a g e
FAMILY PLANNING OUTREACHES MODEL BRIDGING THE UNMET NEEDS AMONG
HARD TO REACH POPULATIONS IN KENYA
Nafula I1
, Ofware R1
, Kubai E1
Opanga B1
and Njuma M1
1
Marie Stopes Kenya, Nairobi
INTRODUCTION: While studies suggest for Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries to achieve
Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 requires a 5.5% annual average reduction of maternal
mortality, presently, there is only 0.1 % reduction. Above all, almost 44% reduction in maternal
mortality is attributed to family planning (FP) utilization. Currently, only 13% women of reproductive
age in the hard to reach population have access to FP services, hence the need to develop innovative
interventions to ensure access to all women of reproductive health. Marie Stopes Kenya (MSK) has
adopted an outreach model to address the issues of both access and demand of maternal health services
by providing free, high-quality services to hard to-reach populations with full range of contraceptive
methods. The aim of this article is to report on the utilization level of FP services and clients’
perception on the outreach model.
METHODS: Routine data was collected using the Ministry of Health recommended data collection
and reporting tools and analyzed to assess the level of utilization. Clients exit interviews were also
conducted to determine quality of service and the perception of the clients on the intervention.
RESULTS: In 2014, 17,917 women were reached though Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD),
92,455 through implants, 4425 through Bilateral Tubal Ligation and 68 men through Vasectomy. This
translated to 409,334 Couple Year Protection. Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment was
integrated with the FP services offered. Client satisfaction assessments and the exit interviews have
provided positive feedback from the clients.
CONCLUSION: The outreach model showed a greater improvement in reaching the populations that
are hard to reach. However they myths and misconception about the Long Acting and Reversible
Contraceptives are a key hindrance to access of FP services. Working within the government frame
work and aligning the activities within existing government structures like the Community Units can
create a sense of ownership and sustainability.