This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
June 19, 2020, marked a critical meeting at the Probation Hall in Kisii town, where the Inter-ministerial Population Policy Steering committee gathered to discuss the effects of Covid-19 on population and development in Kisii County.
According to Leah Ogega, the area Reproduction Health Coordinator, the ongoing pandemic has led to a significant decline in medical services utilization, with many clinics closed due to lack of clients. This has resulted in workers losing their jobs, further exacerbating the situation.
"Mothers are not seeking services in the anti-natal and post-natal clinics, including family planning, HIV, and immunization for their babies, causing fear that government's efforts to control communicable diseases might be negated," Ogega warned.
She emphasized the need to utilize Community health Volunteers, chiefs, and local media to encourage residents to seek medical services without fear of being infected with the Coronavirus, as the Ministry of Health had put up measures to prevent its spread.
"If mothers fail to seek services, including teenagers (10-14 years) whose pregnancy rate in the first four months of this year has tripled to 652, compared to those of last year, the county could experience a myriad of maternal child health challenges by the end of their gestation period," Ogega observed.
She noted that the teenage pregnancy rate for January to March had increased from 189 last year to 652 for ages 10-14, while for age 15-19, it had reduced slightly from 4,518 to 3,641 during the same period.
Deputy County Commissioner Leornard Mgute decried the increase in teenage pregnancy, describing the situation as 'pathetic' and urged the committee to come up with recommendations to mitigate the challenges.
"The home is supposed to be the safest place for children, but it's happening when they are supposed to be in their safest place," Mgute said.
Sameta Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer Josphine Obinda emphasized that teenage pregnancy would translate to reduced enrollment for girls as many would drop out of school.
Obinda also noted that even those who get back to school after delivery would require ample support to settle back into learning.
The committee agreed to have mobile sensitization road shows, local media stations' programs, and distribution of limited Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials as some of the activities leading to the World Population Day on July 11.
