This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
As Kenya prepares to host the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in November, stakeholders in the health sector are pushing for universal access to sexual reproductive health.
According to UNFPA Chief Communication Officer Selinde Dulckeit, the country has made great strides over the last 25 years, with maternal mortality dropping by 40% over the same period.
This achievement is attributed to an increase in the number of skilled health workers, as well as a decline in cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages.
However, National Council for Population and Development Assistant Director Beatrice Okundi notes that some communities are still practicing harmful practices, despite the government's commitment to ending them.
“Though some communities are still practicing FGM and early marriages, we have seen a drop in the cases and the government is committed to ending this,” she said.
The Nairobi Summit, which will take place from 12-14 November, marks 25 years since the ICPD in Cairo adopted its landmark Programme of Action, centered around the recognition that sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and women's empowerment are essential to achieving sustainable development.
The summit aims to reenergize the global community, breathe new life into the ICPD agenda, and sustain and amplify gains made since 1994.
