Migori couple awarded for using contraceptives

A Migori couple was on Thursday awarded as the county celebrated World Contraceptive Day.

Chacha Mwita and his wife Rebecca were recognized as the first couple in the Kuria community to consistently use contraceptives.

The Kuria community has in the past reportedly fought the use of contraceptives as it was traditionally perceived as a ‘plot to clear their generation’.

On Thursday, First Lady of Migori County Helen Obado urged couples to embrace contraceptives to reduce cases of maternal and child mortality.

According to her, contraceptives should also be given to school girls to help in the fight against teenage pregnancy which stands at 20 percent in Migori county.

She was speaking at the office of the Mabera deputy county commissioner when she joined residents in commemorating World Contraceptive Day.

Migori Chief Officer for Health Dalmas Oyugi lauded couples for taking up contraceptives which he said have reduced cases of unwanted pregnancies from 41percent to 28percent.

However, reports indicate that family planning unmet needs among married women stands at 23percent.

A Spot check by Radio Ramogi revealed that some people still do not use family planning methods because health facilities are too far from where they live.

Others claim that they are charged for family planning services yet it should be free, according to the county department of health.

Mrs.Irene Achieng, a resident of Osiri Matanda, said she was forced to part with Ksh.600 for her to get a contraceptive.

Migori county executive in the department of health Dr. Isca Olouch termed it as an isolated case insisting that such services are offered free of charge.

Report by James Latano and George Juma