KISUMU, Kenya – Contraceptive treatments such as tablets, implants, injectables, patches, vaginal rings, IUDs, and condoms are all included in family planning.
Sexual activities, reproductive desires, and personal health all influence the technique choice. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, effective family planning can slow the spread of STDs.
Making educated decisions on reproductive health requires taking these aspects into account.
Naomi Adhiambo, a resident of Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County, is among women whose lives have been transformed through a pioneering male involvement program that champions family planning and reproductive health.
This initiative began as a bold collaboration between the Kisumu County Department of Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation and Living Goods.
Why Naomi Adhiambo’s story is a powerful testament to communities
What started as a series of community conversations has grown into a powerful movement, one that is strengthening families and reshaping norms around reproductive health.
Community health workers (CHWs) help bridge the gap by engaging both women and men in open, informed discussions about reproductive health. They bring essential health education directly to households, building trust and creating safe, supportive spaces where couples can make empowered choices together.
By engaging men as allies, the programme fosters dialogue, dispels misconceptions, and encourages shared decision-making, ensuring that reproductive health is no longer seen as the sole responsibility of women.
Naomi’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible when communities come together to prioritise health, equity, and agency.
In 2018, Living Goods began interpreting family planning into CHW service provision, given the critical role of pregnancy spacing has on both child and children’s health. An evaluation of Living Goods-supported CHWs in Uganda enabled a 36% reduction in unmet need for family planning and a 27% increase in modern contraceptive prevalence rate.
“I gave birth to my first child in late 2010. My second child was born in February 2012. During my second pregnancy, I experienced many challenges. It was difficult for me to move around while carrying one child in my arms and being pregnant with another. It was a very difficult time for me. I decided to approach my CHP. We sat down together, and she educated me about family planning,” said Naomi.
Why do men often lack an understanding of what family planning is
For a long time, though family planning impacts the whole family, men have been historically left out of conversations on the subject. As a result, men often lack an understanding of what family planning is, how it works, and the benefits it can provide them and their spouses.
“Before making the decision, I told her I would consult with my husband, and if he agreed, I would proceed. My husband was opposed to family planning and prohibited me from using it. He was skeptical about the family planning method. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning,” Naomi added.
When reached for comment, Caroline Atieno, CHP, Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County, observed that some people told Naomi that family planning would affect her sex life.
“Bleeding from the first day to the 28th day, coupled with dizziness. However, I assured her that these are just myths,” said Caroline.
Dr. Emmah Obegi, County Pharmacist, Kisumu County, indicated that such kind of information in the community impacts how these services are taken up.
“And because there are already a lot of myths and misinformation, it means that the products are not going to be consumed. When they are not going to be consumed, we are going to lose these products due to things like expiry,” said Dr. Obegi.
Why community health promoters are the ones who visit households
Caroline would provide Naomi with information on family planning and where she could access the services.
“I also advised her that if she experienced any side effects, she should share them with me so I could refer her to the health facility,” said Caroline.
Jane Owuor, Reproductive Health Service Coordinator, Kisumu County, reiterated that community health promoters are the ones who visit households.
“They can educate and also conduct referrals to the health facilities. So, that has been of great support to increase the uptake of family planning services at the facilities,” explained Owuor.
Naomi decided to take up family planning, even though she says her husband was opposed to it.
“I went to the health facility and received a three-year implant. I went back home, and after three days, my husband asked me, “I have felt something on your arm; I think you started family planning,” he said. “Yes, I did,” I replied, she explained.
Why taking an injection as a contraception is not effective
Dr. Obegi added that currently, women want to come into the health facility to only take Depo-Provera, which is just an injection.
“An injection cannot be detected by anybody, so they miss out on the choices that we have that are meant to fit their need for contraception. Family planning is not just about birth control; for us, it is about the timing and spacing of births. We need to space them so that the woman is also healthy enough to take care of the baby and also to regain her health,” Dr. Obegi added.
Naomi further said that from what she learnt through the CHP, her husband later changed his mind about family planning.
“He now understands that after delivery, I should return to family planning,” said Naomi.
Dr. Obegi noted that when women don’t involve men in family planning, there is reduced uptake of family planning services.
To provide men with a safe environment for learning about family planning, Living Goods developed the Male Champion approach.
“So, we have engaged the male champions; they talk about family planning to their colleagues, and they can support their women and support at the community level for uptake,” said Dr. Obegi.
Why male champions are critical components in Kisumu County
According to Living Goods and the Ministry of Health (MoH) Kisumu, 100% of men engaged in male champion groups reported that the meetings were beneficial.
Data from the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) shows a 60% increase in the use of family planning during a 6-month pilot and a 57% increase in return visits for short-term FP methods.
Today in Kisumu County, male champions support their peers to understand the value of family planning and help dispel some of the misconceptions that sometimes lead to opposition to modern contraceptives.
“At least the children are healthy; once you give birth, there is enough time for breastfeeding. Through Living Goods, there is peace. This program should continue,” Naomi added.
Both levels of government and policymakers are now being urged to provide health awareness and safe spaces for families to make informed choices about family planning.
