Invest more in reproductive health budget- activists petition Mombasa county government

By Mwarandu Randu

Human rights crusaders championing for youth rights have called on the Mombasa county government to pump in more funds in the health kitty in order to boost reproductive health amongst the youth.

Addressing journalists in Mombasa on Wednesday during an engagement forum organized by Dream Achievers Youth Organization, DAYO, Sheenan Mbau, an activist from the Centre for the Study of Adolescence, CSA said accessing information regarding reproductive health among the youth is still a challenge.

“I’m urging the county government of Mombasa to invest more in the health budget.

 We know that the county has done so well but some more funds are needed to boost the reproductive health kitty for the youths” Ms Mbau explained

She however lauded the strides made by the county government in the development and implementation of the youth strategy launched recently by the county.

The activist noted that there is a need for the county government to construct youth friendly centers that will enable the youth to freely access information without interference.

“Again the county should construct youth friendly centres where the youth will freely access reproductive health concerns” she echoed

She urged the county government to effectively involve the youth in strategic development and planning.

On his part Dream Achievers Youth Organization Executive Director Seif Jira said there is a need for parents to effectively undertake their parental responsibilities.

He said there is a need to develop a multi-sectoral approach on the issue of sexual reproduction amongst the youth.

“I think there is a need for parents to play their responsibilities well. And we require the efforts of different stakeholders” Seif said

At the same time, Isaac Jewa, a health expert and a representative from the department of reproductive health in Mombasa County said early and unwanted pregnancies still pose a threat to the county.

He says that a total of 808 children aged between 10 -14 years got pregnant between January and June this year.

“We still have this challenge in Mombasa County. The challenge of early and unwanted pregnancy. This is a worrying trend and something must be done” he noted

Mr. Jewa further pointed out the county government’s commitment towards ensuring that youths have an access better reproductive health services.

Meanwhile, Risper Kengere a youth from Changamwe Sub County urged the county government to engage the youths when developing health drafts.

She says there is a need for the county government to create a conducive environment where the youth can freely express their views.

“I want the county government to involve us when making decisions that affect the youth. Most of the times we are not involved” she outlined

She further urged the youths to engage in constructive activities and above all focus on their set goals.

CSA Kenya is an independent non-partisan, non-profit organization working in the field of adolescent sexual and reproductive health including HIV/AIDS.