Background
The challenge addressed is the high adolescent pregnancy rates recorded at 43% in Nyakach sub county, Kisumu county (DHIS 2017/18). This increases vulnerability of adolescents to HIV infection, unsafe abortions, preterm delivery and low birth weight. Children born to teenage mothers are more likely to die in infancy and early childhood compared to children born to older mothers (KDHS 2014).

About the project
The project was conducted at Nyakach county hospital, Magunga Secondary and Rae Primary School. It aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality rates in Kisumu County by decreasing teenage pregnancies in Nyakach sub county. This was done through promoting awareness on sexual reproductive health among stakeholders, enhancing knowledge of health care workers in provision of comprehensive sexual reproductive health services and initiating provision of sexual reproductive health services in Nyakach County Hospital. Activities conducted were stakeholders’ meetings, baseline to assess SRH knowledge, 3 focus group discussions with teenagers, sensitization of parents at Magunga community on sexuality education, provision of sexuality education of adolescents counseling to 22 healthcare providers and availed modern contraceptives to the youth centre.

Results
One young mothers’ forum formed, 2 health care providers now attend to the adolescent youth centre at Nyakach county hospital, increased access to family planning for adolescents, no pregnancy cases reported in the two schools where project was implemented, reduced unsafe abortion, 45 and 78 children in Rae and Magunga secondary schools respectively provided with sexuality education by teachers.

Year: 2018/2019