The Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RNHK) together with the Ministry of Health’s Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health joined hands on 23 February to raise awareness on self injectable contraceptives’.

A campaign dubbed ‘Chagua Mkononi’ held by RNHK, aimed to raise awareness about the DMPA-SC (Depo-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) – a type of contraceptive which allow women to self administer from the comfort of their home.

The DMPA-SC is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) this being into the buttocks, anterior thigh, abdomen or back of the upper arm.

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It is easy to insert and only require a one time guideline and training from a health practitioners for the first timers.

“It is reversible and combines the contraceptive drug and needle into a single device that is small, light, and easy to use. It is also 99 percent effective at preventing unintended pregnancies’ when administered correctively and on time every three months.” the fact sheet form KNRH read.

This type of contraceptive is meant to give women freedom to plan and control when they want to get pregnant as well as taking charge of their own sexual and reproductive health.

Leila Abdulkeir, a youth leader based in Kilifi said during the campaign that several cultural obstacles has hindered women over the years to access contraceptives.

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She added that many women in the Coast have to ask for permission from their husbands before they can get contraceptives.

RHNK hopes to reach five million women, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where cases of unmet needs of family planning are high.