Answering Your Question About Family Planning

August 13, 2009

Question: Kenya was the site for early family planning successes in sub-Saharan Africa.  A once steep fertility decline has stalled at still-high levels (about 5 children per woman).  Without progress in this realm, the fight for child survival, education, women’s health, economic growth, and political stability remains overly daunting.  How does Kenya get back on track and how can the US help? – Rich Cincotta

Response: Rich, thank you for your feedback. You are right: In previous decades, the U.S. government invested quite successfully in family planning programs in Kenya and saw significant results. Fertility declines have leveled out, however, and there is renewed concern that not enough has been done in family planning. While on the ground this week, we saw much evidence of new activity on this front.

Family planning will need to be a strong part of an integrated health strategy. There are many capable Kenyan partners who are already working on integrated programs. We saw in the Coast Province’s APHIA II (AIDS, Population, and Health Integrated Assistance Program) increased efforts by Family Health International and partners to introduce family planning programs in combination with HIV/AIDS programs.

An important Demographic and Health Survey for Kenya, completed in 2008, is due to be released at the end of September or early October. The survey will contain critical new data and will become a significant point of reference, particularly for the Commission.  

Please tell us more about your family planning work in Kenya and why you think progress has stalled.