Maternal and Child Health/Family Planning

Advocacy for The Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation

Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer

Maternal and Child Health/Family Planning

Goal: To contribute to the reduction of maternal and childhood morbidity and mortality.
Purpose: To improve the quality of access and utilization of MCH/FP services in the target districts.
MYWO started MCH/FP activities in 1979 on a pilot basis in Emuhaya and Kandara divisions in Kakamega and Muranga districts respectively. In 1982 with funding from USAID through Pathfinder International the programme started distributing contraceptives through community based distributors (CBDs).
Main Activities:
1.Reproductive health services through CBDs.
2.Home based care (HBC).
3.Information Education and Communication (IEC).

The overall objective of the project is to improve the quality of antenatal, delivery and postnatal services, offered at the health facility level, thus contribute to a reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in Kenya.  The project is fully aligned to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)  

Areas of implementation on a pilot basis:

• Kakamega District at the District Hospital and one health centre
• Uasin Gishu District at the Moi Referral Centre
• Nairobi at the Kenyatta National Hospital and Pumwani

This is a program jointly implemented with various partners key among them is the Division of Reproductive health in the Ministry of Health (MOH), Kenya Obstetrics and Gynecology Society (KOGs).  Maendeleo’s role is to sensitize the community and to create awareness of the activity and to encourage women to deliver in hospitals/health facilities.

Advocacy for The Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation

Goal: Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Purpose: To reduce the number of girls and women undergoing FGM.
MYWO has been implementing community education to accelerate the elimination of female circumcision. Female circumcision has negative consequences on the physical and psychological health of women. MYWO is addressing such gender-based issues that have negative reproductive health consequences.
Main Activities
1.Mobilizing communities on the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM)
2.Promoting good cultural practices and sensitizing community on those that fringe human rights.
3.Encourage formation of parents and youth support groups
4.Production of IEC materials
5.Promoting the rite of passage for girls

Challenges
This is a challenge to MYWO as the practice is still very rampant in many parts of Kenya such as Meru, Kisii, Narok and Kajiado. With availability of funds, MYWO will intensify advocacy against FGM.

Appeal
MYWO appeals for partnership both technical and financial to intensify advocacy and also expand to other areas.

Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer

Goal: To contribute to the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality rates due to cervical cancer.
Purpose: To increase demand and utilization of cervical cancer prevention services.
This project aims at sensitising and mobilising women to prevent cervical cancer through regular screening and prompt management. The project is implemented on pilot basis in Busia District, which is one of the districts with high rate of Cervical Cancer.
Activities
1.Awareness creation
2.Training of Community Health Workers (CHWs)
3.Regular screening of the women
4.Referrals to Health centres