Family planning key to cutting maternal deaths, health experts say
The Head of the Division of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCAH) at the Ministry of Health, Dr Edward Serem, speaking ahead of the World Contraception Day breakfast meeting at Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi on September 25, 2025. Photo/Sande Onyango
Health officials have underscored the role of family planning in preventing maternal deaths, noting that contraception reduces unintended pregnancies and the risks that come with them.
Head of the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health at the Ministry of Health Dr Edward Serem said contraception remains central to protecting women’s health.
“Family planning makes a direct contribution to reducing maternal deaths, because you cannot die from maternal causes if you are not pregnant,” Dr Serem said during a breakfast meeting in Nairobi ahead of World Contraception Day.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, more than 6.4 million women are currently using contraceptives.
The uptake has averted an estimated 2.4 million unintended pregnancies, 600,000 unsafe abortions, and 10,000 maternal deaths.
Dr Serem said Kenya is targeting a modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 64 per cent by 2030 and 70 per cent by 2050.
To reach these goals, he noted, the country must strengthen supply chains, fund innovations, and boost domestic financing.
Acting Director for Preventive and Promotive Services in Makueni County Dr Stephen Mwatha said the county has pioneered postpartum family planning, engaged community health promoters, and involved men as champions of contraception.
“For a very long while, family planning was left to women. In Makueni, we are intentional in ensuring that men also play a role,” Dr Mwatha said.
He added that Makueni has created a budget line for family planning and expanded mentorship programmes for health workers.
Still, challenges remain, including teenage pregnancies, unintended pregnancies, and commodity shortages.
Data shows that nearly 18 per cent of deliveries in the county are by mothers aged between 10 and 19 years.
Village administrator Mr Charles Okumu urged residents to embrace family planning.
“Everybody should not be left behind with such good ideas,” Mr Okumu said.
World Contraception Day 2025 will be marked under the theme “A Choice for All: Agency, Intention, and Access.”