There is great concern in Mombasa on why people have reverted for contraceptives at the counter, than the recommended medical facilities.
Speaking over the issue, Mombasa county public health Chief Officer Pauline Oginga expressed fears that there is a brewing problem if the trend is not addressed and nipped in the bud as sooner as possible.
“We cannot control what is being sold over the counter and at the same time, not everybody meets the criteria for using specific family planning methods. You stand a risk of developing adverse effects,” said Oginga in an interview with KNA.
Dr. Oginga reiterated that there is a need to set up youth centers that will fully be equipped with all sorts of medical equipment that are aimed at helping the youth cub early pregnancies.
However, the worrying trend of many people, including men, going for the contraceptives at the counters still remains the elephant in the room.
In Mombasa County alone, under the plan dubbed Health Strategic and Investment Plan (CHSIP 11) 2018-2022, plans are underway to increase the number of women receiving contraceptives from the current 34%, to 54% next year.
Mrs. Oginga said that under their plan, they have constantly involved the community medical providers to share the information on how the issuance of contraceptive drugs is being undertaken.
She went ahead to caution the public to be very vigilant on the types of contraceptives that they are being given in various outlets.
There have been cases of unscrupulous businessmen out there who are hell-bent on providing the common man with drugs that in the future only turn out to be harmful to human health.
That’s why Dr. Oginga was categorical that people should be on the watch out.
“It has been said, the majority of those who prefer buying contraceptives over the counter are men. We encourage our people to visit our hospitals so that they can be properly advised on the right family planning methods,” advised Oginga.
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