The United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) has donated 450,000 doses of sub-cutaneous Depot Medroxy-Progesterone-Acetate (DMPA), a self-injectable contraceptive consignment valued at Ksh56.4 million.
According to the Ministry of Health Director General Patrick Amoth, the contraceptives will be used to avert over 122 maternal deaths, 12,310 unsafe abortions and 42,750 unintended pregnancies.
Further, the Ministry of Health indicated that the move was a significant step in overcoming barriers to commodity security and addressing the unmet need for family planning services.
Also, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said that the consignment will enhance health outcomes for women and families across Kenya.
The consignment has come at a time when there is a growing demand for accessible and convenient contraceptive options, especially after self-injectable contraceptives were approved for use in the county.
Also Read: Family Planning Methods, Benefits and How to Make Your Choice
Details of the Contraceptives and How to Use
Depo-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-SC) is commonly known as the “birth control shot.” When administered correctly and consistently, DMPA-SC is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
It contains the hormone progestin, which prevents pregnancies by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Also, production of the hormones leads to thinning of the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.
It has gained popularity among users, even in Kenya, because of its long-lasting protection against pregnancy because one requires four injections to last the whole year.
Furthermore, unlike many other forms of contraceptives like implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), the effects of the birth control shot are reversible after the injections are stopped.
However, some of its common side effects include breast tenderness, and mood changes, irregular menstrual bleeding, weight gain, headaches, and in some instances temporary delay in fertility after discontinuation.
Also, because of its ease of use, the contraceptive can be administered by community health workers, pharmacists, and even women can inject it themselves.
The Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK), notes that DMPA-SC only requires minimal training to be used properly.
“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 per cent effective at preventing unintended pregnancies when administered correctly and on time every three months,” notes the network.
Also Read: No Condoms for Kenyan Teenagers – CS Nakhumicha
Govt Approves Use of the Contraceptive
The Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board approved on May 11, 2018, to Pfizer Laboratories Ltd for a label modification enabling self-administration of the contraceptive extending its shelf life to 36 months. Also, the move facilitated the introduction of a 200-pack presentation, that included options for self-injection labeling.
Earlier, the board had demanded a clinical study within the local population to clarify clinical efficacy, safety, and satisfaction outcomes including error rates and confidence in self-administration.
However, to offer women more options for family planning, Jhpiego in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation carried out a study on self-injection of DMPA-SC.
The findings of the study were distributed MOH and presented to stakeholders during the February 2017 Advocates, Researchers, and Development Partners Meeting, where the Kenyan delegation formulated an action plan to outline a roadmap for the implementation and expansion of DMPA-SC.
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