Collaborating to Close the Contraceptive Gap in Kenya

Addressing Kenya’s Unmet Need for Contraception

Bridging the Gap

In the heart of East Africa, Kenya is witnessing a transformative shift in women‘s reproductive health and sexual wellness. At the forefront of this change is VIYA Health Kenya, a groundbreaking initiative that’s redefining how women access, understand, and engage with their sexual and reproductive health.

The Current State of Contraception in Kenya

Recent studies paint a concerning picture:

• Modern contraceptive use among urban women stands at 53.7%
• The unmet need for family planning in urban areas is 16.9%, surpassing the national average
• Teenagers, the poorest urban women, and those with lower education levels are at the highest risk of unmet contraceptive needs

These statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to improve access to and use of contraceptive methods across Kenya.

The VIYA Health Revolution

VIYA Health, launched by Population Services International (PSI) in 2022, represents a bold new approach to women’s health in Kenya. This social business is not just another health program; it’s a comprehensive, digitally-enabled ecosystem that’s changing the conversation around women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Key Features of VIYA Health Kenya:

1. Digital-First Approach: VIYA leverages technology, including AI, e-commerce, and telemedicine, to deliver SRHR information, products, and services.
2. Lifecycle Coverage: Unlike traditional siloed approaches, VIYA addresses women’s health needs from menstruation to menopause and beyond.
3. Bold Conversations: VIYA is breaking taboos by normalizing discussions around pleasure, menstrual health, contraception, and sexual wellness.
4. Community Building: The platform provides a safe, judgment-free space for women to connect, share experiences, and support each other.
5. Expert-Backed Information: VIYA offers trusted, high-quality information on sexual health and contraceptive methods, empowering women to make informed decisions.

VIYA Health Kenya: Pioneering Change in Reproductive Health

In response to this pressing issue, VIYA Health Kenya has emerged as a key player in revolutionizing reproductive health programming in the country. Working hand-in-hand with national and county governments, VIYA Health Kenya is implementing a multi-faceted approach to increase contraceptive use and improve overall reproductive health outcomes.

Addressing Kenya’s Unmet Contraceptive Needs

VIYA Health Kenya builds upon the foundation laid by PS Kenya’s reproductive health programming. It continues to address the significant unmet need for contraception in the country, where less than half of married couples use modern contraceptive methods.

By combining digital innovation with on-the-ground interventions, VIYA aims to:

• Increase access to contraception
• Create demand through innovative communication campaigns
• Improve service delivery within the context of informed choice
• Build capacity among healthcare providers and pharmacists

The VIYA Community: A Safe Space for Bold Women

At the heart of VIYA’s success is its thriving community. In just three months, VIYA has reached over 5 million people in Kenya, with 80% being women. The highest engagement comes through their WhatsApp community, where women freely discuss topics often considered taboo.

“It is unfortunate that natural occurrences like menstruation and sex are still considered taboo topics. The only way to normalize women’s health is to speak freely,” explains Christine Mboya, VIYA Health Kenya Digital Specialist.

Conclusion: A New Era for Women’s Health

VIYA Health Kenya represents more than just a health platform; it’s a movement. By combining digital innovation, community support, and bold conversations, VIYA is empowering Kenyan women to reclaim their bodies and make confident, independent health choices.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that VIYA’s approach – addressing women’s health holistically and openly – is setting a new standard for reproductive health programming not just in Kenya, but potentially across Africa and beyond.

The message is clear: from periods to pleasure, it’s time to talk openly about women’s health. And VIYA Health Kenya is leading the way, one bold conversation at a time.