Article by Ruth, Big Sister
Although pregnancy and childbirth are natural phenomena, many pregnancies pose serious health risks to mothers and their children, especially pregnancies characterized as too early. Pregnancies among adolescents have major health consequences for adolescent mothers and their babies. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death among girls aged 15–19 years globally. Through our Big Sister sessions we strive to fill the gaps that contribute to unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls by providing knowledge clearing misconceptions on where to obtain contraceptive methods and how to use them. Our vendors under the SAFIRE program have continuously reported an increased number of young people seeking contraceptive services in their health facilities within our Kahawa Wendani community. This indicates that by supporting sexuality education, increasing access to contraceptive information, and linkage to friendly services for teens and youth who are sexually active we can save lives, and promote the health and wellbeing of young people.
