Vihiga County marked World Contraceptive Day Saturday at the Vihiga Rural hospital with a bold call for youth empowerment to make informed choices.

This year’s commemoration was held under the rallying call “My Contraception, My Choice, My Future.”

Speaking during the event, Sabatia Sub County Hospital representative Caroline Muhani said access to accurate information enables residents to make informed decisions on their reproductive health, which has a long-term impact on future generations.

Muhani urged the public to seek facts from health workers, youth champions and the media, noting that contraception protects young people against unintended pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and allows them to complete education before becoming parents.

Health officials said family planning remains a critical intervention in reducing maternal deaths and pregnancy-related complications.

They called for concerted efforts to eliminate stigma and remove barriers that hinder access to family planning services.

Vihiga County Health Promotion Coordinator Evangeline Mwango urged health facilities to integrate family planning education into routine services such as Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and immunization clinics.

She emphasized the need to ensure a consistent supply of contraceptive commodities to avoid stockouts.

Maternal Health Specialist Abigael Osendi called on health workers to proactively initiate non-judgemental discussions on family planning with clients.

She said comprehensive counselling will help clients manage potential side effects and encouraged uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Representing Jhpiego under The Challenge Initiative (TCI), Nancy Aloo reaffirmed partners’ commitment to supporting the county.

She said enabling young people to access contraception secures their future by allowing them to complete school and plan their lives better.

Residents were urged to visit health facilities across the county to access free counselling, information and a range of voluntary reproductive health services.

By Victor Zedy and Maureen Imbayi