exercise with healthcare providers in Nakuru County. The VCAT exercise sought to cultivate a stronger healthcare system to strengthen the promotion, protection, and advancement of SRHR, including safe abortion, in Kenya. It also highlighted the need for well-informed advocates who would effectively drive positive change in sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) awareness, policies, and implementation.
The VCAT exercise targeted a diverse group of health care providers from all cadres, including nurses, clinicians, and medical officers. The diversity of perspectives and experiences allowed for a rich and robust discussion of the issues and the development of cross-cutting, relevant, and effective strategies. The healthcare providers enhanced their knowledge and awareness of the legal frameworks for SRHR, including safe abortion in Kenya, and a shift in beliefs, attitudes, and opinions about abortion. As a key outcome, empathy and compassion was fostered for women and girls seeking reproductive health information and services amongst the 22 healthcare providers.
Overall, the discussions and sharing of experiences resulted in a better and more accurate understanding of abortion and other SRHR issues. Additionally, there’s now a network of empowered healthcare providers who can collaborate to strengthen the promotion, protection, and advancement of SRHR, including safe abortion in Kenya.
KELIN remains committed to advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights at county, national, regional, and international levels. We are confident that the meeting will be a catalyst to improve the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of SRHR services, including safe and legal abortion in Nakuru County.
To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our website and social media platforms.
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
Twitter(X): @KELINKenya.
For more information, please contact Elsie Milimu, Program Officer-SRHR,
Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV HIV/AIDS (KELIN),
Email: elsiemilimu@kelinkenya.org
