Group urges clergy to back contraceptive use to curb early pregnancy, HIV

Religious leaders have been challenged to support the use of contraceptives to curb the high cases of early pregnancies and HIV/Aids.

The church has been campaigning against the use of contraceptives, terming it a taboo while a section of the clergy has avoided debate on sexual reproductive health.

However, organisations championing reproductive health and university students have claimed that without support from Christian and Muslim leaders, cases of teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS will continue to rise.

Data from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) shows that by 2024, more than 1.3 million people were living with HIV/Aids.

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Martin Lunalo, the Executive Director Reproductive Health Champion Organisation, said the youths need information and access to comprehensive sexual reproductive health services.

Lunalo called on the church to stop shying away from sexual reproductive topics in a bid to ensure the youths are well informed and stay safe.

“Churches and Mosques will be empty if youths die of HIV/Aids or if they are stigmatised because of cases of early pregnancies,” said Lunalo.

He noted that the same clergy who are afraid to address the use of contraceptives tell parents not to abandon their children and even offer homes for the abandoned victims but at the same time do not ensure the girls are safe.

“The church needs to do civic education and organise seminars and training for teenagers to ensure they have information and protect themselves. As they preach abstinence, they should also recognise the situation we are in,” he said.

Lunalo said lack of support from the clergy has contributed to the shortage of contraceptives in universities as the government is not pushed to provide the same.

He regretted that the withdrawal of the USAID has affected services including those offered to HIV/Aids patients, young mothers, victims of gender-based violence (triple threat), among others.

Lunalo urged the religious leaders to support the Bill which will ensure counties allocate funds to curb the triple threat.

Pastor Javan Chiteri called on the society to be open and discuss health matters including those previously termed as taboo.

“Parents should speak to their children because they are exposed to the internet and if they are not guided, they end up messing up their lives,” he said.

Further, he called for sexual education to be expanded in schools and urged churches and schools to support teenage mothers instead of isolating them.

“Let the religious leaders embrace contraceptives because our children are exposed to what was a taboo before,” he said.

Livia Bosibori, said students, who are sexually active, lack contraceptives and knowledge on how to protect themselves.

She urged the government to support school clubs that advocate for the health rights of teenagers.

Hafsa Ondieki urged the MPs and MCAs to pass legislation that will improve sexual and reproductive health rights.

She said religious leaders including the Muslims have a lot of influence on youth and need to be on the forefront to ensure their safety.