Stronger Together

Harmonization by GUSO partners in the Western Alliance region.

The GET UP Speak Out Programme is a five year programme implemented by 10 members of the Kenya SRHR Alliance members. One of the five principles guiding the implementation of the programme is known as the multicomponent approach (MCA). Various partners in the Alliance have expertise/specialization in different outcome areas (objectives). The GUSO programme, therefore, was designed in such a way that partners complement each other in the implementation of the different aspects of the programme. One of the activities to achieve this principle is joint community outreaches and conversations. KMET partnered with the Western Alliance partners to conduct two mega joint activities in Kisumu in 2019 during the Menstrual Hygiene day and the World contraception day.

Prior to the material days, planning meetings were held with the partners and another jointly with the County and Sub-County Health Management Teams. During the planning meetings, partners had a chance to discuss and agree upon various issues including: venue, target group, types of services to be provided and the number of service providers, commodities and supplies, mobilization of various participants, budget, program for the day among other issues. Activities during the joint events included; RH service provision, advocacy sessions, community conversations and review meeting with partners.

A total of 1172 (MHM 841and WCD 331) participants attended and participated during the 2 events. 518 young people received various SRH services during the joint activities. Generally SRHR information, referral and service provision was done by the Ministry of Health service providers at the link health facilities i.e. cancer screening, family planning, counselling and consultations on contraceptives, Condoms distribution and general curative services

The event was a great success and we wish to do better in future events. With all humility, we say partnership and teamwork is Key in Ministry of health, We seriously acknowledge our esteemed partners as follows, SRHR Alliance, MOH, KMET ,NAYA, FHOK, TICH, ADS NYANZA, WOFAK

Florence, RH Coordinator Kisumu Central Sub county

CHALLENGES

Inadequate and early planning and resource mobilization from partners. MOH solely depending on partners for support.

KEY LESSONS LEARNT

Providing platforms for different stakeholders has helped us to learn on what their position are regarding their sexuality. Anglican has actively engaged in communicating about sexuality

The Sub-counties are ready for partnership with other stakeholders in addressing SRH for the young people especially in outreaches

There is need for continuous structured partnership in order to address the poor reproductive health indicators among the young people

The approach of reaching 10-15 years old (hard to reach) is emerging as the focus through functions such as outreach.

Mobilization using community structures such as Community Health Volunteers and local administrators is an appropriate strategy for reaching many young people

Multicomponent approach based partnership strengthen services delivery for young people e.g. expanded outreach (MOH, TICH, KMET, NAYA, FHOK, ADS NYANZA, CHU)