Involving men in maternal health for better results

In most societies reproductive health is primarily a women’s concern.

Either due to lack of information or out of the belief that bringing up children is a women’s affair, men shy awayfrom involvement in maternal and child health activities and family planning.But they are not solely to blame since most reproductive health overlooking men.

Annually there are 1.2 million deliveries in Kenya. With HIV prevalence of seven per cent in women of reproductive age, 84,000 infants are exposed to HIV, with about 33,000 (40 per cent) likely to become infected without interventions. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV accounts for 90 per cent of all paediatric infections, says Pathfinder International Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) program me manager, Dr Dominic Karanja.

The role of men in decision-making in most homes is significant and therefore their involvement in reproductive health decisions cannot be overemphasised. It is this realisation that has led Pathfinder to start a pilot project that involves men in the organisation’s PMTCT project. Mathare North Health Centre was selected as the first facility focused on targeting a woman and her spouse in maternal child health services. "This unique activity encourages the involvement of men in every stage of their partner’s maternal health care," says Ms Alice Mwai, the deputy nursing officer in charge at the health centre:

She says men are the breadwinners in majority of homes and, therefore, they are needed to back any financial obligations for PMTCT, including delivery and infant feeding.

Pathfinder International initiated male involvement two years ago. "Men need to understand the health requirements of a pregnant woman and what support is needed," explains Ms Mwai, adding that the health of the man during this time affects the baby either directly or indirectly.

This Saturday as the world marks the World Contraceptive Day men are being encouraged to accompany their spouses at the MCH clinic.

A common grievance by men is that they can hardly spare time during the week to attend the clinics, as they are busy eking out a living. Now they have no excuse, as women accompanied by their male partners will served first.

 

 

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