Celebrating Progress: Community Engagement for Family Planning in Lusaka
In a vibrant display of community spirit and public health awareness, Kalingalinga Clinic in Lusaka celebrated World Contraceptive Day through a series of community sensitization activities. The initiative, aimed at promoting understanding and access to family planning methods, has garnered significant attention and participation, showcasing the clinic’s commitment to empowering families with knowledge.
Chisuwa Kapumba, the Facility In-Charge at Kalingalinga Clinic, enthusiastically shared, “This week has been pivotal as we engage the community in important discussions about family planning. Our outreach programs are not just about providing contraceptives; they’re about fostering an environment where families can thrive.” With over 50 individuals seeking contraceptives during this week’s events, it’s clear that the message is resonating.
Despite this positive engagement, challenges remain. Hellen Manda, a Contraceptive Provider at the clinic, noted that male involvement in family planning discussions is still limited. “This week, only two women were accompanied by their partners to seek contraceptives,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for greater male participation in these essential health conversations.
Feedback from the community has been encouraging. Edina Chishala, a Kalingalinga resident, urged other women to consider family planning for better child spacing, saying, “It helps parents create a nurturing environment for raising their children.” Such voices emphasize the collective desire for healthier family dynamics within the community.
In another significant stride towards enhancing youth health, Petauke Day Secondary School reported a remarkable decrease in teen pregnancy cases among its students. School Head Teacher Elita Salanga revealed that the school has witnessed a drastic reduction from 34 pregnancy cases in 2021 to just three or four this year. This achievement is attributed to dedicated interventions from the Zambian government and supportive organizations like the Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA).
“Thanks to various capacity-building initiatives we’ve received, we’ve seen a substantial drop in teen pregnancies—an 80 percent decrease for my school specifically,” Salanga noted proudly. Her insights highlight the critical impact of educational programs on youth outcomes.
Adding to these efforts, Elijah Nsonge, the Petauke District Child Protection Coordinator for Save the Children, announced the installation of water reticulation systems in over 21 schools. This development not only promotes health and sanitation but also supports educational stability, aiming to combat issues like teen pregnancy and child marriage effectively.
Finally, Eastern Province’s Senior Child Development Officer, Glentwyn Chinjili, commended the collaborative efforts of various departments in implementing vital child protection programs, which play a crucial role in safeguarding the wellbeing of vulnerable children.
These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to health and education in Zambia, fostering an environment where families can thrive. It’s a comprehensive approach that highlights the importance of community engagement in addressing public health issues.
As Zambia continues to pave the way for progressive change, the combined efforts in family planning, education, and child protection offer a promising outlook for the youth and families in the region.
