Last month, Child.org ran our first Pregnant Women’s Group (PWGs) training week for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Narok, Kenya. Given the high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the county, the sessions looked particularly at how CHPs can use PWGs to support pregnant teenagers and young mums.
Introduction to adolescent pregnancy in Narok
Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in Kenya, with far-reaching consequences for young mothers and their babies. In Narok County, the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy is alarmingly high at 28.1% (KDHS 2022), nearly twice the national average of 14.9%. This places Narok as the fourth highest county in the country for adolescent pregnancies.
Several underlying factors contribute to this crisis, including:
- Harmful socio-cultural practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
- Limited access to reproductive health services for adolescents.
- Lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in schools.
Without timely interventions, adolescent pregnancies will continue to fuel poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the county, as adolescents have unique vulnerabilities that make pregnancy and childbirth inherently riskier. Addressing this challenge requires community-driven solutions that are culturally appropriate and locally informed.
Empowering CHPs to lead change
To tackle this issue, we conducted a one-week intensive training for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Narok, focusing on facilitating Pregnant Women Groups (PWGs). This initiative aims to improve Maternal and Child Health (MCH) indicators by equipping CHPs with the knowledge and skills needed to support vulnerable mothers, including adolescent girls. CHPs operate at the grassroots level, making them essential in transforming maternal health outcomes. As trusted community members, they play a vital role in:
- Identifying vulnerable mothers and children who need support.
- Providing basic maternal and child health education within the community.
- Referring pregnant women to healthcare facilities for essential services.
- Following up to ensure continuity of care and support.
By investing in CHPs, we are strengthening the link between communities and healthcare systems, ensuring that adolescent mothers receive timely and appropriate care.
What the training covered
The training equipped CHPs with practical skills and knowledge on key maternal health topics, including:
By empowering CHPs, we are taking a critical step towards improving maternal health outcomes in Narok. These community-based interventions help bridge healthcare gaps, ensuring that vulnerable young mothers receive the care, education, and support they need.
However, sustainable change requires a collective effort. Beyond CHPs, we need stronger policies, increased funding, and community awareness campaigns to tackle the root causes of adolescent pregnancy.
Together, we can rewrite the narrative for young mothers in Narok and beyond.
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