KAKAMEGA

located in western region of Kenya where it borders Vihiga, Siaya, Bungoma, Transnzoia, Nandi and Uasingishu counties to the South, west, North and East respectively.

In Kakamega County, access to quality reproductive health services, as well as the fight against fistula, HIV, and gender-based violence, is a critical issue. These problems can have devastating impacts on individuals and communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty, illness, and social exclusion. Our organization is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the rights of individuals in Kakamega County to access safe and affordable reproductive health services, to be protected from gender-based violence, and to have access to the information and resources necessary to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Reproductive Health:

Reproductive health is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including access to family planning, prenatal care, safe delivery services, and comprehensive sexual education. However, many individuals in Kakamega County face significant barriers to accessing these services, including lack of information, cultural attitudes, and economic barriers. Our organization is working to increase access to reproductive health services for all individuals in Kakamega County, and to combat the root causes of poor reproductive health outcomes, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education.

Fistula:

Fistula is a devastating condition that affects many women in developing countries, including Kakamega County. It is a tear or hole in the birth canal that can cause severe incontinence and social isolation. Our organization is dedicated to raising awareness about fistula and advocating for increased access to treatment and support for women affected by this condition. We believe that all women deserve access to safe delivery services, and that fistula is a preventable and treatable condition.

HIV Prevention:

The HIV epidemic continues to pose a significant threat to individuals and communities in Kakamega County. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, many individuals remain at risk, and stigma and discrimination still prevent many from seeking testing and treatment. Our organization is working to increase access to HIV testing and prevention services, as well as to promote education and awareness about the disease and how it is transmitted. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from HIV and to have access to the information and resources necessary to prevent its spread.

Gender-Based Violence:

Gender-based violence is a pervasive problem in Kakamega County, affecting women and girls in particular. This violence can take many forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Our organization is dedicated to raising awareness about the issue, advocating for legal and policy changes to protect victims, and providing support and resources to those affected by gender-based violence. We believe that all individuals have the right to live free from violence and to be protected by the law.

Geographic demographics and Population;

The County has an area of 3,033.8 km2 and a population of 1,867,579 with 897,133 males and 970,406 females and 40 intersex persons as par 2019 census. There are 433,207 households with an average size of 4.3 persons per household and a population density of 618 people per square km.

Key Relevant indicators:

Kakamega has one county referral hospital (Kakamega County General Teaching & Referral Hospital), 12 sub-county hospitals, 47 health centres, 123 dispensaries and 44 clinics. Both private and public health facilities hold a total bed capacity of 3,949 with public sector having 2,338 beds and private hospitals 197 beds and mission/NGO is 1,414 beds capacity.
Kakamega County has a maternal mortality rate of 316 per 100,000 live births according to UNFPA report 2014 with an infant mortality rate of 40 per 1000 live births. Skilled deliveries in Kakamega stands at 65% while 54% of pregnant women attend atleast 4 ANC visits before delivery. 49% of women of reproductive age receive family planning commodities and services. The County has HIV prevalence of 4.0% lower than the national one that is at 5.9%

Projects WADADIA implements in this county:

Women and Development Against Distress in Africa (WADADIA) implements various programs within the county starting with The Action on fistula program, The HIV&AIDS program focusses on prevention of mother to child transmission, treatment and care, prevention programs for youth and female sex workers. Education support to bright underprivileged students and mentorship as well as youth empowerment programs are also implemented in the County.