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This story of Moyale is a hit. Community health workers are trying to spread the message of family planning but they are facing strong resistance. The main reason is religious teachings, local culture and politicians who encourage people to have children without brakes so that the population can increase.
Data from Moyale Hospital says that Heilu ward has 6,800 women but only 22 are planning their families. And of those, only two have been given permission by their husbands. In other words, planning has become very difficult for women in the area.
Mr Abdi Gadallo, a health worker and father of four, decided to be an example. He allowed his wife to plan her family and said he wanted to get rid of the negative concept of family planning. But the family is enduring ridicule and scorn from the community who say the move is a joke.
On the ground, politicians are fueling tribal rivalry. Each leader wants his people to be more so that they can get votes. There they encourage giving birth without breathing. As a result, cases of women being divorced have been high. In other words, family planning has become politics and local pressure instead of being a family's health choice.
Data from Moyale Hospital says that Heilu ward has 6,800 women but only 22 are planning their families. And of those, only two have been given permission by their husbands. In other words, planning has become very difficult for women in the area.
Mr Abdi Gadallo, a health worker and father of four, decided to be an example. He allowed his wife to plan her family and said he wanted to get rid of the negative concept of family planning. But the family is enduring ridicule and scorn from the community who say the move is a joke.
On the ground, politicians are fueling tribal rivalry. Each leader wants his people to be more so that they can get votes. There they encourage giving birth without breathing. As a result, cases of women being divorced have been high. In other words, family planning has become politics and local pressure instead of being a family's health choice.
