Integrating Reproductive Health, Family Planning and HIV/AIDS Services: Can It Work?

Pierre Ngom, Family Health International
Cathy Toroitich Ruto, Family Health International
Maureen Kuyoh, Family Health International
Ndugga Maggwa, Family Health International

In 2001, the Kenya Ministry of Health (KMOH) designed an integrated service delivery approach – AMKENI - to respond to the recent fertility stall and upward trends in mortality observed in Kenya. Implemented in Western and Coast provinces of Kenya, AMKENI operates through three main strategies: a) improving the capacity of health facilities to provide quality, integrated reproductive health and HIV/AIDS services; b) promoting healthier behaviors and use of services; and c) strengthening the KMOH’s decentralized training and supervision. This paper evaluates AMKENI achievements over the 2001-2004 period. Data are from a 2004 random sample survey covering 2,010 households, 2,117 women 15-49, and 34 health facilities in AMKENI and non-AMKENI areas. This evaluation points to significant improvements in the quality of care at AMKENI facilities. It also demonstrates that there were substantial positive changes in family planning, HIV/AIDS preventive behavior, and safe motherhood practices among women involved in AMKENI activities.