In 2021, Population Action International (PAI) initiated a project called UHC Engage. This multiyear advocacy project focuses on supporting champions of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in countries where governments are implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC)-oriented reforms. The countries included in this project are Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.

The main objective of UHC Engage is to collaborate with civil society partners to prioritize SRHR within the emerging UHC policies of these countries. PAI aims to ensure that SRHR is adequately addressed and integrated into the UHC framework, recognizing its importance in achieving comprehensive and equitable health care.

Additionally, PAI intends to share the lessons learned from local family planning (FP) advocacy efforts with the broader global UHC conversation. By disseminating these insights, PAI aims to contribute to the global understanding of the intersection between SRHR and UHC and to advocate for the inclusion of SRHR in UHC policies worldwide.

Through UHC Engage, PAI seeks to strengthen SRHR advocacy efforts in the target countries, promote the integration of SRHR within UHC policies, and advance the global dialogue on the importance of SRHR in achieving universal health coverage.

Family Planning in Kenya

Under the support of PAI, Access to Medicines Platform implemented the following interventions:

1. Conducted an analysis of the financing, supply chain, and procurement of family planning commodities in Kenya. The study, conducted in 2021, was validated by key players in family planning at the national and county levels. The findings were widely disseminated to support the prioritization of family planning commodity supply, improve quantification, and strengthen the implementation of Family Planning Costed Implementation Plans.
2. Supported community education and sensitization activities to commemorate World Contraceptive Day celebrations in Kakamega County. These activities aimed to raise awareness about contraceptive methods and promote family planning services within the community.
3. Undertook an analysis of the level of implementation of the Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan in Bungoma and Siaya counties, as well as three other counties. The analysis provided recommendations for actions needed to ensure the full implementation of the plans. This was done to support adequate domestic resource mobilization for Family Planning Commodities.
4. Supported the dissemination and launch of the 2nd edition of the Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) 2020-2025 in Kakamega County. The plan was shared with sub-county teams and civil society organization partners to enhance awareness and implementation.
5. Supported the development of the Kisumu Family Health Costed Operation Plan Framework. This framework provided a roadmap for programs and projects that would enhance the growth and performance of the health system in Kisumu, aligning with the strategic mandate outlined in the Kisumu County Health Sector Strategic and Investment Plan (KCHSSIP) 2015-2023 and County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).
6. Supported the revamping of Family Planning Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings in Kisumu and Kakamega Counties. These TWG meetings aimed to bring together stakeholders and experts in family planning to collaborate, share knowledge, and coordinate efforts to improve family planning services in the respective counties.

Through these interventions, Access to Medicines Platform aimed to strengthen the implementation of family planning programs, improve resource mobilization, enhance community awareness, and promote collaboration among stakeholders in the targeted counties.