We work in rural East Africa where access to health information and services is limited, and where there is very little or no public transport.
Communities are often patriarchal and women and girls are often unable to make decisions about their own health and bodies. There is a high unmet need for family planning, with early marriage, teenage pregnancy and female genital mutilation (FGM) still prevalent in many areas.
Communities are often heavily dependent on natural resources for their lives and livelihoods, with pressure on these resources is growing in many areas. The burden of responsibility falls heavily on women – from collecting water and firewood, to cooking and raising children.
There are additional pressures in communities where people and wildlife are living in close proximity and human-wildlife conflict can result.
Patients gather at an outreach clinic along the Tana River in Kenya, organised by our local partner, CHAT
The health challenges women face
Poor access to healthcare services
Remote, rural communities are far from health clinics, which often have limited services. High rates of maternal and child mortality are part of everyday life.
Limited information and education about health
Communities that are marginalised lack crucial health information, especially concerning women's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Access to such information is vital for public health.
Women and girls are not able to realise their rights
In patriarchal societies, women lack autonomy in sexual and reproductive health decisions. Home births, without medical assistance are usual and without access to contraception, unwanted pregnancies can lead to unsafe abortions and longer term health complications.
Limited or no sex education is available
Limited sex education and male-dominated cultures leave girls uninformed about sexual and reproductive health. Teen pregnancies pose serious health risks and disrupt education. Preventing unwanted pregnancies allows girls to complete their education and look forward to a brighter future.
Unmet need for family planning
Rural women face many barriers when accessing family planning, such as distance to clinics and expense. Stock-outs and limited contraception options also hinder access. There is limited information on contraception and its potential side effects.
Heavy workload increases health challenges
Women bear the burden of household jobs, often walking long distances to collect water and the firewood required for daily cooking. With food to grow and children to look after, it is no wonder health issues are a constant challenge.
‘Health is determined less by medicine and more by social inequality and access to education’
Sir Michael Marmot
Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health
University College London