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. 2023 Jun 6:4:1168297.
doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1168297. eCollection 2023.

Media advocacy in catalyzing actions by decision-makers: case study of the advance family planning initiative in Kenya

Irene Choge  1 , Rammah Mwalimu  1 , Sam Mulyanga  1 , Sally Njiri  1 , Beatrice Kwachi  1 , Susan Ontiri  2
Affiliations

Media advocacy in catalyzing actions by decision-makers: case study of the advance family planning initiative in Kenya

Irene Choge et al. Front Glob Womens Health. .

Abstract

Media can not only play a critical role in informing and educating the public on health issues, but it can make a powerful contribution to advocacy of public health matters. In Kenya, Advance Family Planning (AFP) initiative used this approach to further the country's progress in achieving family planning goals. This case study documents AFP experience in supporting media to engage leaders and decision-makers on the need to unlock bureaucratic bottlenecks that limit success of family planning services. AFP's media efforts added weight to the work of advocates who push for increased political commitments and investments in family planning. Media advocacy efforts helped catalyze actions by decision-makers across Kenya-focusing on strengthening accessibility and availability of contraceptive methods and fast-tracking implementation of policy actions to address adolescent pregnancy. Media advocacy efforts contributed to advancing family planning initiatives in the country. Media advocacy should be a key pillar of family planning programs and of other sectors.

Keywords: Kenya; advocacy; family planning; media; media advocacy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Kenya map showing AFP Media intervention counties.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Number of FP advocacy stories aired or published by trained journalists.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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