New reproductive health hotline launched in Kenya

Kenyan activists launched a hotline in Nairobi called "Aunty Jane”. This hotline shares information about how women can safely have an abortion using misoprostol, and to prevent post-partum hemorrhage (PPH – dangerous bleeding after giving birth). Women on Waves, Women on Web and activists from Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda supported the hotline launch, which uses software from Freedom Fone, a Zimbawean open-source initiative. Since the launch 2 weeks ago the hotline received over 50 calls.

Unsafe abortion and post-partum hemorrhage are the main causes of maternal mortality in Kenya, so this hotline could save thousands of lives every year.

To reach Aunty Jane, call:

- 0727101919
 (Safaricom)

- 0753700352 (Yu)

Aunty Jane Hotline is an Interactive Voice Response system, meaning women can access information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in English and Swahili. Aunty June gives information on PPH prevention, contraception, unwanted pregnancy and abortion, among other sexual and reproductive health topics. Because abortion is a very stigmatized topic, the launch of this public hotline is an important step forward. Callers can leave a message or sms and get a call back from a trained operator if they have specific questions or want to speak with someone.

In Kenya, one in 38 women dies from pregnancy-related causes. Unsafe abortion rates in Kenya are among the world's highest, where at least 35% of maternal deaths are caused by unsafe abortion. The unmet need for contraception and the stigma associated with abortion contribute greatly to these statistics. According to 2008-2009 data, more than 40% of births in Kenya are unplanned.

For more info:

http://auntyjanehotline.weebly.com

For information about misoprostol:

http://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/702/in-collection/514/how-to-do-an-abortion-with-pills

(Available in Swahili)

Resources: http://www.womenonwaves.org/sw/page/1015/safe-birth-with-misoprostol