Equity in Care

PSI believes in equal access to care for every woman, man and child regardless of income level or location.

Our family planning and reproductive health services are improving the lives of families in 36 developing countries. In many countries, PSI operates franchise networks that provide a range of quality health care services, training and support to local providers. We expand access to informed choice through a variety of contraceptive methods and coordinate mobile outreach and special service events to reach the under-served. Our programs encompass maternal health interventions including: prevention of unsafe abortion and post-partum hemorrhage, post-abortion care, and promoting facility-based deliveries.

BREAKING BARRIERS TO ACCESS IN CAMEROON: The Story of Kono Cecile

My name is Kono Cecilie. I am 38 years old, and I live in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with my two youngest children.

Fifteen years ago, I became pregnant with my oldest child, but she lives in Gabon with her father. I visit her when I can save the money. I work as a migrant farmer, tending fields outside of Yaoundé for a week each month. It’s not a steady income, but I’m able to sell some vegetables at the market and feed my children.

Three months ago, I gave birth to my fourth child. It’s hard to provide for him and my other children, so I’ve decided I don’t want to have any more right now. My friend told me about the implant she has that will protect against pregnancy for up to five years. I’ve used condoms and the pill before, but I’ve never been able to use anything regularly. And implants seemed too expensive.

Recently, my friend told me that Association Camerounaise pour le Marketing Social (ACMS) was going to offer free family planning services at a clinic in my neighborhood. I went to the clinic and met Nurse Djomo Odette. She explained all of my family planning options. In the end, I chose the Jadelle implant just like my friend. Now I know I have at least five years before I get pregnant again, which means I can focus on providing for my children. I want more for them than what I had — I want them to get an education and have a career. Now I think this is possible.

WOMEN ON THE FRONTLINES: AGNES PHIRI
Agnes Phiri Kornikova, Aggie for short, is a midwife for Society for Family Health, PSI's affiliate in Zambia. She has been a midwife for 34 years in Zambia's eastern province. Aggie provides family planning counseling and insertion of long-acting reversible contraception, namely intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. She educates women and men in a positive and engaging manner, through dancing, singing and by open talking conversation. Watch Aggie in action during a day at the Kwengue clinic in Zambia's Eastern province. She and her colleague are responsible for providing health services in six high-volume clinics in the province.

Click on the photos below to see a slideshow about Aggie.