Nairobi, Jan. 8 -- Kenya's sexual and reproductive health programmes have been dealt a severe blow in the latest foreign policy directive by the US government, putting the lives of millions, especially women and children, at risk.

The US on Wednesday announced that it would withdraw from 66 international organisations, including 31 UN entities.

Among the hardest hit is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), an agency that has become deeply embedded in Kenya's fight against teenage pregnancy, maternal mortality, and reproductive health inequity.

The reproductive health programmes in Kenya supported by UNFPA include family planning and contraceptive services, antenatal and maternal health care, HIV prevention for young people, pregn...