Reproductive health initiative launched

120 population welfare centres established in ex-Fata

PESHAWAR:

The K-P government has initiated efforts for reproductive health and gender equality.

During a seminar on World Population Day held in Peshawar, Advisor to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Caretaker Chief Minister, Syed Jarrar Hussain Bukhari, highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Population Welfare Department.

The department has established 260 new Family Welfare Centres in various districts, along with 120 in the merged districts of former Fata. Additionally, a new Regional Training Institute (RTI) will be established in Bannu to cater to the needs of the southern districts.

To strengthen the legal framework for family planning and reproductive health, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Reproductive Health Care Rights Act 2020 has been enacted. This act aims to protect reproductive health care and rights, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and empower individuals to make decisions about their families.

The seminar, attended by key officials and representatives including Secretary Population Welfare Asghar Ali and Director General Population Welfare Ayesha Ehsan, focused on the role of women in development and population planning in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Secretary Welfare Asghar Ali expressed gratitude to the participants and highlighted the significance of World Population Day in raising awareness about the impact of population growth on society. He underscored the theme of this year’s event, “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities.”

Bukhari discussed the ongoing programs and achievements of the department, emphasizing the government’s commitment to balance family size with available resources. He highlighted the importance of parents’ right to make informed decisions about the number and spacing of their children and the responsibility of the government and society to ensure universal access to family planning information and services.

Bukhari also mentioned the establishment of fourteen youth-friendly health centers, focusing on youth participation in healthy activities and addressing their psychological well-being. Additionally, a pre-marriage counseling program has been initiated to promote healthy and stable marriages.

The speakers emphasized the power of gender equality by encouraging women’s active involvement in politics and decision-making processes. They stressed the importance of providing equal opportunities for education, employment, and access to quality healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services, to unlock the potential of gender equality.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2023.