Strategies for effective family planning urged

Workshop encourages participants to spread awareness

RAWALPINDI:

A three-day family planning workshop held in Rawalpindi underscored the critical need for embracing innovative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of family planning.

The event emphasised seeking support from religious scholars (ulemas) to promote family planning at the union council level. It further highlighted the need to provide comprehensive and cost-free family planning services. Simultaneously, concerns were raised regarding the current and potential future impacts of inflation, employment challenges, healthcare issues and the overall quality of life for the growing population residing in Rawalpindi and Gujranwala districts.

The workshop was organised under 'The Challenges Initiative' and ‘Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn and Child Health’ (IRMNCH) in which a master trainer along with representatives of the family planning team of the Department of Health imparted knowledge to the participants.

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Workshop participants were alerted to the alarming population growth rate in Rawalpindi and Gujranwala districts, which has given rise to a perilous situation. In light of this, it is imperative to introduce innovation into the existing family planning approach.

Moreover, couples should receive education regarding its benefits after the birth of their first child. Moreover, the establishment of a proactive family planning team at the union council level is essential to furnish newly-wed couples with valuable family planning guidance.

Workshop attendees were apprised that the escalating population growth stands as the primary catalyst for the ongoing and uncontrollable challenges such as surging inflation, unemployment, health issues and educational concerns.

During the workshop, it was elucidated that the recent census data had brought significant focus to this pressing issue, rendering it unavoidable. It was stressed that, at the union council level, the residents of Rawalpindi and Gujranwala districts should be well-informed about family planning and all necessary family planning services and guidelines should be provided to them free of charge.

Furthermore, the workshop also advocated for a significant change in the marriage ceremony (Nikkah) by making it mandatory for individuals embarking on a new married life. Nikkah Khawans (officiators) should administer an oath to the newlyweds, emphasising their commitment to the concept of a ‘prosperous family with fewer children’ in addition to offering counselling on family planning.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th, 2023.