Call for family planning

Experts highlight need for greater access to contraceptives

ISLAMABAD:

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Coalition on Population has emphasised the urgent need for coordinated action to address critical gaps in family planning (FP) and reproductive health services across Pakistan.

The CSOs Coalition had a meeting which was organised by the Population Council with support from UNFPA. During which, it highlighted innovative approaches, community mobilisation strategies, and legislative advocacy as key priorities to advance family planning and population management.

Addressing service gaps and expanding access, participants underscored the importance of improving access to family planning services in underserved areas by leveraging mobile facilities and strengthening service delivery systems. They called for immediate action to address supply chain challenges and ensure the availability of contraceptives at public facilities. Advocacy for universal family planning coverage was stressed, with an emphasis on scaling up high-impact practices (HIPs) and enhancing the role of Lady Health Workers (LHWs).

The coalition further advocated for a collective voice to push for key legislation, including the Family Planning and Reproductive Health Bill, Early Child Marriage Bill and Pre-Marital Counselling Bill. There was also a call to integrate FP into primary healthcare, maternal health and child nutrition policies. It urged provincial and national governments to prioritise these issues and involve parliamentarians, religious scholars, and the media to build support.

Speakers highlighted the lack of availability of contraceptives for the private sector and non-governmental organisations in provinces such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They stressed the need for improved donor coordination, better synchronisation between provincial organisations and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of policies.

Additionally, they pointed out the need to remove barriers such as taxation on contraceptive commodities and ensure timely legislation.