Family planning strengthens livelihood, official says

FAMILY planning is important in shaping the lives of people and strengthening livelihoods in the country, an official says.
Oil Search Foundation provincial development manager Jenny Alpa said access to safe, voluntary family planning was a human right.
World Population Day was celebrated by officials from Oil Search, Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Health Department, United Nations Population Fund and Marie Stopes in Port Moresby.
Alpa said the foundation put a strong emphasis on family planning activities.
Marie Stopes has been working with the foundation for a year, reaching out to some of the most remote villages in Southern Highlands and Gulf.
“This included provision of implants, Depo injections and oral contraceptives for women and vasectomies for men,” Alpa said.
“By working with the community and understanding their needs, we have seen a significant increase in the demand for family planning services.
“Men in particular are coming forward to share the responsibility for reproductive health.”
World Population Day was on July 11.