K82m eyed for family planning

By GYNNIE KERO
GOVERNMENT needs to invest about K82.6 million over eight years to reach the committed contraceptive prevalence rate of 45 per cent by 2024, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
An analysis shows that the country is falling short of its family planning commitments.
During World Population Day in Port Moresby yesterday, UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional health economist Anderson Stanciole urged the government to increase investment in this area.
Stanciole said family planning services were a good investment by the Government.
The analysis shows that every kina spent on family planning results in up to K1.3 in healthcare savings.
Between 2017 and 2024, K82.6 million will be needed to reach the committed contraceptive prevalence rate of 45 per cent.
It is expected to prevent an estimated 1,229,000 “unintended pregnancies” and 1452 maternal deaths.
The cumulative net healthcare cost savings is estimated at K103.9 million.
Health Minister Sir Puka Temu said investment in this area would save cost with fewer mothers dying.
He said everyone should have access to voluntary family planning service.
He said the information about the service should be delivered to communities, especially young couples “using simple language”.
Sir Puka thanked political leaders who were addressing health issues in their electorates.