Planning beneficial, official says

FAMILY planning and forms of contraception prevent unintended pregnancies, but more importantly, protects mothers and babies, an official says.
“In developing countries like Papua New Guinea, where we are facing one of the highest numbers of maternal and newborn deaths, family planning reinforces people’s rights to determine the number and spacing of their children,” World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Dr Luo Dapeng said.
Dapeng told The National that family planning reduced the need for abortions and also promoted the well-being and autonomy of women while supporting the health and development of communities.
“We can do more and do better in our advocacy for family planning and in promoting awareness on what contraceptives are available for couples,” he said.
Dapeng said there was a need to emphasise the advantages of family planning such as preventing pregnancy-related health risks, reducing infant mortality, helping to prevent HIV/AIDS, empowering people and enhancing education, reducing adolescent pregnancies and slowing population growth.
He said as with any public health issue, increasing public awareness required a collective effort from all sectors of society – health, education, private sector, non-government organisations, churches, the media and everyone who has an opportunity to share information.
“We need to make sure we equip parents and youths with enough options and tools to make decisions regarding family planning and contraception,” he said.
“Young people now, unlike those in my generation, have more access to information with the advent of internet, social media and other information-sharing platforms.
“Our role is to lead them to the right information to give them guidance on sexual and reproductive issues.”