Reproductive health campaign launched

Hyderabad The Family Planning Association of India (FPA India), a leading national NGO, has launched a nationwide campaign 'Youth Dialogue-A perspective on FP 2020' to create awareness on 'Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for all.'

The campaign intends to mobilise the young population of India residing in various cities, towns, slums and villages and initiate conversation to understand their access to information and services related to sexual and reproductive health.

India has more than 50 per cent of its population below the age of 25 and more than 65 per cent below the age of 35. According to FPA India data, in 2018, the number of females (under the age of 25 years) who availed abortion services is 74,871, whereas 1,60,076 number of males (under the age of 25 years) took general counseling from FPAI on Family planning and contraception. The data also reveal that 1,58,117 number of females (under the age of 25 years) took oral contraceptive pills (OCP).

Dr Kalpana Apte, Secretary General and CEO of Family Planning Association of India, said, "Around 1.8 billion youngsters are entering to their reproductive years in the country. Hence, it's necessary to not just work closely with all government and private bodies, but also get young people's attention towards their own sexual and reproductive health.

It is also important for the youth to have access to proper information and clarity about the issues they are facing or will be facing in their lives. We at FPA India work towards creating an enabling environment for youth to get care and protection while seeking sexual and reproductive healthcare, counseling and services".

The campaign will be concluded by submitting a state wise report card which will put together the findings reflecting the voices of young people and multiple other stakeholders. These report cards would then be presented to the Government of India and further discussed at a national-level consultation in the New Delhi.