ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has emphasized the role of media and religious scholars to guide the masses on reproductive health, which he believed, was essential not only for mother and child’s health but also the national development.
The president made these remarks while addressing the International Donor Conference on Population Dynamics and Family Planning. He also laid emphasis to ensure the availability and delivery of contraceptives.
He said conveying the message to the women and girls was of utmost importance to make them know the vitality of the issue and its relevance to their lives.
He said the economic stability could also help change thinking of producing more children to make them an earning hand for the family. He said the haphazard population growth burdened the economy, also making it difficult for the government to extend facilities.
The president also called for an effective awareness campaign on reproductive health, exemplifying the role of media and Ulema to guide the people to observe anti-COVID SOPs.
Calling for providing a secure environment to girls at educational institutes, he said the empowerment of women could enhance country’s GDP by 23-30%.
He reiterated Islamic teachings of breastfeeding the child which was also now being advocated by the global health institutions, advising the mothers to only breastfeed the child at least for six months.
He said the availability of contraceptives was essential as almost half the women get pregnant against their desire. The president said, as the purchase of contraceptives usually involves some shyness, it could be made available along with other medicines to be supplied by lady health workers.
He said besides ensuring availability, the government should also promote the use of injectable contraceptives for long-term use. Alvi said in order to achieve the desired results out of its agenda, the government would have to recognize the issue, own it, mobilize resources and then act as per the defined time limit.
President Alvi said the effective handling of the COVID situation had proved the nation’s strength which could emerge stronger in its efforts for family planning.
He said the provision of education and health facilities were highly essential for any nation to prosper.
The speakers including the high commissioners and representatives of partnering organisations highly appreciated the government’s agenda on family planning. They particularly spoke high of President Arif Alvi for speaking up on the crucial subject openly which otherwise had been a taboo in the society.
