This is one of the practical measures included in WHO’s latest guidelines to ensure continuity of family planning services during epidemics. family planning handbookkicked off at the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP 2022) in Thailand on Tuesday.
The world’s population reached 8 billion by Tuesday, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
UNFPA Executive Director Dr Natalia Kenham said at the opening of the ICFP conference on Monday, “Eight Billion is a success story. It’s a story of people living longer, healthier lives, more resilient and effective.” It’s the story of a healthy healthcare system and the story of more women and babies surviving childbirth.”
Pandemic Disruption
However, in the first months of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, “about 70% of the country Confusion reported Affecting these critical services increases the risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections,” said WHO.
Its handbook details practical measures to support family planning services during the epidemic, including “wider access to self-administered contraceptives and direct distribution of contraceptives through pharmacies.”
According to the WHO, the progestin-only contraceptive drug, medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), can now be safely injected just under the skin instead of in the muscle, making it easier to self-administer.
Many women prefer an injectable contraceptive that is personal, non-intrusive, and lasts two to three months.
“The latest recommendations in this handbook demonstrate that nearly all family planning methods can be safely used by all women, and therefore all women have access to a range of options that meet their unique needs and goals in life. It shows that we need to be able to access it,” said Dr. Mary Gaffield. , scientist and first author of the handbook.
“By providing family planning services safely and affordably, couples and individuals can choose from safe and effective family planning methods wherever they live.”
In a video message to the IFPC opening ceremony, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Quality family planning and reproductive health and rights are essential components of universal health coverage and primary health care.”
“Family planning is also key to achieving development goals such as education, food security, economic prosperity and even climate change. We are working around the world to help countries implementing their planning programs,” he added.
The 2022 edition of the handbook includes people living in areas with high HIV prevalence, multiple sexual partners and regular partners living with HIV.
It also incorporates the latest WHO guidance on cervical cancer and precancer. prevention, screening, treatmentall of which can be provided through family planning services. management sexually transmitted disease Family planning in post-abortion care.
The WHO Family Planning Handbook, now in its fourth edition, is the world’s most widely used reference guide on the topic, with over one million copies distributed or downloaded to date. This is complemented by the Medical Eligibility Criteria Tool for Contraceptive Use. Dedicated app.
Image credit: Reproductive Health Goods Coalition/ Unsplash.
Combat infodemics in health information and support health policy reports from the global south. Our growing network of journalists in Africa, Asia, Geneva and New York connects the dots between local realities and the big global debate with evidence-based, open-access news and analysis. To make a personal or organizational donation, click here on PayPal.
