Dhammika Perera’s Post

🌍💡 How does #Contraception & #ReproductiveHealthEducation (RHE) intersect to impacts population health (especially young people's health) ? In #WestAfrica, the intersection of contraception and reproductive health education is essential for improving population health. Addressing the barriers to contraceptive access and ensuring comprehensive reproductive health education for all (especially young people and women) can lead to transformative health outcomes. By tackling the root causes of unmet contraceptive need and expanding RHE, governments and policymakers in the region can reduce maternal mortality, prevent adolescent pregnancies, and contribute to long-term societal and economic growth. On that note, Ghana SRHR Alliance for Young People seeks to convene a regional platform of expertise in a #webinar in commemoration of the World Contraception Day on September 26, 2024. The webinar focuses on raising crucial awareness about the significance of safe and accessible contraception for everyone, irrespective of #gender, #age, or #socioeconomic status. This special day serves as a global call to ensure reproductive health choices for all, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. Join us for an engaging webinar on September 2️⃣ 6️⃣ th, 2️⃣ 0️⃣ 2️⃣ 4️⃣ to learn more. #WorldContraceptionDay #ReproductiveHealth Register here: https://lnkd.in/d_zmx8je

Lessons Learned from SRHR Summit 1.0 - World Contraception Day 2024: Addressing Stigma and Improving Access to Reproductive Health Services (Part 2) During the SRHR Summit 1.0, I gained key insights on how stigma impacts access to reproductive health services, particularly for young girls. Here are the main takeaways: 1. Addressing Stigma is Crucial: Tackling the stigma around reproductive health is vital for improving access to care. Encouraging open discussions can help dispel misconceptions and empower individuals to seek the services they need. 2. Recognizing Individual Stories: Every individual’s experience is unique, especially for young girls who face societal pressures and personal challenges. Listening to their stories is critical for developing effective support systems and interventions. 3. Importance of Comprehensive Education: Providing thorough sexual and reproductive health education empowers young people to make informed decisions. Education plays a key role in dispelling myths and promoting healthier behaviours. 4. Community Engagement Matters: Engaging community leaders, healthcare providers, and families creates a supportive environment for change. This fosters healthier attitudes toward reproductive health and increases service access. 5. Advocacy for Rights: Advocacy for the rights of young girls and marginalized groups is essential for fostering a more equitable society. Empowering individuals to understand and assert their rights can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes. 6. Building Support Networks: Creating support networks for young girls offers them resources and guidance to navigate challenges. These networks provide safe spaces for discussion, support, and healing. #Tobasewo #SRHRSummit #ReproductiveHealth #GirlsRights #CommunityAdvocacy #WorldContraceptionDay2024 #WCD2024

Who Should Be Responsible for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Education? When it comes to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education, the question of who should take responsibility is crucial. While some may argue that schools, the internet, or peers should be the primary sources of information, I firmly believe that parents and guardians should be the first point of contact. In my experience counseling adolescents, I've observed that peers and the internet are often their initial sources of SRHR information. However, this can be problematic, as they may struggle to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate information. This highlights the need for parents to take an active role in educating their children about SRHR. Parents should approach SRHR education in a factual and holistic manner, avoiding fear-based or coercive tactics. Instead, they should provide balanced information, including both pros and cons, to help their children make informed decisions. This approach allows parents to instill their family values while also promoting critical thinking and autonomy. Ultimately, parents and guardians should not leave SRHR education to chance. By taking responsibility for providing comprehensive and accurate information, they can help their children develop healthy attitudes and behaviors regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

Are men ready for new contraceptive options? Our portfolio company, Contraline asked men about their desire for new birth control methods. Check out this video to hear from the men advocating for innovation in contraception and reproductive equality!

💙Join us in our commitment to #PrioritizeChildandAdolescentHealth! 💙 Key recommendations to Policymakers, Health and Education Authorities and NGOs regarding teenage sexual and reproductive health are: 🌟Comprehensive Sexual Education: Put Sexual and Reproductive health on the training agenda for healthcare providers and Educators. Train to provide accurate sexual and reproductive health education in schools including pregnancy and STI prevention. 🌟Youth-friendly Healthcare: Ensure access to free, youth-friendly healthcare and early multidisciplinary care. 🌟Free Contraception: Advocate for free access to contraception for adolescents. 🌟Support and Anti-stigmatization: Support adolescent parents with employment, education, training, shelters, parental rights info, and anti-stigmatization campaigns. 🌍 Governments need to invest in and support their healthcare workers to provide the best possible service to #ProtectFutureGenerations. European Commission WHO Regional Office for Europe Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation #wshd2024 #youthHealth #healthEducation Read more: https://lnkd.in/diXUzJUj https://lnkd.in/dfV3DWS6

Today, on #WorldContraceptionDay, we recognize the vital importance of ensuring access to contraception and reproductive health services for all, particularly young women and adolescent girls. Contraception is not just about preventing unintended pregnancies; it's about giving individuals the power to plan their futures, pursue their goals, and make informed decisions about their health and well-being. In communities where I work, especially among vulnerable Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), access to contraception is key to breaking cycles of poverty, reducing gender-based violence, and promoting economic empowerment. When young women can control their reproductive health, they are more likely to complete their education, engage in entrepreneurship, and build financially independent lives. Let’s continue to raise awareness, provide education, and advocate for policies that support reproductive rights and health equity. Because empowering women with choices today shapes a more equitable and prosperous tomorrow. #ReproductiveHealth #Contraception #YouthEmpowerment #AGYW #WorldContraceptionDay2024 #WomenEmpowerment

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐛-𝐒𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡? A recent study by Turnwait Michael, PhD Otu Michael et al. reveals a startling statistic: 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓.𝟒% 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟓 𝐬𝐮𝐛-𝐒𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Namibia leads with 60.5%, while Chad falls behind at 4%. Over 90% of these countries record less than 50% contraceptive use. The study emphasizes a strong link between education and contraceptive use. Adolescent girls with higher education are eight times more likely to use contraception than those without formal schooling. However, cultural barriers and poverty continue to hinder access, 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝟔𝟔% 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬. Governments must act swiftly, ensuring universal access to contraceptive services and mass education campaigns to bridge this gap. This study isn’t just a wake-up call—it’s a call to action for policymakers, educators, and health advocates across the region. Tolulope Funmilola Ojo Olasupo Ijabadeniyi Oni James Olukayode Luchuo Engelbert Bain

Contraception is more than just birth control -- it's a vital tool for promoting health, gender and equality. September 26 celebrates World Contraception Day, which is dedicated to educating the public on contraceptives and helping them make informed decisions on their sexual and reproductive health. It's especially important given the current political climate where fear over autonomy and reproductive health has been at the forefront of this year’s political debates. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gDNfMdSG #Health #Sustainability #AllianceforSustainability #SHEkindness #WorldContraceptionDay #BodilyAutonomy #ReproductiveRights #EmpowerYourChoice #AccessToContraception #FamilyPlanning #HealthForAll #WomenInCharge #ContraceptiveAccess #MyBodyMyChoice #EndTheStigma #SexualHealth #RightsMatter #ChooseYourFuture #EqualityInHealth #EducateEmpower #ContraceptionForAll #FeministHealth #MakeItHappen #FightForYourRights

🌍 World Contraception Day: Choice for All 🌍 The global movement to raise awareness about contraceptive choices and their importance in promoting reproductive health and rights. In India, where the population exceeds 1.4 billion, awareness and access to contraception are crucial. Despite advancements, approximately 54% of women still lack access to modern contraceptive methods. This gap not only impacts women's health but also hinders economic development and social progress. 📊 Key Statistics: Unmet Need for Family Planning: According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 9% of married women have an unmet need for family planning, highlighting the importance of education and resource access. Teenage Pregnancies: India accounts for 1.2 million teenage pregnancies annually, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive sexual education and family planning resources. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to make informed choices about their reproductive health, we can create a healthier future for all. Let’s work together to break the stigma, enhance awareness, and ensure everyone has the right to choose. 💬Join the conversation: How can we improve access to contraceptive methods in our communities? #WorldContraceptionDay #ReproductiveHealth #FamilyPlanning #Empowerment #tookwingsmedia

Since its inception in 2007, September 26th has been recognized globally as a day to spotlight the importance of contraception in safeguarding the #health, #rights, and well-being of young people. This year’s theme, "Contraception: Your Right, Your Life", reinforces the idea that access to #contraceptive information and services is essential for enabling informed choices, fostering empowerment, and driving sustainable development. As a passionate advocate for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), I believe that contraception plays a critical role in giving young people the freedom to choose their futures, whether it’s deciding when to start a family, staying in school, or pursuing a career. Yet, for far too many young people, access to accurate information and quality contraceptive services remains a challenge. Through advocacy and youth-led programs, we must ensure that young people across Africa and beyond are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed choices about their bodies and health. By doing so, we not only promote better health outcomes but also contribute to social, political, and economic progress across our communities. Today, I stand with fellow SRHR advocates in calling for greater investment in reproductive health education and services, ensuring that contraception is accessible, affordable, and stigma-free for all. Let’s create a future where every young person can exercise their right to safe, informed, and empowered choices. #WorldContraceptionDay #ContraceptionMatters #SafeSex #ReproductiveHealth #BirthControl