World Population Day 2020: Message from Dr. AzraFazalPechuho (Minister for Health & Population Sindh)

TEXT: It is a matter of immense pleasure that keeping, in view the past tradition, the Sindh Government is observing the World Population Day on 11th July, 2020 in an effective manner.The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo, Egypt and later on in Nairobi, Kenya had focused on maternal and child health linking it with development. Despite the fact that COVID-19 has affected the agenda of ICPD however, the theme for this year refocuses us on the health of women and girls. The Theme is "Putting the brakes on COVID-19: how to safeguard the rights of women and girls now".

With a view to push forward the agenda of women and girls' health, Sindh has taken two important policy steps. First, in 2015, SindhGovernment practically linked itself with international commitments made by Pakistan on the platform of FP2020 London Summit. In this regard, a Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) was designed and is under implementation. Second, a Population Policy was designed in 2016 which was much needed after the devolution. Sindh Population Policy 2016 and the CIP 2015 both were built on the visionary statement of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto that she gave at the eve of ICPD 1994. Population Welfare Department Sindh since very beginning is striving for achieving all the commitments made at international level. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were pivotal policy direction in terms of family planning and reproductive health rights of women to which the Departments of Health and Population Welfare contributed a lot. Similarly, the Government of Sindh is committed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in terms of its 17 goals with focus on goals 3.7 and 5.6 on women and girls health rights.

Three landmark legislations on Child marriage restraint; Reproductive Health Rights; and end to domestic violence are flag bearing laws in Sindh. These laws ensure health rights of women and girls. We shall be soon introducing a Marital Counseling bill.

We know, that COVID-19 has tremendous negative implications on above mentioned agenda of both Health and population welfare departments. The Government of Sindh tried to put brakes on COVID since beginning in February 2020. The large scale testing, tracing and quarantine were the initial steps besides, lock down in the province that saved so many lives and prevented morbidities. These steps have no match in other provinces and at federal level.

For the continuity of family planning and reproductive health services, Sindh was the first province to announce its "Family Planning & Reproductive Health Guidelines during COVID-19". District officials have been directed to ensure provision of services under necessary safety measures and monitor the services. The Lady Health Workers have developed contact groups with women in communities to provide them with services. Sindh has long been focused on commodity security through procurement of contraceptives from 2015-16 onwards. A new method of Contraceptive, Sayana press - a three months injectable for women has been launched in Sindh. Under FP2020 goals, all relevant public sector and civil society organizations are provided with a single platform of "Sindh FP2020 Working Group" that I chair. Last year, Sindh established its "Taskforce on Population" which is chaired by the Chief Minister, Sindh. This is in line with CCI Recommendations after a Suo Moto of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. CIP Secretariat managed by Population Welfare Department provides a technical support on family planning to foster policy implementation.

There is need to revisit FP2020 goals. In this regard, we are working on a ten years vision on FP2030 which would focus on family planning and reproductive health in terms of its determinants i.e. girls education, adolescents needs, women empowerment, cash transfers conditional to services. The vertical programs like LHWs, MNCH and Nutrition have been integrated into health system. A new primary healthcare initiative on reproductive, neonatal, child and maternal health is being introduced from new fiscal year.

The World Population Day provides us opportunity to show our firm resolve to continue our march toward achievements of above policy objectives while fighting COVID-19. I congratulate the Population Welfare Department for coming up with activities to celebrate the Day.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020