Country heading for population emergency, say experts

Call for busting myths about side-effects of intra-uterine contraceptive devices.

Karachi: Leading obstetricians and gynaecologists (OBGYN), health sector policymakers, and members of the academia gathered to discuss the Road Map to Family Planning 2030.
Sindh Reproductive and Genetic Health Centre-Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), in collaboration with Cost Implementation Plan (CIP) Sindh and Pathfinder International organised the discussion at a local hotel on Wednesday.
Road Map 2030 Family Planning aims at achieving targets of Population Planning and Policy, and boosting contraceptive prevalence (CP) by up to 50 per cent by 2030.
Addressing the audience, JSMU Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Shahid Rasul lauded the initiative of Dr Nighat Shah and proclaimed that lack of family planning and contraceptive awareness is leading towards population emergency.
The panel discussion on the responsibilities of OBGYNs was moderated by Dr Shershah Syed. The panellists stressed on collaboration between the public and private sectors, academicians, general practitioners and people concerned to accomplish family planning objectives, along with modern-day contraceptive awareness amongst females.
Comprehensive approach involving paediatricians, family physicians, and nurses was stressed for effective counselling of couples regarding reproductive health. The panelists included Ziauddin Hospital Chairperson Dr Rubina Hussain, Agha Khan University Hospital OBGYN Chairperson Dr Lumaan Sheikh, NCMNH Vice President Dr Azra Ahsan, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Nusrat Shah, Civil Hospital Karachi Professor Dr Sarah Qazi and from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Prof Haleema Yasmin.
Read More: ‘Family planning vital for population control’
Dr Nighat Shah moderated the second panel discussion. Panelists included Professor Lubna Ansari Baig, Chairperson APPNA Institute of Public Health AIPH-JSMU, Dr Syed Aziz Rab CEO Greenstar Social Marketing, Dr Tabinda Sarosh Country Director Pathfinder International, Dr Yasmeen Sabih Qazi Senior Advocacy Advisor Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rehan Baloch Secretary PWD, Government of Sindh, Dr Talib Lashari Technical Advisor.
“We should target our youth, incorporate use of technology and create health literacy strategic programme for enhancing awareness amongst the upcoming generations,” said APPNA Institute of Public Health JSMU Chairperson Professor Lubna Ansari Baig.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 11th, 2021.