Family planning major challenge for development
The United Nations Population Fund has expressed worries over the fund shortages for family planning in the developing countries as the donors are cutting overseas assistance amid refugee crisis.
"For the next five years, we have a shortage of one billion dollars," said Jagdish Upaddyay, chief of UNFPA Commodity Security Branch, at a press conference on Thursday on the last day of the four-day International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre that brought together over 3,000 government representatives, development partners, UN officials, academics and NGOs.
He said globally the donors provide US $324 million yearly but it has to be doubled to continue and expand the family planning needs. "Otherwise the sector [family planning] would be affected mostly in Asia and Africa."
"It is extremely important to achieve the targets of Sustainable Development Goals-2016-2030, which says none should be left behind," he said.
"If a 15-year-old girl has access to family planning needs, she can delay childbirth and can participate in economic activity, which benefits her and the country," said the New York-based UN official.
Jagdish appreciated Bangladesh's achievements in reducing total fertility rate from 6.3 in 1975 to 2.3 now, but said the rate has been stagnant recently, and suggested focusing on long-term and permanent family planning methods.
Owain James, external relations director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), said the world is slipping off track on the promises to the women wanting contraception.
With the recent cutbacks in official development assistance (ODA) and shifts to general health financing mechanisms, he said, "there's a pressure on UNFPA's commodities programme."
He lauded Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's announcement of $120 million additional funding for next three years, and urged others to follow suit. "IPPF has reached 15 million new users of contraceptives in three years, and committed to reaching 45 million in the next six." He added.
Janette Loreto-Garin, secretary of the Department of Health, Philippines, said family planning is not just a right, but a better quality of life that people deserve.
On the last day of the ICFP, leaders and experts emphasised the importance of family planning to achieve the SDGs and as the key to addressing development challenges regarding health, education, poverty and environment.
Comments