KATHMANDU, October 5: A project aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health and implemented by the Family Planning Association of Nepal has double achieved the targets.
Three districts in the Kathmandu Valley and two others: Kaverepalanchowk and Makwanpur were covered by the project implemented with the financial and technical support of the Japan Trust Fund. It is said during a period of two years that sexual and reproductive health services were provided to 71,125 adolescents and women.
The project will be ending this month. The project was successful in providing integrated sexual and reproductive health and HIV services to adolescents and women who survived the 2015 April earthquake and the recent Melamchi flood. In the flood affected areas of Melamchi, an integrated reproductive health camp was organised and ‘dignity kits’ to 80 women.
Screening of pelvic cancer, HIV testing and counseling, pregnancy, family planning, pathology services and counseling for the prevention of gender-based violence were provided through the camp.
The necessity of sexual and reproductive health services is unavoidable and its need is considered more significant during disaster. The FPAN in a press statement said that 1,200 people from the Chepang community of Makwanpur were the beneficiaries of the project. Among the service recipients, 24 percent are adolescents and youths.
More 200 service providers and ‘sathi’ teachers were given orientations on the topics with thorough training sessions. Similarly, public in the affected areas were educated and informed about it through radio programmes. The FPAN says it continues its services during COVID-19 pandemic with the adherence to safety protocols recommended by the World Health Organisaiton.
