#WorldPopulationDay is an annual event, observed on July 11th every year, which seeks to raise awareness on global population issues. The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development programme in 1989.
This year’s theme “Family Planning is a Human Right” marks the 50th anniversary of the first proclamation on “Family Planning as a Human Right” made on 13 may 1968 at the conclusion of the United Nations International Conference on Human Rights, article 16, and States:
“Parents have a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and the spacing of their children”.
Prior to this time, the effort to plan, delay and avoid unintended pregnancies had been a personal effort of women and girls which had led to the loss of lives of many, with the advent of the declaration that family planning is a human right, women and girls now have the right to avoid the pains and dangers that come with too many and ill-spaced pregnancies: the right to access family planning information and education.
This year K&TRC took the message to the executives and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in their branch office at Ado park in Akure, Ondo State. The programme began with a brief but clear message on what family planning is and the different types of family planning methods which includes injectibles, Pills and the use of condom. This was followed by a practical session by K&TRC’s program assistant, Ruth Ubogu, on how to use condom correctly and consistently after which opportunity was given for questions to be asked.
Some of the questions asked by the drivers:
Does family planning affect a woman when she is ready to get pregnant?
Is it good for a young girl who is not married to do family planning?
Is there a family planning method for men also?
Kids & Teens Resource Centre’s Director, Programs, Folashade Bamigboye responded adequately to their questions by reiterating on the different types of family planning and that it was proper to visit the doctor for counsel on the best method that will be suitable for them depending on their need – if permanent or for a temporary basis. She also explained that when the woman is ready to get pregnant, she should go to the hospital some months before for proper counseling (incase of insemination and use of pills) in other for her body to adjust and get ready for pregnancy.
Using Condom is 99% safe, it helps in preventing unwanted pregnancy and also sexual transmitted infections (STIs).
One of the participants said that before now he used the withdrawal method to prevent the release of sperm in the vagina. The risk of withdrawal method was made clear to him.
A total of 35 participants were in attendance, 34males and 1female and a total of 515 condoms shared among the participants.
As part of the awareness program, 50 I. E. C stickers were printed and pasted on vehicles plying Akure-Ado route to make the message reach other men. The stickers were printed in both English and Yoruba which is their indigenous language to enhance adequate communication of the message:
“Give birth to children that you can adequately feed, cloth and educate”