Men play a vital role as partners in family planning, says United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia-Pacific Regional Hub managing director Sumita Benerjee.
Speaking during the launch of the Family Planning Policy and Commitment at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday, Ms Benerjee said the policy recognised the crucial contribution men make towards achieving Fiji’s development goals.
These included reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity, alleviating poverty, and ensuring universal access to quality health care.
“So, it’s not just about women, it’s about the men as well,” Ms Benerjee said.
“It emphasises informed decision making, privacy and accountability, truly placing the clients at the centre of their care so it’s not just about women, it’s about the men as well and it’s about families at large.
“Fiji is taking a giant leap forward today in safeguarding not only the reproductive health and rights of all your citizens.
“But also ensuring that other multi-sectoral determinants vital to sustainable development that family planning touches upon, such as education, gender equality and women’s empowerment, are supported and protected.”
She also highlighted the Fiji 2030 Commitment, which complements the new policy.
Ms Benerjee said achieving these goals demanded a collaborative approach and they remained dedicated to supporting Fiji through technical assistance, capacity building and the ongoing advocacy.
