Public health providers are expanded statewide in a campaign to make sure women have access to safe contraception and family planning.
PUBLISHED: 4 Oct 2024 at 07: 00
The Ministry of Public Health has launched a campaign to raise awareness and provide accurate information about birth control in order to address the issue of unplanned pregnancies in Thai society in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) and Organon ( Thailand ) Ltd. The strategy focuses on empowering Thai women to get safe, effective contraceptive implant at participating hospitals under the concept” I’m Taking Control of My Birth Control.” This program aligns with the broader strategy to prevent and minimize accidental teenage pregnancies, a vital issue impacting home stability, cultural well-being, and national development.
The campaign was launched at Siam Discovery, with a key highlight being the collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving the” Love Yourself, Be Brave” project, which aims to increase awareness about the importance of birth control, the consequences of unplanned pregnancies, and the 99 % effectiveness of contraceptive implants. Additionally, there was a panel discussion at the event where performers shared their personal experience and career training, highlighting the value of planning to increase one’s ability to navigate life’s difficulties.
Dr Bunyarit Sukrat, Director of the Bureau of Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, stated,” Promoting open health is a crucial government concern, with a special emphasis on children’s health, including birth control and quality home planning—both vital for sustainable national growth. People can make informed decisions about having kids based on their life situations, reducing health risks, and supporting better family planning by providing correct information and access to high-quality reproductive health services. This strengthens Thai society while promoting the population’s long-term growth. To address these issues at their core, collaboration across sectors to spread awareness and knowledge is essential.
Accidental pregnancy continues to be a pressing issue in Thailand, especially among children, due to an ageing community and a low birth rate. The birth rate among women between the ages of 10 and 19 has decreased over the past ten years, but the level of repeat pregnancies continues to be alarming, particularly in the 10-14 years class, where repeat pregnancies have increased significantly over the past year. The government must urgently expand access to contraceptive implants in order to make sure that women who require them can access these services at National Health Security Office ( NHSO)-affiliated centers across the country for free of charge.
Assoc. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has adopted a policy that allows Thai women of reproductive years to receive free prophylactic implant services, according to Professor Dr. Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok. Family planning facilities are accessible at these services in 43 districts of Bangkok. Also, there are plans to increase the number of service centers to 50 by the end of this year and to increase the number of time in areas with high children need. Despite a declining pattern, this initiative aims to address teenage pregnancy that is unforeseen and to lower the rate of repeat pregnancy. Professional expertise and sessions, along with protective measures, are provided to support this work”.
Mr Koen C. Kruijtbosch, Managing Director of Organon ( Thailand ) Ltd., stated,” Organon is committed to supporting women in achieving better health every day. We conform our activities to the APEC SMART FAMILIES scheme, which addresses changes in population architecture and children’s care needs while also empowering women to take control of their own health and community planning. Organon ( Thailand ) Ltd. is honoured to partner with the Ministry of Public Health, Jhpiego ( a global health non-profit affiliated with Johns Hopkins University ), C&, M International, and the Health Working Group. Through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ( APEC ) forum, we collaborate regionally and globally to advance the” APEC Smart Families Menu of Policy Options for Demographic Resilience” in a meaningful way.
The” Love Yourself, Be Brave” campaign, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ), is one of this year’s initiatives for World Contraception Day, encouraging girls and women to access effective contraception.
” Organizganon is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of Thai women through a range of initiatives and partnerships that address their needs at all stages of life. Through initiatives like Her Power, which aim to provide comprehensive contraceptive knowledge and services to adolescents across Thailand, we collaborate with public and private sectors, including NGOs, the Children and Youth Council of Thailand, and the UNFPA. Additionally, Her Power promotes women’s empowerment, focusing on sexual and reproductive health, particularly for vulnerable groups, ensuring their access to essential healthcare”, said Maymay Mitisubin, External Affairs and Communications Lead of Organon ( Thailand ) Ltd. She added,” We believe these collaborations will enhance understanding and improve access to healthcare for girls and women, particularly in the areas of family planning and preventing unintended pregnancies—key factors in improving the quality of life across Thai society”.
Open dialogue about contraception, sex education, and the impact of unplanned pregnancies should begin within families, as they are the cornerstone of society. We at Organon continue to work with women to provide them with better choices in terms of family planning and healthcare. Every woman deserves the support needed to keep her well-being,” we firmly believe that,” said Mr. Koen.
To check eligibility and locate participating healthcare facilities, those interested in free contraceptive implants can find more information on the Department of Health’s website or by adding the LINE Official Account @Teen_Club. Additional details about using contraception are available at www. womenhealthfact.com.
