Lalitpur, August 21

Minister for Health and Population Khagaraj Adhikari today launched ‘Next Generation’ Family Planning Communication Campaign with an aim of repositioning family planning for the new generation and increasing the use of contraceptives among young married couples across the country.

The campaign was launched at a programme organised in Lalitpur. This is a three-year long campaign of the Ministry of Health and Population and National Health Education Information Communication Centre, in coordination with Family Health Division and support of the USAID Health Communication Campaign. The campaign is based on research findings and the guidance of the MoHP National Health Sector Programme II, draft NHSP III, the National Health Communication Policy of 2012 and the draft National Family Planning Communication Strategy 2015-2020. According to National Demographic Health Survey 2011, family planning practices of over 56 per cent of women of reproductive age fall far below the national average.

NHDS states that only 12 per cent use family planning methods to delay the first birth, fewer than 32 per cent adopt family planning services for birth spacing and fewer than 13 per cent use contraceptives within two months after delivery.

Minister Adhikari said due to lack of awareness about the family planning among the public and the unavailability of contraceptives, people were not using family planning methods, forcing the government to launch the campaign. He said, “The young married couples of reproductive age should use modern contraceptives to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy.”