Chitwan, April 22

As part of the government’s campaign to spread awareness on family planning and reproductive health among the newly-weds, a ‘smart picnic’ was organised in Siddhi of Chitwan.

Newly-wed couples were invited to a picnic and informed about reproductive health and family planning. Siddhi is predominantly a settlement of the indigenous Chepang community.

Under-age marriage is prevalent among Chepangs and they are completely unaware of reproductive health as well as family planning.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Health, National Health Education and Information and Communications Centre with support from the United States Agency for International Development while Nepal HC3 project implemented it.

Jaya Budhathoki, Chitwan district coordinator of the project, said it was crucial that young newly-weds were well informed about reproductive health. The participants said the picnic was constructive and would benefit many newly-weds.

The programme has already been launched in Kumroj, Bhandara and Bharatpur-2 of the district.