CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) has reported that, as of July this year, 69 percent of Central Luzon women of reproductive age with a demand for family planning (FP) are currently using modern FP methods.
This figure has surpassed the region’s target of 61.9 percent for this year’s demand satisfied with modern FP methods.
DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development Family Health Cluster nurse Dhick Talion attributed this success to the collective and coordinated efforts of the region’s FP program implementers, stakeholders, and partners.
He noted that this indicates the continuous improvement in the availability, accessibility, and utilization of reproductive health services in the region.
The FP program aims to help individuals, couples, and families achieve their desired family size, manage the number of children, and ensure appropriate spacing between pregnancies through the use of safe, effective, and high-quality modern FP methods.
DOH emphasized the importance of this program to prevent unplanned or high-risk pregnancies, which can result in maternal and infant mortality.
High-risk pregnancies are defined as those involving too young mothers (18 years old and below), short intervals between pregnancies (less than three years), older mothers (35 years old and above), multiple pregnancies (mothers who have been pregnant more than four times), and mothers with serious illnesses.
Another objective of the program is to identify individuals, couples, or families with unmet needs in family planning.
Talion explained that an unmet need exists when individuals or couples who are capable of becoming pregnant, are sexually active but wish to space out or limit pregnancies, and are not using any modern FP methods.
He added that those who use traditional methods, such as withdrawal, but desire to switch to modern FP methods, can also be considered as having an unmet need.
“We also want to remind everyone that traditional methods provide lower protection against unplanned pregnancies compared to our modern [FP] methods,” Talion noted.
Furthermore, DOH underscored that FP contributes to family well-being by being able to provide adequate time for one another and to address health, educational, and other essential needs.
“It is important to discuss [FP] for a successful future. It allows you to achieve your desired family size and goals. Whether artificial or natural, there is a modern [FP] method that suits your needs and preferences. Also, consultations and [FP] services are free,” Talion emphasized.
Given these points, DOH continues to encourage individuals and couples to consult with health centers and hospitals about available FP options and to take advantage of the free services offered across the region.
August has been declared as Family Planning Month, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 429, series of 1994.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Panalo ang Pamilyang Planado! Tara, Usap Tayo sa Family Planning!” (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
