Trinidad and Tobago, 13th July, 2012. On July eleventh each year, issues affecting population and development take the global spotlight as countries observe World Population Day. This year the focus is on Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services since issues relating to pregnancy and childbirth remain among the leading causes of illness and death for women of childbearing age worldwide. .

 

In Collaboration with UNFPA and Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago, on July 12, 2012 PAHO/WHO hosted a symposium under the theme- Give Women the Power: Repositioning Family Planning Services and meeting the needs in Trinidad & Tobago”, the panel discussion covered the impact of family planning on maternal health, the psycho-social aspects of family planning, the importance of integrating family planning and HIV/AIDS services and programmes, adolescent/youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services and increasing health sector workface capacity in this area. Over 50 participants from Governmental organization, Civil Society, academia and UN entities attended the discussion.  In his opening remarks Dr. Yitades Gebre, Advisor Family Health and Disease Management  PAHO country office  introduced to the participants the  most promising strategies to improve family planning care and strengthen sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries  as outlined by world Health Organization in the new policy brief.