KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 29: With a purpose to interact with the community and its clients, senior leaders from the Family Planning Association of India, (FPAI) visited the clinic of FPAI Nagaland Branch, located at Daklane, to understand the ground reality, and provide support wherever it is required.
Interacting with media persons, the visiting team comprising of HR Umesh Aradhya, MS President FPAI; Anjali Sen, Regional Director, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), and Amita Dhanu, Director- Adolescents FPAI, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by FPAI Nagaland branch.
Giving a brief background, Umesh Aradhya said FPAI with its Headquarter in Mumbai, was established in 1949 envisioning sexual and reproductive health for all as a human right including gender equality leading to alleviation of poverty, population stabilisation and sustainable development.
FPAI, he said, it a purely non-governmental organisation that is spread across the country with over 44 branches in 18 states with more than 10,000 volunteers and 800 paid staff members. He informed that it is neither funded by any state government nor the central government adding funds are allocated as per the submission of the project by its international partner. Anjali Sen and Amita Dhanu said FPAI is a voluntary commitment to advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and rights and choices. It also endeavours to promote access to SRH information and services related to family planning, safe abortions, HIV/AIDS and sexuality to poor, marginalised and vulnerable populations including young people.
Amita said it not only concentrate on family planning but also create awareness on women empowerment, gender equality, life skills, violence and counseling on various health issues to both men, women and young people especially those in the rural and slum areas fulfilling their aspirations for a better quality of life.
IPPF Regional Director, Anjali Sen said its organisation though locally old is globally connected with member association in 170 countries to leverage the whole technical expertise available across the globe.
Over the years, she said, it has moved to broader spectrum of providing universal access to information and services to both young and old without any stigma and discrimination with a mission to reach, work and serve the marginalised section of the society.
Vincent Belho from FPAI Nagaland Branch, clearing the misconceptions of many, said family planning is not for population control but to improve the quality of life, stating that the health of women is very important.
He said it provides free contraceptive services and all other general health services to the people. He also informed that it has a lab at its clinic recognised by FICTC, NACO, NSACS where it provides free of cost test for Hepatitis B, C, HIV/AIDS, besides counseling, disseminating information, universal immunisation, pre-natal and post natal check-ups etc.
The visiting team also met with the State Governor in morning, who has appreciated their works and assured to extend his support in days to come. It has informed to organise a health camp on September 30 at Kezo area.
FPA India has been recognized as India’s leading and largest reproductive and sexual health organisation. It provides information on sexuality education and family life and a wide range of services in sexual and reproductive health including family planning, bringing health and happiness to millions.
