The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with Oxfam, recently organized a sensitization seminar for young people in Ekon, a fishing community in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The program, part of the Power to Choose project, aimed to provide accurate information on contraception, reproductive health, and the importance of making informed decisions. The seminar brought together young people, health professionals, and community leaders to address misconceptions surrounding contraception and reproductive health.
Health professionals, including Senior Midwife Anita Acquaah and Public Health Nurse Edna Domenya, provided guidance on contraception and reproductive health. They emphasized the importance of seeking accurate information from qualified health professionals and demonstrated the correct use of contraceptive methods. The session also addressed questions and misconceptions surrounding contraception, empowering young people with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and future.
The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) was represented by Rejoice Kwawukumey, who highlighted the importance of community education and engagement in addressing misconceptions surrounding sexual and reproductive health. She noted that empowering young people with the right information was essential to enabling them to make informed decisions and protect their health and future. The Power to Choose project, supported by Oxfam, continues to engage communities and stakeholders on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Traditional leaders, including the Queen Mother of Ekon, Nana Yaafua II, called on traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and the local Assembly to support education and awareness programs on sexual and reproductive health. She emphasized that the responsibility of guiding young people should not be left to health workers and civil society organizations alone. Greater collaboration among stakeholders would help create a supportive environment for young people to access accurate information and make responsible choices.
The engagement in Ekon was part of activities to mark World Contraception Day, observed annually on September 26. The day aims to raise awareness about contraception, reproductive choices, and access to accurate information and services. The Power to Choose project, implemented by PPAG and supported by Oxfam, seeks to ensure that young people have access to accurate information and the support needed to make informed choices.
The seminar provided a platform for young people to ask questions and seek guidance from health professionals. Health professionals demonstrated the correct use of contraceptive methods, including condoms and oral contraceptives. The session also addressed common misconceptions surrounding contraception, such as the notion that contraceptives cause infertility. Experts emphasized that this is not the case and encouraged young people to seek accurate information.
The collaboration between GHS, Oxfam, and PPAG aims to promote access to accurate information and services on sexual and reproductive health. The Power to Choose project continues to engage communities and stakeholders on these issues, with a focus on empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and future. By working together, stakeholders can help create a supportive environment for young people to access accurate information and make responsible choices.
Key points
- The Ghana Health Service and Oxfam organized a sensitization seminar for young people in Ekon on contraception and reproductive health.
- The program aimed to address misconceptions surrounding contraception and reproductive health and empower young people with accurate information.
- The engagement was part of activities to mark World Contraception Day, observed annually on September 26.
