Ghana’s number one urban and youth oriented radio station, YFM has joined hands with Society for Family Health International Ghana (SFHIG) to educate Ghanaians on contraception use as part of the commemoration of World Contraception Day 2022. The World Contraception Day which takes place on the 26th of September every year, aims to improve awareness of all contraceptive methods available and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.
Speaking about the partnership between both brands and the objectives for marking the world contraception day 2022, Head of YFM Osei Kuffour explained that, as a brand for the youth it is only prudent YFM takes an interest in the holistic welfare of the youth in Ghana and across the globe.
‘’The use and education about both male and female condoms can reduce sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies . Also Girls and women who can plan their families have more opportunities to realize their potential; they can pursue education and participate in and contribute to national development, leading to more prosperous, stable and equitable societies. Men and Women’s right to choose the number, timing and spacing of their children is fundamental. Contraception is an integral part of their decision making.’’ Osei Kuffour noted.
On her part Country Manager for Society for Family Health International Ghana (SFHIG) Theresa Maame Ekua Galley (Mrs.) mentioned some of the activities as a brand SFHIG has earmarked to educate the teeming youthful population in Ghana.
‘’We are taking reproductive health education to some selected schools across Ghana, we started at Knutsford University , we will go to the GH Media school to engage the students during their upcoming Akwaaba night.We are also engaging communities in Madina, Nima, Maamobi, La and Jamestown coupled with women interest program (African Women’s Voices Show on etv Ghana) to ensure that more people are reached. For today which marks world contraception day, we have put together some misconceptions about family planning, sex, contraception use and disabused the minds of people about those myths.”
“The education doesn’t end there we have also put together an exciting and informative radio drama series to break the myths around contraception in a manner that is easy to understand till the end of September . As a brand we believe that it is time as a country we have open conversations about contraception because the rate of teenage pregnancy in the country is alarming’’ she stated.
Globally, SFH International has reached an average of 28 million people annually (60 million in 2018 alone) with its demand creation, services provision and health education activities. Among other things, the Organization delivered more than 2.8 billion male condoms, 106million cycles of OCP (Oral Contraceptive Pills) and ECPs (Emergency Contraceptive Pills) and 15million Injectable contraceptives as well as 72million Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACTs) for Malaria and 30million Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for Malaria; thus, improving the lives of more than 50 million people.