HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal Highlights the Importance of Family Planning at the World Population Day Celebration.

HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal Highlights the Importance of Family Planning at the World Population Day Celebration

HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal, UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, highlighted the importance of family planning and reproductive health as a fundamental right across the Kingdom at the World Population Day Celebration that took place today July 27th at the Grand Hyatt Amman from 11am- 12:30pm.

HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal, the Patron of the World Population Day Celebration talked about ...

Dr. Raeda Qutob, Secretary General of the Higher Population Council (HPC) presented a welcoming remark during the World Population Day Celebration saying "Our theme today is at the centre of international attention. Family planning is an effective means to the empowerment of women and access to contraceptives in developing countries can reduce the cost of health services, education, housing, infrastructure in addition to rationalize population growth which in turn will contribute in facing poverty."

She continued to say that the main challenge the Kingdom is facing is an imbalance between population growth and the resources available. "The population growth in Jordan is still higher than what the available resources can handle and the fertility rate is decreasing at a very slow rate according to the Demographic and Health Surveys in 2002 and 2007, which further widens the problem of poverty." She added "The HPC has been channelling all its efforts towards achieving its strategic goal to promote reproductive health and family planning through cooperating and coordinating with all its partners in order to provide a respectful life for our citizens."

Dr. Qutob also welcomed the artist Omar Al Abdullat, who will be the youth representative for HPC in various population issues; as he is greatly admired by his young fans across the Kingdom.

Mr. Luc Stevens, UN Resident Coordinator & UNDP/UNFPA Representative also spoke during the celebration saying that, "World Population Day is as a chance to reflect on how we collectively are contributing to the advancement and quality of life of the population on this earth. By making the theme for this year - Family Planning, it's a right, let's making it real, we are renewing commitments made many years ago with the declaration of Human Rights for the dignity of the human race."

He went on to say, "Today in Jordan we are facing a challenge, the 2007 DHS survey shows us that the modern contraceptives prevalence rate in the country is stagnant at 42% and has not really changed over 5 years. This calls on us all to review our strategies and agree on collective efforts needed to ensure that all couples who would like to plan the spacing and timing of their children, can do so with the support from the government, civil society, the media and other partners."

The agenda concluded with a short sketch by young people working with Princess Basma Youth Center/ ZENID and a panel discussion among key decision makers and youth representatives.

This year's World Population Day theme 'Family Planning, it's a right, let's make it real' theme was successfully implemented thanks to the help of several partners that include the Ministry of Health, the Department of Statistics, Higher Council for Youth, Queen Zein Al Sharaf Institute for Development, The Jordanian National Committee for Women, Jordan Radio & TV in addition to other media representatives.

[c] 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)