It is imperative to sensitise the public on sexual and reproductive health through relevant information and services. The Ministry has prepared an Action Plan on sexual and reproductive health which will be introduced soon.
The above statement was made by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Kailesh Jagutpal, this morning, at the launching of an awareness campaign on sexual and reproductive health with special focus on women’s health and preconception care, at the Phoenix Mall. Representatives of the Ministry, Member of Parliament, Mr Ismael Rawoo, and other personalities were also present at the event.
The campaign is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with several organisations, namely the National Blood Transfusion Service, Mouvement d’Aide de la Maternité, Groupe Enfants et Mères, Mauritius Family Planning and Welfare Association, Action Familiale au services des jeunes et des familles, Link to Life and Living with Endometriosis Mauritius to promote awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues.
He further dwelt on the importance of women’s health as they are the pillar of the family and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country. With the prevalence of breast and cervical cancer among women, he said, it is essential to place emphasis on prevention programmes.
The Minister also spoke of some of the budgetary measures such as 24/7 specialised services to carry Primary PCI Angiography and for specialists in the fields of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Anaesthesia to be physically present in hospitals at all times.
The Minister encouraged the public to come at the Phoenix Mall so as to avail themselves of the information and services being put at their disposal.
Campaign on sexual and reproductive health
The activities for the campaign comprise tests for blood sugar, blood pressure, body mass index, pap’s smear, breast exam and blood donation. The counselling section focuses on healthy lifestyle, mother’s health and menopause, breastfeeding, sexually transmitted diseases HIV/AIDS, preconception care, family planning, dental health, mental health assessment and gender-based violence.
