“Government remains committed to ensure that the Republic of Mauritius is a place where every citizen has access to free healthcare services as a basic human right,” stated Minister Jagutpal, today, at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port Louis.
He was speaking at the official opening ceremony of a Validation Workshop on the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy 2022 and the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Implementation Plan 2022-2027, organised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Some 50 participants from the Ministry and non-governmental organisations attended the workshop.
The Sexual and Reproductive Health Coordinator of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Tavisha Gunness, and other personalities were present at the opening ceremony.
Minister Jagutpal highlighted that the workshop would allow relevant stakeholders to take cognisance of the implementation plan for a period of five years from 2022 to 2027. He underscored that good sexual and reproductive health was a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system.
He emphasised that the policy and action plan on sexual and reproductive health would provide the necessary guidance so as to: improve the sexual and reproductive health service delivery system; enhance community awareness, information and prevention; respond to the sexual and reproductive health needs specific to different population groups; address the sexual and reproductive health needs of children, adolescents and young adults through comprehensive sexuality education; and promote sexual and reproductive health research, knowledge and innovation.
“This new policy,” he pointed out, “has, as guiding principle, a right-based approach with stakeholders’ involvement, accountability and health justice.” The aim, according to him, was to have fewer unintended pregnancies as well as fewer newborn and maternal deaths.
Moreover, Dr Jagutpal indicated that sexual and reproductive health services comprised various aspects such as: family planning; maternal health services; child health services; post-abortion care; infertility treatment; sensitisation and prevention of cancers related to reproductive track; care of victims of gender-based violence; treatment of AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases; and promotion of a healthy lifestyle. He also seized this opportunity to encourage citizens to avail of these services.
Minister Jagutpal further appealed to the collaboration of civil society organisations so as to reach the most vulnerable persons of society as their engagement was key to ensuring that the sexual and reproductive health of each and every one was respected.
For her part, Dr Gunness outlined that sexual and reproductive health encompassed several components namely mother and child health, family planning, some aspects of gender-based violence and sexually transmitted diseases. “All these issues are being addressed through the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy 2022 and the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Implementation Plan 2022-2027,” she added.
