South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Director General of Reproductive Health, Michael Mading, has affirmed that the government is committed to scaling up family planning program across the country, citing notable achievements despite economic challenges.
Speaking during the global community’s celebration of World Contraceptive Day, Mading reiterated the government’s dedication to expanding family planning initiatives nationwide.
He revealed that, with support from partners including UNFPA, the government has made several achievements despite economic difficulties.
Lou Eluzai Loponi, the Executive Director for the Reproductive Health Association of South Sudan, emphasised that family planning is a right that enables everyone to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and future.
“World Contraceptive Day is observed annually on September 26th, like today. It is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about contraception and empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health,” Loponi said.
“For many of us in civil society, this is not just an annual event; it is a daily commitment to the people we serve. The theme for this year is “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges for Contraceptive Access for All.” This event specifically focuses on investing in our future together and harnessing the demographic dividend through family planning, he added.
“We can continue to build a future where every pregnancy is wanted and every individual can choose their own path in life.”
On Friday, the government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other partners, joined the global community in celebrating World Contraceptive Day.
Gillian Butts-Garnett, the Programme Specialist for UNFPA, stated that the celebration of World Contraception Day is an opportunity to invest in the future and harness the demographic dividend through family planning.
“Contraception is not simply about health; it is about choice, opportunity, and dignity. Currently, too many young women face barriers. South Sudan’s fertility rate stands at 5.3, and nearly one in three women who wish to plan their families cannot access contraception,” Butts-Garnett said.
“This is not just a slogan. It is a strategic call to action that aligns directly with our work at UNFPA here in South Sudan and globally,” she added during the World Contraception Day celebration at the premises of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.
“We are not here just to mark the day, but also to reflect on the future of South Sudan, a future that rests in the hands of more than 70% of the population who are young people. They carry with them the promise of a transformed nation,” Butts-Garnett concluded.
