UNFPA, as a partner of the Mozambican Government, joined an event held in celebration of World Population Day hosted by the province of Niassa and the Governor, Mr. Arlindo Chilundo, on 11th of July 2017 to raise awareness on population issues and population dynamics that are closely related to national development. This year's theme is “Family Planning: Empowering People, Developing Nations.” This collaborative effort between the Government and UNFPA served as a platform to share information and provide services on sexual and reproductive health and rights, highlighting the provision of family planning services at the community level, mainly targeting populations living in rural areas where access to health facilities is difficult.
In commemoration of World Population Day, an official visit to the Maternity Ward of the Niassa Hospital was carried out by the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Chilundo, while a group of youth activists performed a street play on family planning. Various communication materials were displayed to inform many citizens about a series of activities on health services including family planning throughout the whole week. The Niassa Governor, Mr. Arlindo Chilundo, visited the Health Fair, delivered a speech underscoring the importance of family planning to protect the lives of women, girls and families. Family planning is a human right for everybody, especially for women and girls, and it has an economic impact on families, the community and the nation. Mr. Gilberto Norte of UNFPA, highlighted the progress in access and use of contraceptives for family planning in Mozambique while recognizing remaining challenges in expanding access to services and information for sexual reproductive health and rights for all.
