BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
The Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) yesterday carried out an awareness program at Titiana Community in Western Province, focusing on reproductive health and related issues.
Topics discussed during the outreach included sexual reproductive health, family planning, education, and public awareness.
Speaking to the media, SIPPA Clinic Manager Mrs. Hiulyn Vozoto said the team was deployed to Western Province in response to Cyclone Maila, as communities often face increased risks following disasters due to shortages of essential needs and services.
She said the outreach aims to bring sexual reproductive health services directly to communities.
“Our focus is to provide sexual reproductive services, including family planning, as well as education and awareness programs,” Vozoto said.
She explained that post-disaster situations can increase the risk of sexual abuse and other harmful behaviours.
“During post-disaster periods, there is a high risk of sexual abuse due to lack of needs and wants. Circumstances might lead to bad decisions that would put individuals at risk,” she said.
Vozoto stressed that sexual reproductive health services are just as important as other medical services provided at hospitals and clinics.
“People often see reproductive health services as not important. However, there are reproductive diseases that can put lives at risk, therefore these medical services are very important,” she said.
“As individuals, we must also care for our reproductive health, and this is where SIPPA comes in to help.”
According to Vozoto, many people still fail to recognise the importance of reproductive health, a situation she believes places the wider population at risk.
She said the program at Titiana was successful, with both men and women attending and participating in the awareness sessions.
Vozoto added that the SIPPA team is expected to travel to Ranongga soon to conduct similar outreach programs.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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