The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is hosting a multi-agency workshop this week intended to strengthen Cayman’s national family planning and reproductive health programmes.
The main objective of the three-day workshop (17-19 November) is to increase awareness and understanding of reproductive health issues. Participants include government health officials as well as representatives from non-governmental agencies such as the Red Cross.
UNFPA Country Coordinator and workshop facilitator Mario Aguilar said the UN organisation focuses on improving women’s quality of life. “While we will talk a lot about condoms during this workshop, our aim is to reduce infant mortality, reduce unwanted pregnancies (including teenage pregnancy), and reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS.”
The workshop agenda includes promoting condom use, implementing effective HIV prevention activities and helping people to change risky practices, such as having unprotected sex.
While on island, Mr. Aguilar will also assess Cayman’s national HIV, sexual and family planning programmes.
