DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - ARMM, FAMILY PLANNING CAMPAIGN FOR QUALITY LIFE

The Department of Health ARMM launches a revitalized family planning communication campaign which highlights family planning as a means to have a better quality life.

DOH - ARMM Sec. Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding Jr. on his ARMM Health situation report.

Dubbed as “May Plano Ako” (I Have A Plan), the campaign presents the benefits that planning a family provide to a mother, father, and their children. DOH ARMM joins other regions which are also implementing the campaign to provide couples relevant information on family planning.

DOH ARMM Secretary Kadil Sinolinding, Jr. cited how the lack of information on improving family’s health has kept ARMM from achieving its human development goals. “Mortality rates may just be numbers to some. But to many among us at DOH ARMM, these numbers represent a gruesome reality that mothers and children are dying unnecessarily due to poor access to health services and information.”

Ms. Ann Hirschey - USAID-OH on her message of support to FP Campaign.

nal Statistic Office reports that only 47 percent of women in ARMM receive pre-natal care, 15 percent give birth at a health facility, and almost 85 percent of married women are not using any method of family planning.

“The DOH ARMM has taken an active role in providing people equal access to available and affordable quality health information and services in the communities and through health services that offer better alternatives for the family,” Secretary Sinolinding said.

Focused group discussions were conducted to pre-test messages and materials and make them culturally appropriate. Posters, streamers, flipcharts and job aids for health workers make up the “May Plano Ako” communication package.

Hon. Ismael V. Mastura support the FP campaign "May Plano Ako, Kaya Mo Ring Magplano".

“Our role is to give comprehensive  and accurate information that will help a couple to voluntarily plan, desire, and prepare for a pregnancy.”

The campaign launch also marks the inter-agency partnership among regional and local government agencies, Muslim religious leaders, non-government organizations and development agencies to effectively promote and disseminate key family planning messages.

Sinolinding urged health partners to support the campaign. “As Allah swt encourages us to be better and stronger individuals…, the family as the public unit of society becomes the forefront of this quest. My challenge as a staunch advocate to all our brethren remains – May plano ako, at kung kaya ko, kaya mo rin (I have a plan and if I can, you too can),” he said.