Ismailia launches Major Family Planning Initiative
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ismailia, Egypt – A significant family planning campaign, dubbed “The Journey of the Golden Millennium Begins with a Step,” has launched in Ismailia, Egypt, providing crucial reproductive healthcare services to thousands of women.the initiative, running from December 15th to 26th, 2024, aims to improve access to vital services across the governorate.
the campaign, spearheaded by the Ismailia Ministry of Health, falls under president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s “A New Beginning for Human Building” initiative and is supported by Governor Major general Akram Mohamed Galal. Dr.Reem Mustafa Wakil, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in Ismailia, emphasized the campaign’s importance, stating, “The campaign comes within the framework of implementing the President of the Republic’s initiative, ‘A New Beginning for Human Building,’…to provide reproductive health services.”
The first phase of the campaign, focusing on Ismailia, Al-Qassasin, Abu Suwayr, and Qantara West, saw an notable response. According to Dr.Iman Al-Hamaki, Director of the Family Planning Department in Ismailia, ”The campaign received a large response from women during its first phase, during which 2,636 beneficiaries received a family planning method, 647 gynecological examinations, 106 pregnancy follow-ups, and 219 ultrasounds and follow-up methods, for a total of about 3,282 women.” This success underscores the significant need for accessible reproductive healthcare in the region.
Services offered during the campaign include reproductive health consultations, counseling, pregnancy follow-up, and ultrasound examinations. These services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries in “Decent Life” villages and underserved areas, ensuring equitable access to vital healthcare. Dr. Mustafa Wakil highlighted the commitment to quality, stating that the services are delivered by “trained medical teams, which ensures the quality of service provided.”
The second phase of the campaign, beginning December 21st, will expand to Al-Tal Al-Kabir, Fayed, and Al-Qantara east, utilizing both fixed and mobile clinics.Educational seminars will also be held to raise awareness about family planning methods and the importance of birth spacing. Dr. Al-Hamaki added that the campaign also focuses on educating women about “the dangers of Early and frequent marriage and childbirth.”
This initiative in Ismailia serves as a model for improving access to reproductive healthcare, particularly for women in underserved communities. the success of the first phase demonstrates the significant impact of extensive family planning programs and the potential for positive change in improving maternal and child health outcomes. The campaign’s focus on education and accessibility aligns with global efforts to empower women and improve overall public health.
Ismailia Leads the Way: Expanding Access to Family Planning in Egypt
This interview explores Ismailia’s groundbreaking family planning initiative, a critical step towards improving maternal and child health in the region. Senior editor Jane Thompson speaks with Dr. Lamia Khalil, a leading expert on reproductive health and development in North Africa, about the campaign’s impact and its broader significance.
A Vital Campaign with Broad Reach
Jane Thompson: Dr. Khalil, Ismailia’s “Journey of the Golden Millennium” campaign is generating a lot of buzz. Can you tell us more about the goals and scope of this initiative?
Dr. Lamia Khalil: This is truly a remarkable initiative. It aims to considerably improve access to essential reproductive healthcare services for thousands of women across Ismailia Governorate.The campaign offers a wide range of services, including family planning consultations, pregnancy follow-ups, and ultrasound examinations – all provided free of charge, particularly in underserved areas.
Jane Thompson: It sounds incredibly important,especially given the challenges many women face in accessing adequate healthcare.
Dr. Lamia Khalil: Absolutely. This campaign recognizes the crucial link between reproductive health and overall well-being. By providing comprehensive and accessible services, it’s empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and plan their families effectively.
Early Success and Future Expansion
Jane Thompson: What has been the response to the campaign so far?
Dr. Lamia Khalil: The initial response has been incredibly positive. The first phase saw a significant number of women benefiting from the services offered. Over 2,600 women accessed various family planning methods during that period alone.That shows a real need and a willingness to embrace these vital services.
Jane Thompson: And the campaign will be expanding in the coming weeks?
Dr. Lamia Khalil: Yes, the second phase will expand to other areas within the governorate, reaching even more women in need. The inclusion of mobile clinics ensures that services reach even the most remote communities.
Beyond Medical Services: Education and Advocacy
Jane Thompson: I understand the campaign is also focusing on education and awareness raising?
Dr. Lamia Khalil: That’s right. Raising awareness about various family planning methods, the importance of birth spacing, and the potential risks of early and frequent childbirth is crucial. The campaign will be conducting educational seminars and outreach programs to achieve this.
Jane Thompson: Why is this educational aspect so important?
Dr. Lamia Khalil: It empowers women with knowledge and the confidence to make informed choices about their own bodies and their futures. It also challenges harmful social norms and fosters a supportive environment for family planning.
A Model for the Region
Jane Thompson: What are the broader implications of this initiative for other areas in Egypt and beyond?
Dr. Lamia Khalil: Ismailia’s campaign serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when there’s a strong commitment to improving reproductive healthcare access. By prioritizing equitable access to services and incorporating education and advocacy, this initiative has the potential to inspire similar programs across Egypt and beyond.
Jane Thompson: Dr. Khalil, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights on this critically important campaign.
