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This year's Reproductive Health Conference was organized by the Ministry of Health, St. Paul's Institute for Reproductive Health and Rights, and Korea Philanthropy under the theme "30 years post ICPD: Achievements, Challenges and Good Opportunities". Organized by KOICA.
State Minister of Health Dr. Ayele, who gave the opening speech of the forum, stated that countries have been able to improve the health of mothers and children by achieving reproductive health in the last 30 years. He said that Ethiopia has been able to ensure gender equality and improve reproductive health.
Dr. Ayele stated that Ethiopia is working on reproductive health by incorporating experiences from other countries; and added that the government is still committed to making reproductive health accessible. He said that MoH is working hard to improve the gaps in awareness, service access, and quality of reproductive health in urban and rural areas, especially among young people.
Prof. Dilayehu Bekele, director of St. Paul's Institute of Reproductive Health and Rights, said that the annual conference will evaluate the results achieved in the reproductive health sector over the past 30 years, the challenges encountered, and the good opportunities. He said that the conference will be where research articles prepared by various African countries including our country will be presented and discussed.
Koffi Kouame, Ethiopia Country Director of UNFPA explained that access to family planning is the basis of reproductive health. Family planning also helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases and infections, he said. He also stated that Ethiopia is achieving better results in the field.
It is necessary to understand that reproductive health is a human right, said Cho Handyeong, country director of KOICA. He explained that investing in reproductive health not only brings tangible financial benefits but also improves the overall quality of health services.
The conference participants held a joint panel discussion. They also visited a photo exhibition.