The Gambia
Family Planning Association of Njaba Kunda branch in the North Bank Region
recently held a two-day sensitization on sexual reproductive health, safer sex
and effect of teenage pregnancy.
The synergy, held in Njaba Kunda with support from the UNFPA, was attended by 70 youths in the area.
The objective was to inform the youth about the effects of unsafe sex and teenage pregnancy as well as to provide on spot counseling to others to adopt safer sex.
Speaking to the participants, at the opening ceremony, Chief Alagie Jagne of Central Badibou thanked Gambia Family Planning Association and the UNFPA for their foresight in complementing the efforts of government in building the capacity of youth on sexual and reproductive issues.
He said the attainment of quality healthcare services calls for concerted efforts from all, especially on the youth to be proactive and be goodwill ambassadors to advocate zero sexual infections.
Seedy Jagne, GFPA branch officer for Njaba Kunda, noted that his agency and the UNPFA attach great importance to the protection of the youth on effects of sexual and reproductive health through the promotion of safer sex.
She said the forum would increase and enlighten the youth on dangers associated with unsafe sex and teenage pregnancy.
He thanked the UNFPA for its collaboration with the GFPA in this noble crusade of building a safer youthful population.
The training centred on the concept of family planning, safer sex practice, teenage pregnancy, usage of contraceptive, and factors that influence unsafe sex.
The National Assembly Member for Central Badibou, Samba Cham, also commended the GFPA and the UNFPA for raising more public awareness on sexual and reproductive health issues, saying it would contribute to promote prevention against sexual transmission and infection among the youth.
He noted that teenage pregnancy and unprotected sex contribute to undermining youth’s development and participation in national development.
Momodou B.K. Ceesay, acting-regional disaster coordinator, noted that the youth are vital in national development hence protecting them against social device would accelerate national development and poverty reduction.