GENEVA- 50 years ago, family planning was affirmed to be a human right, leading to what would become the annual observation of World Population Day, which focuses on the impact of the number of children born, has on today’s world.
UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem, stated that, “Family planning is not only a matter of human rights; it is also central to women’s empowerment, reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.”
She also pointed out that, around 214 million women still don’t practice safe and effective family planning, for reasons ranging from lack of information or services, to lack of support from their partners or communities. This deprivation threatens their ability to build a better future for themselves and their families.
The World Population Day was inspired by public interest generated by one particular date of huge significance. The UN estimated that it was 11 July, 1987, during which the world's population reached five billion people.
UNFPA supports family planning in developing countries, by ensuring a reliable supply of modern contraceptives, strengthening national health systems and promoting gender equality.
They are also fully committed to uphold the rights of individuals, especially women, to plan their family.
Furthermore, Kanem added that, her team is striving to end all unmet needs for voluntary family planning in developing countries, by 2030; and urged the Government, Parliamentarians, Private sector and civil society to join forces to make this happen.