Overview
Contraceptive Day 2024, marked worldwide on September 26, aims to increase awareness of the crucial importance of contraception in advancing sexual and reproductive health. The day underscores the need to make well-informed choices on family planning, centred on minimising unwanted births and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). The program aims to utilise education and outreach strategies to enable individuals, particularly young people, and marginalised populations, to assume responsibility for their reproductive health. Contraceptive Day promotes discussions on the diverse range of contraceptive techniques, including condoms, birth control tablets, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) implants, and IUDs. Furthermore, it underscores the need of male participation in family planning and advocates for collective accountability in reproductive choices. Central to the agenda for the day is the resolution of obstacles to contraception, including limited availability, social disapproval, and inaccurate information, particularly in less developed nations. Contraceptive Day promotes gender equality and the constitutional right of every person to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive lives by advocating for universal access to contraception and comprehensive sexual education. As of 2024, the movement persists in advancing towards a global paradigm where every conception is premeditated, and all individuals possess the necessary resources for secure and wholesome sexual partnerships.
Objectives of Event
- Promote global awareness of the importance of contraception in family planning and preventing unintended pregnancies.
- Provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, particularly about various contraceptive methods, their effectiveness, and proper use.
- Empower individuals, especially young people, to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and plan their futures.
- Advocate for universal access to affordable and quality contraception, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, can obtain contraceptive services.
- Break down cultural and societal stigmas surrounding contraception and sexual health, encouraging open dialogue about these topics.
- Promote shared responsibility in contraception and family planning, involving both men and women in reproductive health decisions.
- Raise awareness about the role of contraception, particularly barrier methods, in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Encourage governments and organizations to improve policies and healthcare systems to support access to contraceptive services globally.
