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GHS and Oxfam Partner to Enhance Reproductive Health Awareness for Ekon Youth
•2 min read•1 source
The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in partnership with Oxfam, has conducted a comprehensive sensitisation seminar for the youth of Ekon to commemorate World Contraception Day. This initiative aimed to bridge the information gap regarding contraception and sexual and reproductive health (SRH), providing a platform for young people to engage directly with health experts. Observed annually on September 26, World Contraception Day serves as a critical global reminder of the importance of reproductive autonomy and access to health resources, a mission that resonated throughout the Ekon seminar.
Central to the seminar was the objective of dismantling persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding contraceptive use. Health professionals and community leaders emphasized that young people should prioritize seeking advice from qualified medical personnel rather than relying on unverified information from peers or unreliable social media sources. This outreach forms a core component of the "Power to Choose" project, a collaborative effort between Oxfam and the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG). By providing accurate, evidence-based information, the project seeks to empower the youth to make informed decisions that impact their long-term health and socio-economic well-being.
Beyond individual awareness, the seminar highlighted the indispensable role of community structures in fostering a supportive health environment. Traditional leaders in Ekon were specifically called upon to take an active stance in community education and to champion reproductive health rights within their jurisdictions. By involving local authorities, the GHS and its partners aim to ensure that the youth feel safe and supported when seeking health services. This collective approach is seen as a vital step toward reducing unintended pregnancies and improving overall public health outcomes across the region, ensuring that reproductive health remains a priority in Ghana's national development agenda.
