Jamaica receives intrauterine contraceptive devices from the United Nations Population Fund.

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Jamaica, August 29, 2023 – In boosting the efforts of the National Family Planning Board (NFPB), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) donated a number of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs).

IUCDs are a game changer in contraception given its high level of efficacy in allowing women who are capable of becoming pregnant, to delay and/or space their pregnancies thus staying clear of unwanted and mistimed pregnancies.

Elizabeth Talbert, UNFPA representative and Director of the Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, at the handover ceremony on August 16 at the NFPB offices on Sylvan Avenue in St Andrew, highlighted that the donation marks a significant milestone in the “united effort” to enhance sexual and reproductive health across the region; adding that the UNFPA and the NFPB have “long been at the forefront of advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights and services”.

The UNFPA representative also made mention of the organization’s goal to promote “long-acting, reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods” such as the ICUD to help mitigate unwanted pregnancies.

“Enhancing access to these contraceptive methods will also help to confront the issue of insufficient access to reproductive health commodities. The IUCD, characterised by its effectiveness, holds the promise of transforming the lives of countless individuals by providing a reliable and long-lasting method of contraception,” she said.

Additionally, she  referred to the vision UNFPA has for the world regarding pregnancy. She said, “at the core of the UNFPA’s mission is our impetus to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.” She also maintained that “it recognises the alignment of the mission of the NFPB to provide guidance, leadership and advocacy for quality and equitable sexual and reproductive health education and services for all Jamaicans.”

Talbert’s words on the potential of young people, resonates with the need to quickly address the issue of teenage pregnancy, bringing it in  line with global acceptance, at 46 births per 1,000 girls, as expressed by Dr. Lovelette Byfield, Executive Director of NFPB, speaking at the ceremony.

She later expressed that the donation comes following NFPB’ appeal for assistance to which the UNFPA responded with positivity, providing the necessary tools to support women and girls.

In alluding to UNFPA’s handing over the equipment, Talbert said, “we also hand over a piece of hope, progress and empowerment,” as a form of good luck to the country.

The IUCDs will only from now, advance NFPDs work over the past 8 years to encourage awareness as well as grow the capacity of healthcare providers to deliver LARC methods.