Reproductive Health Awareness

Reproductive health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being and proper functioning of the reproductive system in all matters relating to its functions and processes. Reproductive health refers to people's ability to have a pleasant and safe sexual life, as well as their ability to reproduce and the freedom to choose if, when, and how frequently they do so. Reproductive health awareness aims to raise people's knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. Its main objectives include educating and creating awareness among adolescents, youths, and adults about safe sexual practices as well as providing complete knowledge about early pregnancy, infertility, and birth control methods. It also helps in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Sexual and reproduction topics are not always the easiest to discuss. A lot of people neglect their reproductive health due to social customs, traditions, illiteracy, social taboo, shyness, and many other factors. Also, some adolescents do not get important reproductive health education from their parents, guardians, or schools due to a couple of factors; some of which have been identified to include embarrassment when discussing sexual topics; strong belief among parents and guardians that reproductive health discussions with adolescents encourage sexual experimentation; the belief that adolescents were too young to understand; and cultural and religious beliefs. However, given the intertwined and linked implications of ignorance or lack of adequate reproductive health education, a rethink and engagement in reproductive health awareness is required.

Everyone should be highly concerned about their sexual and reproductive health. After all, reproduction is one of the characteristics of?life and is required for the survival of humanity. However, some people?may argue that reproductive health awareness and education is for (or should be targeted to) only females, but in the actual sense, reproductive health should be taught to everyone, regardless of gender or social class.

The importance of awareness campaigns for sexual and reproductive health cannot be overstated; because these campaigns help a lot of people to get hold of cogent information that is not often talked about and to maintain good sexual and reproductive health, people must be empowered with accurate information. Reproductive health awareness campaigns cover topics like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception methods, HIV/AIDS, cervical cancer, family planning, adolescent pregnancy, abortion, and maternal mortality. In addition, while parents, guardians, and schools might be thought to be individuals tasked with enlightening people about reproductive health, efforts from agencies, organisations, governmental establishments, health workers and other qualified people are also necessary for creating reproductive health awareness.

Furthermore, improving sexual and reproductive health is a critical component in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3, which calls for good health and well-being. When collective efforts are geared towards promoting good reproductive health through awareness campaigns and sensitization programs, good health and well-being are promoted as well. Sexual and reproductive health must also be supported by strengthening various sectors such as health and education which are required to ensure that health care is available and accessible.

To summarise, there are still barriers to accessing appropriate sexual and reproductive health care, as well as dangers linked with sexual behaviours and erroneous reproductive health choices among people. Promoting reproductive health knowledge, on the other hand, can have a significant impact on lowering general risks such as unsafe abortions, unwanted pregnancies, reproductive cancers, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as promoting good health and well-being.

References

[1]. World Health Organisation (WHO). Reproductive Health. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/health-topics/reproductive-health. Accessed: 8 May 2022

[2]. Motsomi, K., Makanjee, C., Basera, T., &Nyasulu, P. (2016). Factors affecting effective communication about sexual and reproductive health issues between parents and adolescents in Zandspruit informal settlement, Johannesburg, South Africa. The Pan African medical journal, 25, 120. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2016.25.120.9208