Our Outreach Unit conducted an awareness programme on the 29th of March, for 15 key influential personnel who comprised Board of Investment Management, Public Health Inspectors, the Grama Niladhari, Medical Officers of Health, religious leaders and civil society members.

It was held to educate them on the products and services that are on offer at the newest FPA Sri Lanka Service Delivery Point (Clinic) located in the BOI Zone.

The Outreach Unit provides quality, rights-based, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services to all segments of the society through Service Delivery Points (Static Clinics) located strategically in Ampara, Batticaloa, Nuwara-Eliya, Koggala, Matara and now in Avissawella. These health centres are geared towards providing information, education and counselling on Sexual and Reproductive Health, STI’s, contraceptive methods, and other related concerns along with diagnostic services.

There is a large participation of women in the workforce associated with the garment industry in Sri Lanka. Most of them find employment away from their home towns and are boarded in housing facilities. When they step out of the confines of their protective households and become financially independent, this new found freedom sometimes leads to risky behaviour, making them vulnerable to  STI’s, HIV and unintended pregnancies.

FPA Sri Lanka, through static and mobile clinics, work towards effectively addressing the Sexual and Reproductive Health needs of the communities around, helping people make informed choices about their health so that they can enjoy safe relationships and healthy lives.

Dr. Harishchandra Yakandawala (FPA Sri Lanka Director Medical) and Mr. Rajapakse (Head of Outreach Division) were the resource personnel at this programme.