A camp was organised from the 23^rd – 25^th of February at the Chinthana Training Centre, Nainamadama for a group of youth volunteers attached to VOICE in the Puttalam District. The programme drawn up aimed at capacity building on subjects like, Sexual, Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) and to raise awareness of the adverse effects of substance abuse and the benefits of healthy living.

The topics discussed were as follows.

Day 01

• What SRH entails and how it affects our lives – Ms. Mallika Samarawickrama ( Happy Life Instructor)
• The human anatomy and the physiological function of the female and male systems – Dr. Tharindu Kodikara (Medical Officer)
• Gender, Masculinities and Gender-based Violence (causes, manifestations and prevention)- Dr. Achini Jayatillake – Deputy Director Medical Unit
• A documentary developed by the MoH/Family Health Bureau on what one can do to prevent GBV was screened and followed by a discussion.

Day 02

• Interactive session on ‘Life Skills’ - Mr. Sunil
• Substance Abuse - Mr. Mahesh – ADIC
• STI/HIV prevalence, presentation and prevention - Mr. Sabar (PHI) attached to the BH, Marawila
• Life style diseases that can affect us and practical prevention methods – Dr. Tharindu Kodikara (Medical Officer)

The participants enjoyed a time of fellowship around a campfire whilst discussing pressing issues related to SRH that youth have to encounter and deal with in daily life. A film on STI/HIV prevention was also screened to reiterate the topics discussed.

Day 03

• SRH communication - Mr. Sunil
• Family Planning methods, Abortion and unplanned pregnancies -  Dr. Sumithra Tissera – Director Medical Unit.
• How to manage a relationship - Ms. Badra Udawatte – Assistant Director Counselling

The 3 day workshop ended with a Q&A session and the awarding of certificates to all participants.

World Organization of National Colleges and Academics (WONCA) of the South Asian Region (SAR) Conference, 11^th – 14^thFebruary 2016 at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla

The Women’s Health Symposium was organized by FPA Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka College of General Practitioners (SLCGP) jointly and saw the participation of more than 60 GPs from Sri Lanka and the South Asian Region.

The main objective was to improve the skills of General Practitioners (GPs) in providing simple SRH services including Pap smear, Intra Uterine Device (IUD) insertion, Pipelle biopsy and Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) through hands-on training.

How to perform a Pap smear and staining of smears – Dr. Chaminda Mattota – Consultant Gynecologist

 – Family Health Bureau (FHB)

Pippelle biopsy – how and why? And, IUI for sub fertile Couples – Prof. Athula Kaluaracchi – Senior Lecturer/ Dept. of Gynecology, Colombo Medical Faculty

IUD (Intra Uterine Device) insertion – Dr. Sumithra Tissera – Medical Director – FPA Sri Lanka