ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Monday launched its annual ‘State of World Population Report-2019’ in Pakistan, calling for the full realization of reproductive health and addressing the impacts of high population growth.

“Global evidence has shown that preventing unwanted pregnancies, reducing early marriage and pregnancy among young adolescent and decreasing maternal mortality can contribute to the reduction of poverty, “Representative UNFPA Pakistan Lina Mousa said addressing the launching ceremony of the report.

The report was launched under the theme ‘The unfinished business: The pursuit of rights and choices for all.’

She said the family planning programs provide a win-win solution for poverty reduction.

The evidence is compelling as voluntary family planning programs improve the health and survival of mother and children, empowers and helps women and their families to escape from poverty.

Lina said the political environment in Pakistan is so promising with political framework including the launch of the prime minister policy statement- Ehsaas in April 2019.

This is a ground breaking initiative for reducing inequality and eradicating poverty and this initiative has as well as recognized the population and family planning, as one of the key pillars, she added.

She said, “We must take advantage of these political frameworks, Council of Common Interest recommendations and Ehsaas, among others and collectively contribute to the implementation of Naya Pakistan and ensure a more prosperous and sustainable future for the people of Pakistan.”

The UNFPA representative said the launch comes at a time where UNFPA and its partners, are making this year two important occasions one is 50 years since 1969, the UNFPA started its operation and 25 years since the landmark international conference on population and development (ICPD) in Cairo.

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