KARACHI, June 5: Experts have stressed the need for a reproductive health education programme for girls in high schools and colleges in order to prevent the high rate of population growth and the resultant problems in the country.

Addressing the certificate distribution ceremony of the family planning training programme for female doctors organized by the Greenstar Social Franchise here on Thursday, they emphasized the importance of awareness among women of their health-care needs.

It was observed with deep concern that lack of adequate knowledge about reproductive health was gravely affecting population welfare efforts being made in the country.

The speakers urged that application of contraceptives must be acknowledged as a right of women and proper guidance and counselling must be offered to them.

Chief executive of Greenstar, Dr Rehana Ahmed, speaking on the occasion to the doctors who completed the training, said that Pakistan had the highest infant and maternal mortality rate in the region.

She said Greenstar had initiated a vigorous training programme for general medical practitioners and lady health workers.

Dr David Reene, regional director of the Population Services International for Europe, Eurasia and Asia, lauded Greenstar for alleviating social and health problems in Pakistan. He underscored the need for adequate investment in women’s education, health care and employment.

He praised the skills of doctors and other social workers in Pakistan, saying they had excelled in many fields compared to those in other countries.

Some of those who received certificates from the training programme also expressed their views and put forward recommendations regarding population welfare schemes in the province.—APP\PPI