Bangkok – 26 September 2023: The Bureau of Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, together with the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT) under the Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Mother and Bayer Thai Co., Ltd. marks the World Contraception Day 2023 with Choices: Your Life. Your Choices campaign. The campaign was launched at the press conference today as the world celebrates the annual World Contraception Day, urging teenagers to get the right knowledge on contraceptives and seek professional consultation on suitable birth control methods for proper future planning and fewer unplanned pregnancies in Thailand.
Dr. Bunyarit Sukrat, Director of Bureau of Reproductive Health, said that unintended pregnancies have been a longstanding issue with social and economic consequences, especially among young teens, as teen pregnancies remain in spite of the nations’ declining birth rate of 38% in 2022 compared to a decade ago. One unintended pregnancy is not desirable, let alone 116 average cases a day in Thai teens aged 15 to 19 years old (40,888 total in 2022), according to the Department of Health. Furthermore, one in 13 teens continue to have a second child.
Given the situation, Dr. Bunyarit said that the public health authorities have launched schemes to extend people’s access to contraceptives. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has offered all Thais family planning consultation as well as free temporary (contraceptive pills, emergency contraceptive pills, contraceptive injection, contraceptive implant, and intrauterine device) and permanent (sterilization for both men and women) birth control.
“The most important thing is prevention and education. Families should be the first to give the right knowledge and attitudes towards sex education and birth control options. Thus, we should encourage parents to have a safe discussion at home to help prevent unintended pregnancies.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukanya Sripho, Secretary-General of the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT), added that a large number of teens and people in reproductive age still need supports in accessing the right information so that they can opt for the birth control method that suits their needs and lifestyles. Although teens nowadays have access to the internet and social media, they may obtain incomplete or inaccurate information.
This year, PPAT issues ‘The Manual of Contraception’, endorsed by Dr. Manopchai Thamkhantho, and obstetrician and Gynaecologist and PPAT council’s consultant. The manuals are handed out to pharmacies and the infographic on contraceptives and efficacy will be communicated via social media channels to guide the general public on effective and suitable contraceptives throughout this September. Social media channels includes PPAT Facebook: สมาคมวางแผนครอบครัวแห่งประเทศไทยฯ and TikTok/@ppat.off and Bureau of Reproductive Health Facebook Page คลับนี้เลดี้คุม: https://www.facebook.com/clubneeladykhum and TikTok คลับนี้เลดี้คุม: https://www.tiktok.com/ @younglovethailand.
Dr. Sukanya asserted that it is a priority to promote quality birth and encourage people to conceive only when they are ready. Conversely, both genders should make it their co-responsibility to consider one of various contraception methods available. For example, while men should use condoms, women can opt for high-efficiency and convenient contraceptives like contraceptive pills or contraceptive implants. These can prevent both unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Bayer is committed to ensuring 100 million women in lower middle-income countries have access to modern contraceptives by 2030. The 44 million mark was reached in 2022 .
Ms. JinA Lee, Managing Director of Bayer Thai Co., Ltd said: “Bayer is a leading life science company and a recognized leader in women’s healthcare for six decades. Its regional ‘Bayer For Her’ campaign, which piloted in Thailand last year empowers women at all ages to have the courage to share #ConversationsofCare and talk to healthcare professionals about their health concerns. Continuing our tradition of World Contraception Day for over 16 years in 70 countries, Bayer Thai is proud to continue spreading awareness to reduce unintended teenage pregnancies and help young people make informed choices a priority.”
Dr. Paneeya Sutabutra, Country Medical Director of Pharmaceuticals Division, BayerThai Co., Ltd., added that unintended pregnancies remain on the rise globally. Each year, nearly half of all pregnancies (121 million each year) worldwide or 332,000 births per day are unintended . Key factors driving this includes a lack of knowledge and understanding in contraception. 3 in 5 (60%) of unintended pregnancies end in abortion and an estimated 45% of all abortions are performed in unsafe ways .
Under the “Choices: Your Life. Your Choices” campaign to mark World Contraception Day 2023, the following activities to reach target groups will be organized including 2023 WCD on-ground event at Siam Square on 26 September 2023.
•2023 WCD on-ground event at Siam Scape on 26 September 2023, featuring an obstetrician talk by Dr. Olarik Musigavong, the presence of young actor, Kittiphop (Satang) Sereevichayasawat and actress, Tipnaree (Namtan) Weerawatnodom who will share their experiences on Your Life. Your Choice, a campaign walk, and handing out of brochures on right birth control methods to teenagers in Siam Square.
•The Manual of Contraception handed out to pharmacists as a handbook for them to provide on services for their customers.
•Infographic to raise awareness on right contraceptive methods, for release on PPAT Facebook: สมาคมวางแผนครอบครัวแห่งประเทศไทยฯ and TikTok/@ppat.off and Bureau of Reproductive Health Facebook Page คลับนี้เลดี้คุม: https://www.facebook.com/clubneeladykhum and TikTok คลับนี้เลดี้คุม: https://www.tiktok.com/ @younglovethailand throughout September.
Aside, the Bureau of Reproductive Health and Bayer Thai continue to host education and consultation activities under “Young Love: Wise and Safe” campaign (รักเป็นปลอดภัย) at universities and factories. Having been held continually since 2014, the campaign this year will encompass 8 events for more than 5,000 participants. At the events, participants are educated on appropriate birth control methods for teenagers to reduce undesired pregnancies.
