This morning, the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT) held a joint meeting with the Project Office for Promoting Reproductive Health for Displaced Persons from Conflict along the Thai-Myanmar Border in Mae Sot District, Tak Province. The goal was to find cooperative ways to solve the problem of access to reproductive health services for displaced persons from conflict, both inside and outside temporary shelters.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Nanthakan Sungsuman Woodham, Executive Director, along with staff from PPAT and representatives from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Representatives from government agencies, such as Mae Sot Hospital and local community hospitals, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) and Mae Tao Clinic, were also present for the discussion.
The discussion focused on addressing critical issues faced by the displaced population, particularly the difficulty in accessing semi-permanent contraception due to a lack of comprehensive healthcare systems. This results in many facing unintended pregnancies and an inability to safely terminate pregnancies, forcing them to carry pregnancies and give birth under unprepared circumstances. This also includes at-risk groups, such as students or women with underlying health conditions, for whom pregnancy can be dangerous.
This collaboration aims to fill the gap in health service access to achieve health equity. The focus is on ensuring these women receive standard services, including counseling, access to voluntary contraception, safe abortion, and antenatal and delivery care, especially for those with complications. PPAT and its network are fully committed to ensuring the safety of mothers and children. To support this operation, PPAT donated contraceptive and healthcare supplies to the Mae Tao Clinic and Mae Sot Hospital.
PPAT believes that equitable access to healthcare is a fundamental right for all women, especially the right to good health and the ability to have children when ready, ensuring both mother and child have good physical and mental quality of life.
Thank you to @Border Doctor Stories
