Dimapur, September 7 (MExN): Reckitt, the global leader in consumer-healthcare led The Birds and Bees Talk programme (TBBT), celebrated World Sexual Health Day in the states of North-East India- across Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Nagaland.
According to a media update, the initiative supported by Reckitt and Plan India, organized workshops to increase outreach amongst communities, self-help groups and youth to raise awareness around growing up life skills.
The workshops were held on this year’s theme ‘Let’s talk pleasure’. On World Sexual Health Day, WHO celebrates “Every Person’s Right to Sexual Wellbeing” to ignite awareness of sexual health and rights and enforce them.
According to National AIDS Control Society (NACO), Mizoram currently has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country with over 2.3% of the population reportedly infected, which is 10 times the national average. Mizoram is closely followed by Nagaland where 1.45% of the population is infected.
On World Sexual Health Day 2022, TBBT aims to enable all people achieve good health and well-being by tailoring normative guidance and national programming that is inclusive of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, people living with HIV, and with disabilities.
The workshop in Nagaland was supported by Lifeconnect, an organisation which has been working with destitute women and their children to support and rehabilitate them in society for over two decades. The event was attended by guest speakers, Imlibenla Mongro-Domeh (Clinical Psychologist-Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research and Sali Kez Ngullie, founder of Lifeconnect.
Similar workshops were held in Manipur, Meghalaya and Sikkim. The workshops across the NE states included the introduction of TBBT, discussion sessions, workshops on consent and protection with community and group activities on overall well being of youths.
Ravi Bhatnagar, Director External Affairs and Partnerships SOA, Reckitt said, “Durex The Birds and Bees Talk has been working with youth, adolescents, teachers and parents to bring down the social and cultural taboos associated with growing up life skills. Through these workshops across North East, we aim to raise awareness and promote positive conversations around growing up among adolescents and youth. With the key pillars of equity, consent, awareness, protection and Inclusion, we believe that information and education can lead to positive changes, and build inclusive, healthier, and safer societies.”
Mohammed Asif, Executive Director, Plan India stated, “Plan India has been working for more than two decades to emphasise the importance of wellbeing of children, adolescents and youth as they represent the future of this country. On World Sexual Health Day, we aim to inform adolescents and youth, including those belonging to tribal communities, about the aspects of protection and pleasure to ensure their healthy development and wellbeing. We believe that adolescents and young people must be enabled, equipped and empowered to participate in their own development towards a healthier future”.
Mannaumching, IAS Deputy Commissioner, Tengnoupal, Manipur said, “Women empowerment or gender equality doesn’t mean only equal financial, social status or equal access but it should have equal sexuality right. I appreciate efforts taken by The Birds And Bees Talk team for this endeavour.”
Wandharilyne Khongsit, Sub Inspector, Women Police Station, Nongpoh, Meghalaya said, “A proper understanding on Sexual Health will help prevent teenage pregnancy, unplanned pregnancies and STIs especially in the rural communities.”
Phoor Tshering Lepcha, Additional Director Sikkim State AIDs Control Society said, “Congratulating the team of The Birds and Bees Talk for organising an informative and knowledgeable programme on World Sexual Health Day. Such programmes are the need of the hour.”
Dr Rosemary Thurr, Obstetrics and Gynecology, NHAK, Kohima, Nagaland stated, “For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of an/the individual must be respected and protected and fulfilled. Efforts by The Birds And Bees Talk is making youth a well informed, cautious and respectful to yourself.”
Source: https://morungexpress.com/reckitt-create-awareness-on-sexual-health-across-ne
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