Department of Health, PPAT, and Bayer Thai Celebrate World Contraception Day by Promoting Knowledge and Access to Family Planning for Thailand's Youth

Dr. Bunyarit Sukrat, Director of the Bureau of Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, revealed that while statistics on teenage pregnancies in Thailand show a downward trend, it remains a challenging issue. The latest reproductive health situation report for adolescents and youth in 2022 from the Department of Health indicates that a total of 42,457 girls aged 10-19 gave birth, with 1,569 from the 10-14 age group, resulting in a rate of 0.8 per 1,000 girls aged 10-14. In the 15-19 age group, there were 40,888 births, with a rate of 21.0 per 1,000 girls aged 15-19. There were 3,181 repeat births among women under 20, accounting for 7.5% of teenage mothers aged 10-19 who became pregnant (1).

The Ministry of Public Health aims to reduce the birth rate among girls aged 10-14 to no more than 0.5 per 1,000 girls aged 10-14, and for those aged 15-19 to no more than 15.0 per 1,000 girls aged 15-19 by the year 2027 (1). A key focus is to ensure that adolescents have access to accurate information about contraception, as well as the health impacts on both themselves and newborns. Additionally, promoting quality births for those who are ready and supporting contraception for those who are not yet prepared to have children is a priority for the Ministry, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for Thai citizens.

The government has established guidelines to promote access to contraception for the public. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) provides family planning services, including temporary contraceptive methods such as birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills, injectable contraceptives, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), as well as permanent methods like sterilization for both women and men, all at no cost for all Thai citizens under the healthcare system. Furthermore, condoms and birth control pills can also be obtained for free through the Paotang application.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukanya Sripho, Secretary-General of the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT) emphasized that learning about contraception and preventing teenage pregnancies is part of planning for the future for the younger generation. As this age group is in a phase of forming relationships, it is vital to support and promote access to comprehensive and accurate knowledge about contraception for teenagers, students, and youth. Understanding the different methods of contraception for both men and women, along with their effectiveness, is essential in preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukanya noted that the Planned Parenthood Association has continuously campaigned to support family planning and reduce unintended pregnancies in teenagers to ensure that every birth is of high quality.

Mr. Bradley Williams, Managing Director of Bayer Thai Co., Ltd and General Manager of Pharmaceuticals Division., stated that many countries have high teenage pregnancy rates, with an estimated 21 million young people aged 15-19 becoming pregnant each year in low- and middle-income countries (2). Some cases result in abortions, with approximately 12.8 million adolescents aged 15-19 and over 500,000 aged 10-14 giving birth annually (3). As a leading company in life sciences and women's healthcare, Bayer believes that good family planning and access to effective reproductive health services promote gender equality, economic opportunities, alleviate poverty, and reduce social issues in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Paneeya Sutabutra, Country Medical Director of Pharmaceuticals Division, Bayer Thai Co., Ltd., added that it is essential for youth to seek reliable sources of information on contraception or consult pharmacists and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions. Bayer has been promoting the "Bayer For Her" campaign to encourage women to openly discuss health issues and seek expert advice to seize every important opportunity in their lives.

For World Contraception Day activities on September 26, 2024, under the campaign's theme EmpoweringChoices, One Decision at a Time, several initiatives will target the audience, including:

• An educational talk featuring expert obstetricians such as Dr. Olarik Musigavong and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manopchai Thamkhantho, along with Haeun Hana, a youth representative sharing experiences, streamed live on social media platforms of the clubneeladykhum and PPAT.
• Infographics to enhance understanding of effective contraception shared on social media platform of the clubneeladykhum and PPAT throughout September.
• A guide for pharmacists on hormonal contraceptives to ensure they have accurate information for counseling and recommending safe and effective contraceptive use at pharmacies.

Furthermore, the Bureau of Reproductive Health and Bayer Thai have been continuously providing education and counseling through the "Young Love" project at universities and factories since 2014, with increasing participation each year. This year, there are plans for 5 events, expecting over 3,000 participants, aimed at educating youth and working-age individuals about appropriate contraception to reduce unintended pregnancies. Additionally, six workshops on family planning technology and women's health will be held for public health personnel, with over 700 participants expected.

An online communication channel, Line@Young Love, has also been established to reach the youth more effectively.

Bayer, in collaboration with the Bureau of Reproductive Health, Department of Health, and the Planned Parenthood Association, has consistently supported the "World Contraception Day" campaign for 17 years, aiming to provide information on contraception as a choice for informed decision-making, reduce unintended pregnancies, and respect the rights of the younger generation, ensuring that every pregnancy is intended, leading to better quality of life and future.