Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children and a founding member of the Network of Spouses of Heads of Government of the Caribbean joined UNFPA and our partners in the celebrations of World Population Day 2017 in Belize on 11 July 2017.
As part of the efforts to champion the reduction of adolescent pregnancy in the region, the Ministry of Health, and the UNFPA Belize Liaison Office hosted a National Forum on family planning for adolescent and youth, particularly for the prevention of second and third unplanned pregnancies.
The forum invited remarks from key stakeholders. The symposium highlighted the testimonials of two adolescents and their parents, with one adolescent who has experienced pregnancy and one other who has prevented adolescent pregnancy.
Inviting young peer educators to speak to young people, their parents and community leaders about the benefits of family planning information and services also took place during the day. Health-care providers were also invited to hold community rallies and tell their stories about how family planning saves lives and empowers women socially and economically.
