Media, Family Planning Associations should work closer

Family Planning Associations affiliated to the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) have been urged to develop strategic partnership with the media for smooth dissemination and provision of information in sexual and reproductive health.

The Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) intends to urgently develop this partnership with
the media in the country so that information dissemination could get to the targeted groups as expected, LPPA information, education and communications officer, Mr. Tefo Lepheana has told LENA on his return from the week long meeting of IPPF member associations in Kenya. 

The information, education and communications officer said the LPPA already has good working relations with the media, although there is a need for this partnership to be strengthened. The meeting also recommended the building of capacity for member associations so that they could develop their information, education and communication - behaviour change communication (IEC\BCC) strategic plans.

Chief executives, finance and administration directors and IEC officers representing member associations in the region attended the meeting which also drew a plan of action for this year as well as how this could be implemented. Others were issues of management, financial management, service delivery, HIV\AIDS, access to reproductive health services and advocacy, Mr. Lepheana said.

19 January 2004