RWANDA: Parliament Calls for Population Growth Control
The New Times reported on 14 June that the Rwanda Network of Parliamentarians for Population and Development briefed partners on the situation of family planning services. Liberata Kayitesi, the RPRPD chairperson, highlighted the government's achievements in poverty reduction, food security, education, health, providing national security and others, but warned that such achievements would be in vain if nothing is done to check the fast-growing population. "If we continue to multiply fast, we will not be able to build health centres. If we can solve the problem of population, we will be able to solve all others - this calls for everyone's participation," Ms. Kayitesi said. The meeting attended by several partners, including the Ministry of Health, USAID, UNFPA and Family Health International made eight recommendations. One is that parents should engage children and teach them about reproductive health. Participants also recommended that the ministry collaborates with local authorities to help patients receive appropriate information and medical assistance, the establishment of special centres in the family planning program for the youth, especially targeting university and secondary school students. Read: The New Times