In partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) launched the ‘Pankh Initiative’ to generate greater awareness about reproductive health issues among youth.
Pankh (wings) aims to create awareness about safe sexual behaviour and proper contraceptive use without stigma or judgment. The Initiative will introduce the ‘Talk Bejhijhak’ (talk without hesitation) campaign to facilitate non-judgemental, technically accurate conversations between FOGSI member physicians across India and youth. The campaign will include an anonymous helpline (1800 258 0001) where trained counsellors can answer questions and help facilitate face-to-face consultations in clinics when needed. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on all aspects of health, including reproductive health.
Young people struggle from limited availability of accurate reproductive health information and services targeted to them and their needs. The lack of access to contraceptive options during the lockdown is estimated to have caused 2.7 million unwanted pregnancies and COVID-19 induced disruptions continue to erode the messaging around contraceptives and reproductive health.
