POPCOM-6 launches RPFP helpline amid COVID crisis
ILOILO CITY, May 1 (PIA6) — The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) in Western Visayas shall operationalize a helpline dedicated to Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) amid the health crisis brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Harold Alfred Marshall, POPCOM-6 regional director, said the commission’s regional office here shall establish an RPFP helpline through its official POPCOM VI page messaging feature.
“Interrupted family planning services during COVID-19 health crisis may lead to higher unmet needs, unintended pregnancies, teenage pregnancy, and even gender-based violence (GBV),” he said.
He emphasized the necessity to establish a link between correct information and health services.
“The helpline shall be providing accurate, relevant, timely, and basic information on RPFP, adolescent health development, and other reproductive health concerns such as men’s involvement, GBV, and other sexual health concerns,” he said.
He said that the helpline shall also answer queries on RPFP services including stock-out commodities. However, he underscored that this will not cater to counselling and medical advice but only referral to proper service providers.
He added that a dedicated line (cellular phone number) will also be established and disseminated to provincial, city and municipal population officers, population and health workers, and barangay volunteers.
According to POPCOM-6, this alternative strategy will be applicable during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine period or until it is lifted to ensure that RPFP information and services are not hampered as embodied in the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020. (JBG/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040561