UNFPA launches new interactive learning material supporting ‘Happy Family’ initiative

The health and happiness of a family unit – is a good indicator of a prosperous society. In 2020, keeping in line with this concept, the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) of the Ministry of Health, together with UNFPA, Sri Lanka launched the “Happy Family” Initiative; a communications program aimed at training healthcare providers. The adult learning training exercises consisted of roleplays, and case studies, exploring challenges faced within the family unit and how assertive communications and interactions could help overcome these issues. The training addressed misconceptions on gender-based violence, adolescent health, alcohol and drug abuse, maternal and child health, women’s health, family planning, menstrual hygiene, and nutritional habits. In 2022, men’s health was also added to the list.

Sri Lankan health providers in 2022 needed a new framework to cater to the needs of the family unit within the context of COVID-19 and the ensuing economic and political instability. Daily life in Sri Lanka had changed dramatically and the family unit and its needs together with that.

To cater to this requirement, a series of new communication materials were developed by the Health Promotion Bureau with the technical support of the Family Health Bureau and professional colleges. The areas addressed are:

* Life skills development for adolescents: Alcohol and drug use, exam anxiety, responsible use of new technology

* Happy life promotion: Love, understanding, and assertiveness at different life stages

* Men’s health: Men’s mental health, prostate disease and sexual dysfunction

* Subfertility management: Awareness and combating myths on subfertility

* The promotion of Well-Woman Clinics via social media to encourage testing for cancers

Speaking of the new communications material, S. Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, Secretary of Health, said that “We have seen how effective these tools have worked in sending the accurate message to communities; developing and disseminating these communication tools are crucial in addressing health issues”. Kunle Adeniyi, Representative, UNFPA Sri Lanka further elaborated that “UNFPA believes that by strengthening the capacities of health workers we can better understand and respond to the critical sexual and reproductive health issues of women and girls and communities in order to reduce the negative impacts of the current crisis”.

The additional secretary of Health, Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, The Deputy Director General Public Health II Dr. Susie Perera, The Director of FHB Dr. Chtramali de Silva, and Director HPB Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawe expressed their vision and way forward with this project.