WHGI Director’s Message
From Jose “Oying” Rimon II
Since the first conference in 2009, the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) has become a dynamic movement propelling universal family planning access, underpinned by a vibrant community fueled by collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, and scientific integrity. It remains the largest scientific gathering of sexual and reproductive health and rights professionals in the world.
Last week, the ICFP Secretariat held the first International Steering Committee and National Steering Committee meetings live from Bogotá. This reflected the unwavering support and commitment from various sectors of Colombian society, including governmental bodies, civil society organizations, and esteemed institutions, and the ICFP community’s strong support for the seventh ICFP to be held in Latin America for the first time in the conference’s 15-year history.
Thousands of delegates coming from more than 120 countries can learn from the experience of Latin America and Colombia in particular about universal health coverage and how comprehensive reproductive health services and demand are successfully addressed.
Through creative financing and learnings from national health insurance schemes, Colombia can provide unique insights into how best the public and the private sectors can play reinforcing roles in advancing sustainable, high-quality health care for its citizens.
Ministers, parliamentarians, policy makers, local government leaders, scientists, researchers, implementers, and representatives from the civil society organizations and philanthropic organizations can adopt from Latin America’s innovations to influence their own countries quest for universal health care.
Join us in shaping a brighter future for family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights as we convene in “the country of beauty” next November for the seventh ICFP.
