Participants at the World Population Day ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw on July 11 browse exhibits at the city hall. Pic: Thein Linn

MYANMAR men lack knowledge and understanding about maternal health issues, the Minister for Immigration and Population, Major General Maung Maung Swe, said earlier this month.

He was speaking at a ceremony held at the city hall in Nay Pyi Taw on July 11 to mark World Population Day.

“Traditionally, Myanmar men are heads of households and major decision makers, but their involvement in maternal healthcare and protection is little due to inadequate knowledge on maternal health matters. There is a necessity to promote their knowledge in this area,” said Maj Gen Maung Maung Swe.

His comments reflected the theme chosen by the United Nations for World Population Day this year: “Men as Partners in Maternal Health”.

Maj Gen Maung Maung Swe said Myanmar had a population of 56.5 million, of whom 28.4 million were women, including 14.4 million in the reproductive age group between 15 and 49.

Myanmar has made considerable efforts to promote overall reproductive health, he said.

In recognition of reproductive health as a crucial component in human resource development, the National Reproductive Health Policy was adopted in 2001 and has been mainstreamed into regular program activities, the minister said.

Regionally, Myanmar has been chosen for a pilot project aimed at increasing male involvement in reproductive health though effective behaviour change communication strategies, Maj Gen Maung Maung Swe said.

The project is being implemented by jointly by the Department of Health and the Myanmar Medical Association.

The Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association is also actively engaged in providing quality reproductive health counselling and related services and advocacy.

He said the association had launched pilot projects concerning male involvement in maternal health in Magwe and Malwamyine in 2003-2004 and was expanding the program throughout the country.

The ceremony was also addressed by the resident representative of the UN Population Fund, Mr Daniel Baker, who spoke about the fundamental role men can play in supporting women’s rights, including their right to reproductive health.