India to host Conference on Reproductive, Sexual health rights

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) India will host the Fourth Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights from October 29 to 31 at Hyderabad.

The theme of the Conference: 'Exploring New Frontiers in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights' would work on enhancing understanding of the elements and principles for right-based programming on sexual and reproductive health in the Asia Pacific region.

The conference will provide a platform for people with diverse perspectives, expertise and experience to exchange ideas, discuss and debate issues of concern, and learn from each other about sexual and reproductive health and rights, with specific reference to the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.

It would emphasise on developing newer discourses to inform future research and programming to address sexual and reproductive health needs from the perspective of young people, including adolescents.

Moreover, engaging multiple stakeholders in advocacy to reinforce the centrality of sexual and reproductive health for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals would also be focused.

The scientific programme will include parallel sessions, plenary sessions, symposia, satellite sessions, poster presentations and skills building and empowerment workshops.

The Conference would have six parallel sessions, which are-- ''Expanding and Empowering the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Movement'', ''Moving Beyond Tokenism: Enabling and Realising Young People's Potential in Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health'', ''Equalising Sexual Relationships: Gender, Sexuality and Sexual Diversity'', ''Responding to Emerging Issues in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Technology, Ethics and Policy.'' It would also focus on ''Addressing Unmet Need for Sexual and Reproductive Health Services'' and ''Making Pregnancy Safe and Wanted: A Non-negotiable Entitlement for Women.'' UNI