The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has spoken highly of the Vietnam Family Planning Association (VINAFPA) for its activities in reproductive heath care.

Regional Director Dr. Datuk Raj Karim from the IPPF- East and South East Asian and Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR) said on June 23 that VINAFPA is taking the lead among non-governmental organisations (NGO) in Vietnam in reproductive health care.

VINAFPA has contributed to Vietnam’s efforts to lower its population growth rate from 1.74% in 1993 to 1.18% in 2007 and the birth rate from 28.5 to 17.4 per 1,000 total population.

Additionally, the NGO’s activities have helped ensure the people’s equality in reproductive health care and improve the quality of life.

VINAFPA, which now has chapters in 49 cities and provinces nationwide, was officially admitted to the 152-member IPPF in 1993. In July 2007, it was the first NGO in Vietnam to have enjoyed t he United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)’s special consultative status.

VINAFPA has cooperated with 12 international and national organisations in carrying out 27 projects, with a total fund of Ú $150 million.

Its activities have been focusing on increasing the quality of reproductive and sexual health, and family planning, with its services to provide consultancy on reproductive health and to raise public awareness of pregnancy and HIV/AIDS prevention being among the most noteworthy. (VNA)