Belfast, June 25-27 2015
In 2015 the Regional Council meeting of the European Network of IPPF (BFPA id the Bulgarina member of the Federation, as you know), was held in Belfast, on June 25-27 2015. BFPA was represented by its Management Board members Maria Kaloyanova and Dr. Magardich Karakashyan, as well as by Maya Kumanova – BFPA volunteer and chairperson of YSAFE – the IPPF/EN youth network. The main topic of the meeting was infertility and assisted reproduction. As it turns out, Bulgaria holds one of the leading places in infertility treatment and assisted reproduction. What is missing - the negative attitude towards families without children, the lack of access to assisted reproduction treatment or its unavailability.
In Bulgaria – the right to three cycles of assisted reproduction procedures, covered by state health insurance /despite the current financing problems/ and the paid procedures are accessible to everyone.
BFPA’s participation in the Keep me safe project targeting health education and prevention of sexual abuse of s YPWLD” was highly appraised. The project is financed by the EC and implemented in 12 countries.
The ideas of YSAFE – the youth network, with the active participation of Maya Kumanova, were very rich, especially the ones concerning education. Also, the idea about including “emergency” supplies in the health packages, handed out during natural disasters – for example menstrual pads, tampons, condoms, diapers, intimate wipes…
In summary – BFPA’s activities and initiatives in the field of sexual and reproductive health, including the ones elaborated by our volunteers, are highly appreciated by IPPF. We hope and will do our best to manage at least this well in the future.
