The Tribune

LAST fall, at its annual general meeting, the Bahamas Sexual Health and Rights Association (BaSHRA), also known as Bahamas Family Planning, elected a new slate of directors.

Newly appointed president and community empowerment advocate, Philadenrin Russell, outlined steps the organisation would take to advance the aims of the charity, which includes assisting at-risk adolescents, by providing comprehensive sexuality education, among other things.

“We must agree to work together to meet our mission which is to improve the quality of life for Bahamians by promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially among girls and young women,” Ms Russell said. She presented the organisation’s 2021 Work Plan, which includes measures such as providing training to youth leaders and health and family life teachers.

BaSHRA believes that all Bahamian youth, as part of their right to education, should receive quality, comprehensive sexuality education that teaches concrete skills to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, avoid unwanted pregnancy, and make informed and empowered decisions.

“It is my desire that we take a leading role in sexual and reproductive health in The Bahamas, by reengaging in research, education and strengthening partnerships, with the

Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Services and Community Development, churches, schools and other civic organisations who are involved in helping our youth to make healthy decisions that they would not later regret,” Ms Russell said.

She recommitted the charity to working with regional partners, including the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation (CFPA) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

Founded in 1984 by Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, the late Dr Bernard Nottage, and other sexual and reproductive health advocates, BaSHRA is the only non-governmental, non-profit organisation that has provided family planning services in The Bahamas. BaSHRA continues to champion the health of Bahamians by offering family planning and sexual health counselling, seminars and workshops in sexual and reproductive health, family planning, and STI, including HIV and AIDS.

BaSHRA is part of an umbrella organisation known as the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation Ltd (CFPA), which is the only regional non-governmental organisation devoted to family planning and sexual and reproductive health.

For more information or to become a member, contact the Association at email communications. bashra@gmail.com or telephone at 242-805-5043.