Encourages the Introduction of Health Education to Improve Knowledge about Family Planning

The Ministry of Education and Science plans to continue the improvement of the general education curriculum, including strengthening the content of family values and health literacy, which is expected to be completed by April 30 of next year.

"Health education as a separate subject in primary school was discontinued in 2005. And currently, the discussion is not about health literacy, but about values education, where health is only a small part. Given the vast informational space in which children live, it is definitely important to teach health education starting from the first grade, according to their age group, and continue throughout the entire educational process up to the 12th grade. There are an extremely large number of topics that a person should know, starting with recognizing their own body, as well as how to provide first aid. Important topics also include vaccination and screening," said Iveta Ķelle, the head of the "Papardes zieds" association, to the Skonto media group.

On the other hand, Anna Kornete, a council member of the "Papardes zieds" association and a gynecologist, emphasizes that young women often have less knowledge about reproductive health because this education is lacking in schools. The doctor explains that education is one of the most important tools for family planning; however, knowledge alone is not enough - access to contraception and quality healthcare services is also necessary. Equal responsibility among partners, the ability to make free decisions about one's body, and supportive relationships are also significant.

Kornete points out that by the age of 18, every young person should know the basics of body anatomy and physiology. She particularly highlights knowledge about puberty - how it occurs, why it happens differently for everyone, and how it differs between girls and boys. Young people should also know what a normal menstrual cycle is. However, even adult women often do not know the basics, for example, about the menstrual cycle. Not all are aware that reproductive health is closely related to overall health.