Clinicians were updated on the latest contraceptive technologies such as the implants, new oral contraceptive pills, and the new female condom (FC3), at a workshop organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Mario Aguilar, Technical Advisor, Reproductive Health, United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA).

Dr. Aguilar said the purpose of the workshop was also to review modern and natural contraceptives including contraceptives post obstetric event, and address how medications can affect the outcomes of pregnancies. The aim he said is to improve the quality of services the Ministry of Health and their staff provide to the people of the Territory.

“It is always important to be updated in any aspect of medicine and this is the case with contraceptives,” Dr. Aguilar said, adding, “There are always updates about how they work and updates about new and better products.  The idea is to see what the new technologies are and how they can use this knowledge to better assist their patients.”

Dr. Aguilar stated that contraceptives should be tailored to the individual client and medicines should be individually tested and proven for a person. He said counseling should be provided to address factors such as age, weight, lifestyles, and number of children.

Dr. Aguilar said medical history must also be considered before a recommendation is made for contraceptive use. He said patients must be encouraged to discuss their medical history as some contraceptives and medications can positively or negatively affect the usefulness of the product.

The Family Health Unit is committed to the development of family health programmes in the Virgin Islands using the life cycle approach.