Lahore: The Government of Punjab has launched an outreach campaign under the Punjab Family Planning Program to promote awareness about family wellbeing and informed decision-making across the province.
The initiative, titled “Behtar Qadam,” is part of the Punjab Family Planning Program led by the Health and Population Departments of the Government of Punjab. The campaign seeks to encourage a “Nayi Soch,” or renewed approach to family planning through dialogue, awareness and community engagement.
Implemented in collaboration with development partners Rayn and Riz Consulting, the program focuses on inclusive engagement with women, husbands, youth, extended families and community members. Religious scholars, non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations are also participating in the initiative, which is being carried out across all 41 districts of Punjab.
Community engagement across Punjab
The program aims to encourage families to make informed decisions about health and wellbeing while emphasizing shared responsibility within households and communities.
According to Capt. Dr. Usman Ali Khan, Program Director of the Punjab Family Planning Program, the initiative encourages youth, families and community leaders to engage in discussions that promote responsible planning and healthier lifestyles.
The campaign also places emphasis on maternal, newborn and child health by encouraging healthy spacing between children and raising awareness about reproductive health and long-term family wellbeing.
Outreach activities and participation
Since the second half of November, the campaign has conducted more than 394 outreach activities across the province. These events have engaged over 25,000 people, including a large number of students from more than 100 educational institutions.
The activities include seminars, health fairs, sports events and community dialogues aimed at creating open discussion around family wellbeing and reproductive health.
Lahore recorded the highest number of activities, followed by districts including Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Okara, Jhang and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Future plans
Organizers say the initiative will continue expanding its outreach. By June 2027, the campaign aims to conduct more than 1,293 activities across Punjab.
Planned engagements include university sessions, Sehat Melas, community dialogues, youth forums and meetings with religious leaders to support informed decision-making related to family planning and reproductive health.
Officials say the program seeks to contribute to healthier families, stronger communities and long-term social and economic stability in Punjab.
