The Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT) is reaffirming its commitment to equitable and inclusive health services with the reopening of its South Clinic at #50 Bertrand Street, San Fernando.
President of the Association, Professor Rosemarie Belle-Antoine, made the declaration during a brief ceremony in San Fernando on Tuesday.
“We want to ensure and have always ensured that all of the people of our nation can access to the fullest their sexual and productive health rights. But it has not been easy to ensure that we give this access.”
The opening of the South Clinic comes after years of challenges, including the collapse of their previous location and the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Belle-Antoine highlighted the importance of maintaining access to sexual and reproductive health services for all, especially marginalised communities.
“It’s a lovely, welcoming space. And I want to assure you that the Family Planning Association is well acquainted with the people who live past the lighthouse, right? We’ve always served the entire Trinidad and Tobago. And so this was important for us to ensure that we could reopen the clinic. We did have difficulties. Our last physical accommodation more or less collapsed. This was, in fact, a gift from one of our benefactors.”
Executive Director Jill De Bourg said the reopening of the South office underscores the Association’s commitment to promoting sexual and reproductive health.
“Sexual and reproductive health is a vital aspect of overall health and quality of life. It encompasses access to comprehensive information, respectful services, and the freedom to make informed choices about one’s body and future.”
She said the mission of FPATT has always been rooted in ensuring that such services are accessible, respectful, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of the population.
“As we move forward, our approach will be client-centred and adaptive. We are dedicated to offering services that are streamlined and responsive to the unique needs of South Trinidad community.”
The Family Planning Association also announced plans to launch a first-of-its-kind menopause clinic in the near future, as part of its continued expansion of services for underserved groups. Plans to revamp the Tobago clinic were also shared.