ReproSex 2024: A Landmark Conference Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sri Lanka

The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA) hosted ReproSex 2024, the International Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), on November 5th and 6th at the BMICH in Colombo. As the first event of its kind in Sri Lanka, ReproSex 2024 served as a pioneering platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation in the field of SRH.

The conference brought together over 400 delegates from around the globe, including leading experts, policymakers, and practitioners, all united by a shared commitment to addressing pressing SRH issues.

The International Planned Parenthood Federation, Sri Lanka Medical Association, National STD/AIDS Control Programme, Centre for Evaluation, Population Society of Sri Lanka, The Menopause Society, and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura served as technical partners for ReproSex 2024. They provided valuable guidance for the conference tracks and evaluated abstract submissions, ensuring evidence-based content, high-quality presentations, and the integration of the latest research in reproductive health.

The event featured a keynote speech, five plenary sessions, and 08 parallel sessions and 08 mini-symposia sessions with an impressive 150 abstracts submitted from 20+ countries. Among the many highlights were 50 oral presentations and 50 poster presentations that demonstrated the breadth of global research, innovations, and solutions in SRH. Over 100 speakers with different areas of expertise shared their ideas and views under 12 thematic areas. ?These discussions underscored the growing significance of SRH in the global health agenda, with a strong focus on advancing rights, health, and equity for all.

Guest of Honour, Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, addressed the conference, emphasizing the critical importance of SRH in the public health landscape. “SRH is the cornerstone of public health and human rights, impacting vital areas such as maternal health, family planning, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and youth education,” said Dr. Mahipala. He added, “The discussions and outcomes from ReproSex 2024 will play a vital role in shaping the future of SRH both in Sri Lanka and globally. Improving SRH outcomes, especially for the younger population, remains a priority. With one in four Sri Lankans aged between 15-29, it is crucial that we equip young people with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their SRH.”

ReproSex 2024 addressed a wide range of key issues affecting SRH, including demographics, protecting the rights of all gender identities, the intersection of youth and SRH, digital innovations in health, subfertility, and the prevention, testing, and treatment of STIs. The conference also delved into critical topics such as SRH in the context of climate change and humanitarian settings, and discussions surrounding the termination of pregnancy in Asia. Additionally, there were focused sessions on the advancements and challenges in the prevention, screening, and treatment of cervical, breast, and prostate cancer.

The event created an invaluable platform for dialogue, the sharing of best practices, and the forging of new partnerships to tackle the evolving challenges SRH. As the conference concluded, it was clear that the collaboration fostered during ReproSex 2024 would play a pivotal role in shaping SRH policy, practice, and research both in Sri Lanka and internationally.

The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka extends its heartfelt thanks to all speakers, delegates, and partners for their invaluable contributions to making ReproSex 2024 a resounding success. Together, we are advancing the global conversation on SRH and working towards a healthier, more equitable future for all.