This opening plenary session will illustrate the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and demonstrate why integrating family planning is essential to its success.

Keynote speakers include:

Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health of the Kingdom of Thailand

Dr. Natalia Kanem, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

The keynote addresses will be followed by a roundtable forum which will be led by Ann Starrs, Director of Family Planning at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who will facilitate a dynamic and engaging conversation that illustrates the unique perspectives of each panelist.

Panelists include:

Dr. James Kiarie, Head Contraception and Fertility Care Unit, World Health Organization – Kenya

Frehiwot Nigatu Yimer, Executive Director, International Institute for Primary Health Care in Ethiopia (IIfPHC-E) – Ethiopia

Dr. Natasha Salifyanji Kaoma, CEO, Copper Rose Zambia – Zambia

Dr. Indu Bhushan, CEO, Ayushman Bharat “Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the National Health Authority,” Government of India – India

Host: Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, United Nations Special Rapporteur, Author, and Reproductive Rights activist