Luanda - The 3rd secretary of the National Assembly Rosa Albino on Thursday advised the government to setup adequate policies so that the population increase becomes a factor of economic development.
Speaking at a round table on “Demographic trends and families”, promoted by the 8th Working Commission of the National Assembly, within the scope of the International Day of the Family, the Member of Parliament said that families must be strengthened and enjoy protection and support.
Rosa Albino suggested that this social core should benefit from “friendly” policies that promote gender equality, child protection and a balanced life schedule for work and family care in order to foster solidarity between generations.
She pointed out that the family planning and maternal and child health services should also be expanded and the government should promote campaigns to raise awareness of families about fertility regulation and its value, improve everyone’s living conditions.
As the population increase, factors such as the reduction in mortality rates, access to health, education and professional training are essential to transform population growth into a strategic advantage, Member of Parliament said.
However, she warned of the fact that population growth could have some consequences, such as food shortages, increased pollution, the degradation of natural ecosystems, the spread of epidemics, greater demand for jobs and housing, the need for more transport, schools, hospitals and other essential services.
The round table had, among others, the objective of raising the population's attention to the importance of the family as the vital nucleus of society and their rights and responsibilities, as well as promoting knowledge on social, economic and demographic issues that affect them.