KUALA LUMPUR: Sex education will soon be part of the curriculum of the National Service Training Programme.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said emphasis would be given to reproductive healthcare and youth sexuality.

She said the move was also to ensure better health for women, mothers and babies.

She added that life-long quality reproductive health services, especially during pregnancies, could reduce fatalities during deliveries.

"Maternity, obstetrics and family planning services are integral to reproductive healthcare. In this context, the role men play in family healthcare is equally important.
"Socio-economic development, especially in health and industrialisation, has led to a reduced mortality rate," she said in a statement in conjunction with World Population Day, yesterday.

Dr Ng added although there were adequate reproductive healthcare facilities at government and private clinics and hospitals, there remained some hardcore poor who were deprived of the service.

In conjunction with World Population Day 2008, the ministry is hosting a conference themed Youth and the Changing Demographics on Aug 18 and 19 here.