30 years of international solidarity for SRHR
This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Conference for Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo. But what have we achieved since 1994?
- Maternal mortality fell by as much as 34% between 2000 and 2020.
- We saw a 19% decline in unplanned pregnancies between 1990 and 2019.
- From 1990 to 2021, the number of women using modern contraception doubled.
- The number of deliveries among girls aged 15 to 19 is a third lower than in 2000.
- Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
- Sexual health and well-being
- The number of new HIV infections in 2021 was almost a third less than in 2010.
- 162 countries introduced laws against domestic violence. This is an all-time high.
- Homosexuality is no longer criminalised in 2/3 of all countries.
- The percentage of girls affected by female genital mutilation decreased.
Standing still is regressing
We have seen the impact that sufficient attention to and funding for SRHR, can have. However, we must remain attentive to the emerging challenges that threaten sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The most effective measures
Strengthening health care
- Expanding the health infrastructure is crucial, especially in areas with limited healthcare provision.
- Expanding programmes that help health professionals offer SRHR services.
- A strong supply chain for contraception and essential medicines is crucial to avoid stock shortages and ensure that services can be offered continuously.
Policy and legal changes
- Progressive laws: Countries should review restrictive laws and policies that limit access to SRHR services.
- Implement Relational and Sexual Education (RSV): RSV provides young people with important information about their bodies and the self-confidence to stand up for their rights. Therefore, it is important that schools integrate relational and sexual education into the curriculum, adapted to the age and cultural background of students.
Addressing social and cultural barriers
- Engage communities: Local leaders and influencers should be involved in promoting positive attitudes towards SRHR. Their knowledge and influence can also help break down myths and misconceptions about contraception and reproductive health.
- Empower women and girls: programmes that improve the economic and social status of women and girls can lead to better SRHR outcomes. This includes education, vocational training and social support networks.
"There is evidence of worrying increases in maternal mortality in parts of Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. These increases are so substantial and widespread that they have outweighed declines elsewhere, leading to a stagnation in global maternal mortality rates since 2016."
It is estimated that a $1 investment in family planning over time would result in a return of $60 to $100 in the form of economic growth.
It is almost impossible to estimate the impact of quality sexual and reproductive care and respect for their rights for those who have been least helped by our support so far. But the potential progress is greatest within the most vulnerable communities, as the difference our international investments make would be far greater.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that collective action offers the only way forward for many of the world's greatest concerns.”
SWOP report UNFPA