Sexual and Reproductive Health
Every year around 350,000 women die as a consequence of pregnancy and birth—and of this, 99 per cent occur in developing countries although most deaths could be prevented (read more >). DSW implements development projects and does advocacy work in order to increase access to health care services. Attention needs to be raised to assure a healthy young population and safe motherhood. Therefore, sexual and reproductive health and rights need to be a subject that is advanced to the top of the political agenda.
Our basic concept refers back to the Cairo Programme of Action of 1994. Ever since, sexual and reproductive health has become a major concern around the world. Starting in 2000, eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were signed by 189 member states of the United Nations (UN). MDG 5 aims to combat maternal deaths by decreasing its number by three-quarters and assuring universal access to reproductive health. Today, this remains the MDG with the least progress.
“Access to Reproductive Health Supplies – Challenges, Barriers and Opportunities in Developing Countries”
Availability of reproductive health (RH) supplies plays a critical role in achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services and information, which is fundamental to improving health and effectively fighting poverty. However, in the developing world, the availability and accessibility of RH supplies, such as contraceptives and condoms, as well as tools for safe delivery and medicines for prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, do not meet current demands. Despite an increased demand for RH supplies, donor support is declining or stagnating in many countries and many national governments have not prioritized RH in their strategies yet.
These topics were covered by DSW's Symposium at the World Health Summit 2011 on October 21st in Berlin and key messages are compiled in a short report. more >
