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.
MDG 5: Improve Maternal Health
The maternal mortality rate is supposed to be reduced by three quarters by 2015.
Every year, more than 350,000 girls and women die of complications arising during pregnancy or childbirth, 99 per cent of whom live in developing countries. Millions of other women suffer their whole lives from damage caused to their health due to childbirth complications including fistulas, anaemia, sterility, incontinence or abdominal pain. Most of these deaths and health problems could be avoided by providing proper medical care. However, only two thirds of global childbirths are attended by a medical doctor or a trained midwife.
Family planning saves lives
The risk of women dying during pregnancy or childbirth is 1:120 in developing countries. In sub-Saharan countries, even one out of 31 women dies. Worldwide, pregnancy or childbirth-related complications are among the main causes of death for women at reproductive age.
In addition to improved medical and obstetric care for pregnant women, family planning services can also help to reduce maternal mortality: observing a period of at least two years between childbirths considerably reduces the health risk for mothers and their children. If all women had access to information and modern family planning methods, maternal mortality cases would be reduced by at least one third globally.
