Reproductive Health and Development

Reproductive health is a human right that saves lives, ensures quality of life, promotes gender equality and helps prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Addressing the issue of reproductive health can be seen as a prerequisite for meeting many of the MDG goals, particularly those pertaining to women and the welfare of children.

According to the UNFPA United Nations Population Fund, reproductive health conditions are the leading cause of death and illness for women of childbearing age worldwide. An estimated 350 million couples lack the ability to plan their families or space their children to effectively provide for their care.

Half of the world’s pregnant women do not have access to skilled care at childbirth. Without this basic human right, maternal and newborn mortality rates remain high in many portions of the world.

While there are fewer than 10 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in Western Europe and North America, women in poorer countries are at greater than 100 times the risk for death in childbirth.

Beyond the issue of population and maternal health, sexual and reproductive health impacts education. Pregnancy may mean the end of a woman’s education. Large families may prevent older female children from attending school in order to help care for the family. Or, the cost of educating a child may mean that only the eldest, or only a male child, will attend school.

Addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of a younger population is crucial for future development. This population segment offers both an opportunity and a challenge to affect future birth rates, reduce poverty and help control the continued spread of HIV/AIDS. This segment of the population is also considered the most receptive to information and societal change.

According to UNAIDS, 90 percent of the world’s HIV cases are transmitted sexually and 60-70 percent of HIV cases occur among heterosexuals. Only one in five people at risk of contracting HIV have access to even basic prevention measures that could prevent almost all new infections.

PCI-Media Impact has been successful in reaching young adults though locally produced radio dramas and call-in format shows containing factual information about HIV/AIDS, reproductive rights and gender violence issues. By targeting this segment of the population today, PCI hopes to change future behaviors and thereby improve the quality of life for this and future generations.

Three billion of the world’s people are under the age of 25, in their prime reproductive years. Each day 7,000 people between the ages of 15 and 24 are infected with HIV.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

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