The long-term development benefits of investment in sexual and reproductive health were highlighted in a report published recently. The report “Adding it Up”, a joint publication between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Allan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) was launched in early February at London by Dr. Steven Sinding, Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and Dr. Sharon Camp, director of AGI.

In her speech, Dr. Camp emphasized how providing reproductive health services for the 200 million women around the globe who need them would cost about USD3.9 billion but could prevent 1.5 million maternal and infant deaths each year. It would also avert 52 million unintended pregnancies and prevent 505,000 children from losing their mothers.

In an interview, she pointed out how this development impact could only be realized if rich countries, particularly the United States of America live up to the financial promises made at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). At the moment this is not happening. “As a result we are actually losing ground in some countries”, Dr. Camp added.

The report is the first study of its kind to synthesize all the research of the last 25 years on the economic return on investment in sexual and reproductive health programmes. Developed countries are committing only about half of what they promised at the Cairo meeting a decade ago.

Meanwhile, demand for the services, which include providing contraceptives, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS and maternal and infant health care, is growing.
The report proves that there is a link between fulfilling sexual and reproductive rights and economic development. Keeping women healthy and providing contraceptives to delay childbirth and allow couples to have smaller families also contribute to economic growth and equality.
Ms. Thoraya A. Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA said “Money invested in sexual and reproductive health services will be repaid many times over”.
(Source: Push Journal, 3 February via news@ippf.org)