In the light of the foregoing, and
given the newly emerging political commitment to the reproductive health
approach, it has now become necessary to review existing strategies and develop
a comprehensive strategic framework for supporting the countries, considering:
·
The
limited impact of existing programmes in reducing sexual and reproductive
ill-health;
·
The
limited ability of current vertical approaches to deal with the broad spectrum
of reproductive health issues and to reach -out to the numerous major groups
(unmarried women, men, youths, rural population etc.);
·
The
lack of participation of clients, especially women in the planning and
provision of services and the inadequate focus on the needs of people
throughout their life time;
·
Inappropriate
use of existing technology;
·
Lack
of coordination of investments by governments and agencies involved in the
promotion of reproductive health.
The new reproductive
health strategy is an outcome of resolutions adopted by the World Health
Assembly and the Regional Committee, namely:
·
Resolution
WHA38.22 of 1985, on adolescent motherhood and promotion of responsible
parenthood;
·
Resolution
WHA48.10 of 1995 on WHO’s role in the global strategy on reproductive health;
·
Resolution
AFR44R11 of 1994 on accelerated reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity
and mortality in the African Region:
·
Resolution
AFR RC45R7 on health of the youth and adolescents: situation report and trend
analysis.
In addition, the United
Nations General Assembly, by its resolution 49/128, endorsed the ICPD programme
of action. Various international conferences on population. The Fourth World
Conference on Women held in Beijing
LONG-TERM VISION
All the people of the
Region should enjoy, within the next 25 years, an improved quality of life
through a significant reduction of maternal
and neonatal morbidity and mortality unwanted pregnancies and sexually
transmitted infections and through the elimination of harmful practices and
sexual violence. The countries of the Region should also promote healthy sexual
relationship, responsible parenthood and gender equality.