ICPD+25 Call to Action: A 4 point plan for universal access to reproductive health supplies
23rd October 2019
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), in Cairo, where 179 governments adopted a comprehensive Programme of Action that recognizes individual human rights and dignity, including the equal rights of women and girls and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, as necessary preconditions for sustainable development. From 12-14 November 2019, the global community gathers at the Nairobi Summit to advance the implementation of the Programme of Action’s objectives and actions, by making political and financial commitments. As we all prepare to reassess what is needed to accelerate progress and get to zero unmet need for contraception, we must remember the importance of supplies.
The ICPD+25 Summit is happening at a time when 214 million women in low- and middle-income countries have an unmet need for modern contraception. Family planning remains one of the smartest investments for achieving the SDGs, yielding 120 dollars in health and economic benefits for every dollar spent1. Countries and their citizens are only able to reap these substantial benefits when there is access to the needed supplies. Unfortunately, many women and girls around the world arrive at health facilities only to find empty shelves or supplies they cannot afford. Even when available centrally, products do not always reach the people who need them, and many barriers still prevent women and girls from exercising their right to health.
In the Call to Action (French/Spanish), the Advocacy & Accountability Working Group of the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) calls upon governments, parliamentarians, donors, the private sector, civil society and all stakeholders to prioritize four actions to ensure contraceptive supplies are available and accessible to women and girls who need them.