Countries discuss progress in access to sexual and reproductive health in the Americas – PAHO/WHO
Countries discuss progress in access to sexual and reproductive ... Pan American Health Organization
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Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Americas
Washington, DC, September 28, 2023 (PAHO) — During the 60th Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), health authorities from countries in the Americas approved a report on access to sexual and reproductive health in the region.
Current Status of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
The document presents the current status of sexual and reproductive health (SHR) services, as well as existing health responses and barriers to access, proposing measures for improvement.
While the majority of countries have improved sexual and reproductive health service coverage, with the region reaching 84% (above the global average of 74%), disparities still exist among countries and within them.
Addressing Inequities for Universal Health
“This is a priority issue for the region,” the PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, said. “Despite advances, the data we have show us that we must improve. The adolescent pregnancy rate in the region, for example, is unacceptable,” he added.
Barriers to access to SRH services are greater in vulnerable populations, implying that certain groups consistently experience worse outcomes.
“Addressing these inequities is fundamental to achieving universal health, protecting human rights, gender equality, fighting discrimination and improving the social determinants of health,” said Dr. Suzanne Serruya, Director of PAHO’s Latin American Center for Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health (CLAP/WR).
Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks and Financing
Dr. Serruya also stressed the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks for the protection of rights and emphasized the need for countries to make a political commitment to adequate and sustainable financing to enable the implementation of interventions.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
It is estimated that achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.7 “Universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services,” would lead to an almost 70% reduction in maternal deaths and 60% of neonatal deaths. Furthermore, reaching this target would have a positive impact on other SDGs.
“Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services is a human rights issue and a strategy for the development of countries,” Dr. Serruya highlighted.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services
- SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
- SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions two indicators:
- Maternal mortality rate: Achieving SDG 3.7 would lead to an almost 70% reduction in maternal deaths.
- Neonatal mortality rate: Achieving SDG 3.7 would lead to a 60% reduction in neonatal deaths.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services | Maternal mortality rate |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences | Neonatal mortality rate |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard | N/A |
Note: The article does not explicitly mention indicators for SDG 10.3, but it is implied that reducing barriers to access to sexual and reproductive health services would contribute to reducing inequalities.
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Source: paho.org
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