Sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health: report on the 2023 policy survey – World Health Organization

Overview

Evidence- and rights-based national policies, guidelines and legislation play a key role in improving sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH), framing the enabling environment for equitable provision and accessibility of quality services. The SRMNCAH policy survey monitors the existence of national SRMNCAH laws, policies, strategies and guidelines and the extent to which they are aligned with WHO recommendations on SRMNCAH. This publication reports on the findings from the 2023 WHO SRMNCAH policy survey.

Survey Modules

• Cross-cutting issues related to SRMNCAH
• Maternal and newborn health
• Child health
• Adolescent health
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Violence against women

In the 2023 survey, which was completed by SRMNCAH focal points in each country’s ministry of health with support from WHO country offices and other national stakeholders, respondents completed modules on the above-mentioned topics. The questionnaire was completed through a web-based platform that allows countries to submit national source documents (e.g., laws, policies, strategic plans, and guidelines) that were used to respond to the survey. These documents are available through a searchable repository.

An online data visualization tool for the 2023 SRMNCAH policy survey can be accessed here.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

The article discusses the importance of evidence- and rights-based national policies, guidelines, and legislation in improving sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH). These issues are directly related to SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being for all. Additionally, the article mentions the module on violence against women, which aligns with SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and eliminate violence against women and girls.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio
• Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age
• Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation

The article highlights the importance of national policies, guidelines, and legislation in improving SRMNCAH. These policies and guidelines directly contribute to achieving Target 3.1 (reducing maternal mortality), Target 3.2 (ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5), and Target 3.7 (ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services). Additionally, the module on violence against women addresses Target 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the mentioned SRMNCAH policy survey and the online data visualization tool may contain indicators related to the targets, but they are not specified in the article.

Source: who.int