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Negotiating sexual and reproductive health: Culture matters

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other organisations working to achieve the goal of universal access to reproductive health have to negotiate highly sensitive and embedded beliefs and practices. In certain contexts challenging female genital cutting, child marriage and instituting gender equity, access to contraception, sexual and reproductive health and information are highly contentious issues. Rather than perceiving cultural perspectives to constrain positive social change, UNFPA's Culture Matters approach illustrates how development actors might work sensitively with the dynamics of culture to enhance the achievement of development objectives and human rights within a variety of social, cultural and spiritual settings. (Kate Molesworth, Bulletin of Medicus Mundi Switzerland No. 100, April 2006)

http://www.medicusmundi.ch/mms/services/bulletin/bulletin200602/kap1/01Molesworth.html

(Added: Wed Jun 14 2006   Hits: 212)

An Exodus of African Nurses Puts Infants and the Ill in Peril

The nursing staffs of public health systems across the poor countries of Africa -- grossly insufficient to begin with -- are being battered by numerous factors that include attrition and AIDS. But none are creating greater anxiety in Africa than the growing flight of nurses discouraged by low pay and grueling conditions. The result of the nursing crisis -- the neglect of the sick -- is starkly apparent here on the dilapidated wards of Lilongwe Central Hospital, where a single nurse often looks after 50 or more desperately ill people. It is the poor subsidizing the rich, since African governments paid to educate many of the health care workers who are leaving. Many of these English-speaking nurses have flocked to Britain, which is confronting its own acute shortage of nurses to care for an aging population. This author visits medical professionals in Malawi. (Celia W Dugger, New York Times, 21 July 2004)

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D03E1D7113BF931A25754C0A9629C8B63&sec=health&pagewanted=1

(Added: Fri Oct 27 2006   Hits: 64)

Bringing Traditional Birth Attendants Into the Mainstream

In an ideal world, all of Africa's women would have access to clinics, nurses, obstetricians, medicines: the panoply of staff and equipment needed to make the process of giving birth as safe as possible. Failing that, what can be done to lessen the risks that come with delivering babies? For one, improve the skills of traditional birth attendants (TBAs), say delegates who met this week in Mozambique at an African Union (AU) gathering on sexual and reproductive health care. (Joyce Mulama, IPS, 22 September 2006)

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=34846

(Added: Fri Sep 29 2006   Hits: 91)

El Salvador: pro-life nation

There are other countries in the world that, like El Salvador, completely ban abortion, including Malta, Chile and Colombia. El Salvador, however, has not only a total ban on abortion but also an active law-enforcement apparatus - the police, investigators, medical spies, forensic vagina inspectors and a special division of the prosecutor's office responsible for Crimes Against Minors and Women, a unit charged with capturing, trying and incarcerating an unusual kind of criminal. (Jack Hitt, The New York Times, April 12, 2006)

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/04/09/america/web.0409abortioncomplete.php

(Added: Thu Sep 21 2006   Modified: Wed Jan 17 2007   Hits: 133)

"Don't Forget Us": The Education and Gender-Based Violence Protection Needs of Adolescent Girls from Darfur in Chad

More than 220,000 Sudanese from Darfur have fled the ongoing violence in their region and crossed the border into the desert of eastern Chad. Most of the refugees are now in camps; however, at the time of the Women's Commission visit, several thousand remained on the border or on the periphery of some camps, waiting to be registered. In the midst of this crisis is the education and reproductive health of adolescent girls being neglected? (Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children, 2005)

http://www.womenscommission.org/pdf/Td_ed2.pdf

(Added: Mon May 29 2006   Modified: Thu Jul 13 2006   Hits: 123)

'she sweet up the boopsy and him nuh get nuh wine': Young Women and Sexual Relationships in Kingston, Jamaica

This report presents findings from a qualitative study into young women's sexual relationships in inner-city Kingston, Jamaica, carried out between May and June 2007.

http://www.comminit.com/en/node/266717/347

(Added: Fri Mar 14 2008   Hits: 38)

536,000 deaths a year: the childbirth toll

Article from The Guardian newspaper summarizing a report from The Lancet on Womens' health during pregnancy and childbirth. Statistics shows that little progress has been made in decreasing the number of women dying as a result of childbirth in the developing world (Sarah Boseley, The Guardian, 12 October 2007).

http://www.dev-zone.org/downloads/536.doc

(Added: Fri Oct 12 2007   Hits: 92)

A Decade After Cairo: Women's Health in a Free Market Economy

The 1994 UN International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo was heralded as a "quantum leap" forward and a "paradigm shift in the discourse about population and development". Its Programme of Action, endorsed by 179 countries and intended to establish international and national population policy for the following two decades, was the first and most comprehensive international policy document to promote the concepts of reproductive rights and reproductive health. One decade later, however, maternal mortality worldwide remains high. Some 600,000 women die each year, 95 per cent of them in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, and 18 million are left disabled or chronically ill because of largely preventable complications during pregnancy or childbirth. This briefing summarises the actions of several women's groups to influence the outcome of the 1994 UN International Conference on Population and Development and evaluates with hindsight some of the successes and failures of the Programme of Action. (The Corner House, June, 2004)

http://www.thecornerhouse.org.uk/item.shtml?x=62140#introduction

(Added: Mon Sep 04 2006   Modified: Mon Jul 02 2007   Hits: 229)

Advancing Safe Motherhood through Human Rights

WHO, (2001). This report considers how human rights laws can be applied to relieve the estimated 1,400 deaths world-wide that occur every day, an annual mortality rate of 515,000, that women suffer because they are pregnant. Human rights principles have long been established in national constitutional and other laws and in regional and international human rights treaties to which nations voluntarily commit themselves. The intention of the report is to facilitate initiatives by governmental agencies, nongovernmental groups and, for instance, international organizations to foster compliance with human rights in order to protect, respect and fulfil women's rights to safe motherhood (Source: Eldis).

http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/RHR_01_5_advancing_safe_motherhood/index.html

(Added: Wed Jun 11 2003   Modified: Thu Jan 11 2007   Hits: 317)

Antenatal Care in Developing Countries: Promises, achievements and missed opportunities (pdf)

A joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), 2004. An analysis of trends, levels and differentials, 1990-2001. The number of pregnant women in developing countries receiving antenatal care during pregnancy has increased significantly since 1990, signalling that an untapped opportunity exists to reach poor women with a whole package of life-saving health services. This study highlights nations that have begun to see antenatal care visits as a unique opportunity to provide the pregnant woman with a vaccination to prevent tetanus, an insecticide-treated bed-net to prevent malaria, screenings for anaemia, enrolment in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV services, and with counselling for a safe delivery - all factors that help ensure that the mother remains healthy through childbirth and gives her child the best start in life.

http://www.unicef.org/media/files/antenatal.pdf

(Added: Wed Mar 31 2004   Modified: Fri Oct 14 2005   Hits: 209)

Australian Reproductive Health Alliance email bulletin

The Australian Reproductive Health Alliance has a fortnightly bulletin on population, development, reproductive rights and the environment. The bulletin includes links to key news items and any relevant legislation, speeches, press releases on current topics; information about ARHA and associated events and activities; job vacancies; advocacy ideas. To join the mailing list, please visit our website. http://www.arha.org.au/joinemail.htm

http://www.arha.org.au/email_newsletter.html

(Added: Fri Sep 20 2002   Modified: Mon Sep 11 2006   Hits: 325)

Beyond the Numbers - Reviewing Maternal Deaths and Complications to Make Pregnancy Safer (PDF 2556 KB)

WHO, 2004. Every year some eight million women suffer pregnancy-related complications and over half a million die. In developing countries, one woman in 16 may die of pregnancy-related complications compared to one in 2800 in developed countries. Beyond the numbers is directed at health professionals, health care planners and managers working in the area of maternal and newborn health who are striving to improve the quality of care provided. They should be in a position and willing to take remedial action based on the findings of these reviews and should use the information collected to help improve maternal health outcomes. This can be done through empowering health professionals to critically evaluate current practices and change them, if necessary. Because action is the ultimate goal of these reviews it is important that those with the ability to implement the recommended changes actively participate in the process.

http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/btn/

(Added: Thu Sep 30 2004   Modified: Fri Jun 03 2005   Hits: 140)

Bush's "gag rule" fires up pro-choicers

Bush's "gag rule" fires up pro-choicers

http://www.salon.com/politics/fix/2001/01/23/political_fix/

(Added: Mon Jun 18 2001   Modified: Wed Aug 16 2006   Hits: 129)

Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE)

CHANGE is a U.S.-based international reproductive health and rights organization. We seek to make reproductive health and rights objectives integral to all relevant U.S. international population and health policies and programs and to find effective means of applying public health and human rights principles to health programs. Our main goal is to enhance from a rights perspective the practices of those institutional actors, such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Bank, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which receive large amounts of U.S. international assistance, and which, in partnership with governments, wield the greatest influence on policies and programs affecting the largest number of people worldwide. With their technical capacity, funding, and political leverage, these institutional actors are critical in making real improvements in women's health and the quality of their lives.

http://www.genderhealth.org/

(Added: Thu Apr 15 2004   Modified: Mon Aug 14 2006   Hits: 289)

China: the intersections between poverty, health inequity, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS

This article argues that chronic and long term underinvestment in the health sector has created a public health crisis in China today. The weakened health system intersects with poverty and gender inequity which erodes women's right to basic health services. At the same time, as family planning programmes move away from their historically coercive practices (one child per family policy), the health system is increasingly unable to maintain basic access to provide for maternal health or the new challenges to women's health posed by HIV. (Joan Kaufman, Gender and Health Equity Network, 2005)

http://www.ids.ac.uk/ghen/resources/papers/KaufmanChinaHealthSystem.pdf

(Added: Wed Aug 23 2006   Hits: 200)

Contraception for Women and Couples with HIV

Family Health International. Increased access to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy and the resulting improvements in health have given many clients with HIV a renewed optimism about the future. As personal situations improve, these clients may reconsider their reproductive options - some deciding whether to have children, others resuming sexual activity while wanting to avoid pregnancy. As a result, demand for contraception among clients with HIV, especially those on ARV therapy, is expected to increase. The materials below contain guidance for providers who offer contraception to clients with HIV, including those on ARV therapy. The information can be used in a variety of health care settings by providers who regularly offer family planning services and by those who want to begin integrating contraceptive services with HIV treatment and care services. Specific information about contraceptive options for clients with HIV, possible interactions between hormonal contraceptives and ARVs, decisions clients with HIV may have to make, and advice about how to counsel them is included. Recommendations are compiled from a number of sources, including the Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, a summary consensus of expert opinion published by the World Health Organization. These materials can be used for independent, self-paced study or for group presentations. Guidelines for using the materials in both situations are included. Electronic files are provided to facilitate adaptation of the materials for selected audiences.

http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Training/trainmat/ARVmodule.htm

(Added: Fri Nov 11 2005   Hits: 101)

Countdown to 2015: Tracking progress in maternal, newborn and child survival : the 2008 report [pdf]

Mortality in children under age five is now concentrated in sub Saharan Africa (50%) and South Asia (almost 30%). Maternal and newborn mortality are similarly concentrated in those regions. Meanwhile, within countries, the richest quintile is gaining access to key interventions more quickly than the poorest. Reducing both types of inequity - between regions and within countries - is crucial for achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals. (United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), 2008)

http://www.countdown2015mnch.org/documents/2008report/2008Countdown2015fullreport.pdf

(Added: Mon Apr 28 2008   Hits: 27)

DEVELOPMENT: Family Planning Gets Mere Sliver of Aid Pie

The United Nations warns that a sharp decline in international funding for reproductive health is threatening global efforts to reduce poverty, improve health and empower women worldwide.

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41954

(Added: Mon Apr 21 2008   Modified: Fri May 09 2008   Hits: 63)

Engaging communities in youth reproductive health and HIV projects: a guide to participatory assessments (pdf)

This toolkit provides an overview of various participatory assessment processes in the area of YRH and HIV/AIDS. Examples of good practice drawn from the work of Family Health International's youth programmes are presented. These give a clear idea of the standards, safeguards and benefits for involving young people. Readers can find information on assessment preparation, team training activities, conducting an assessment, documenting its findings and verifying these results. The tooklit details each stage of the assessment process, with example activities and suggested points of discussion. (YouthNet, Family Health International, 2006)

http://www.fhi.org/NR/rdonlyres/eocd5killnf6wfdax5ncsln4cdtosrkxnnhojkhvlvexwtxnzvgk6mheepagh6qqyyyknhwo4ekubp/PLAguide.PDF

(Added: Tue Aug 15 2006   Hits: 260)

EngenderHealth

EngenderHealth is an international nonprofit organization that has been working for 60 years to make reproductive health services safe, available, and sustainable for women and men worldwide.

http://www.engenderhealth.org/

(Added: Tue Apr 20 1999   Modified: Fri Sep 15 2006   Hits: 590)

Experts Call for the Protection of the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Person with Disabilities

Experts from around the world met in Brasilia in December 2007 to highlight the importance of including persons with disabilities - particularly their right to sexual and reproductive health - in national policies and programmes around the world. (UNFPA News, 19 December 2007)

http://www.unfpa.org/news/news.cfm?ID=1086

(Added: Wed Jan 23 2008   Hits: 32)

Family Health International (FHI)

AIDS/HIV/STD, family planning, reproductive health and women's studies: FHI provides the highest quality research, education and services in family planning, STDs/HIV and family health to improve the health and well-being of populations worldwide.

http://www.fhi.org/

(Added: Tue Mar 30 1999   Modified: Fri Oct 14 2005   Hits: 567)

From Camp to Community: Liberia study on exploitation of children (pfd)

The people of Liberia have experienced ongoing suffering over the past two decades as a result of war and displacement. This 20-page study focuses on children who are in internally displaced people camps and those who have recently been repatriated to their towns and villages of origin after the end of the war. Through focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews, the researchers found that many children in the camps are agreeing to have sex with older men for money, food and other goods and favours. These men are people in authority such as camp officials, humanitarian workers, businessmen, peacekeepers, government employees and teachers. The study explores the ways in which children in IDP camps are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse as they attempt to meet their basic and other needs, and looks at the role and responsibilities of humanitarian agencies to provide more protective systems for the delivery of assistance. (Save the Children UK, 8 May 2006)

http://www.jendajournal.com/issue8/savethechildren.pdf

(Added: Tue May 16 2006   Modified: Fri Mar 28 2008   Hits: 135)

Fulfilling reproductive rights for women affected by HIV: A tool for monitoring achievement of Millennium Development Goals (PDF)

Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (ICW), Ipas, Pacific Institute for Women's Health (PIWH), August 2004. A practical tool that can be used to help address those areas of reproductive health: involvement of HIV-positive women in policymaking and program implementation, fertility control that meets HIV-positive women's needs, and research on antiretroviral therapy in relation to fertility.

http://www.genderhealth.org/pubs/MDGAug2004.pdf

(Added: Fri Oct 01 2004   Modified: Fri Jun 03 2005   Hits: 134)

Gendered health systems biased against maternal survival: preliminary findings from Koppal, Karnataka, India

This paper outlines the context of pregnant women's lives and the plural health systems they encounter in Koppal, the most deprived district in the state of Karnataka, south India. Despite high levels of poverty and scarce resources supporting primary health care in the region, women with obstetric complications do access a range of health providers. Yet they still die. Although addressing the technical and managerial capacity constraints to ensuring equitable access to emergency obstetric care is essential, maternal well-being and survival cannot be effectively ensured without confronting the gender biases that also constrain health systems from supporting women's health and saving women's lives. (Asha George, Aditi Iyer and Gita Sen, Institute of Development Studies, September 2005)

http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/bookshop/wp/wp253.pdf

(Added: Wed Aug 23 2006   Hits: 167)

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