| Basis
for Action
The 1994 International
Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) set
forth a number of challenges. In particular, Chapter
7, Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health, of the
ICPD Programme of Action provides a sound rationale
for action and outlines objectives and steps to be taken.
One of the ICPD’s main goals is to ensure that
reproductive and sexual health services are universally
available and of sufficient quality to meet the rising
demand for them. Providing
high quality services is a goal that demands improved
staff training and supervision, and regular monitoring
of their interactions with clients. Improving the scope
and quality of care will also mean additional investments
in infrastructure and personnel. Partnerships
with civil society are also fundamental to the ultimate
success of initiatives aimed at improving the design
and delivery of reproductive health information and
services. NGOs and community-based women’s organizations
have become particularly important forces in designing,
researching and testing new methods of service delivery.
Such grassroots groups have also been instrumental in
urging the expansion of national programmes. In
evaluating current programmes, feedback from clients
indicate they want:
- Friendly
and courteous service
- Confidentiality
and privacy
- Attention
to their specific needs and concerns
- Complete
and accurate information on family planning methods
and contraceptives
- Technical
competence of staff
- Uninterrupted
access to care and supplies
- Fairness
in provision of services regardless of age, marital
status, sex, class or ethnicity.
|
|
 |
| What's
NEW Planning
activities are underway in the six pilot countries --
India, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritania, Nepal, Peru and Tanzania.
..................................
Launched
in 2001, with funding from the United Nations Foundation
(UNF), Stronger Voices builds on the respective strengths
and experiences of four UN partners: UNFPA, ILO-STEP,
WHO and UNICEF.
|
|
