As the world marks World Population Day, the United Nations agencies are calling for urgent action to ensure sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. Despite progress made over the past three decades, recent setbacks threaten to undermine access to essential health services, particularly for women and girls.
Amina, a young woman from a marginalized community, knows firsthand the challenges of accessing quality healthcare. She struggled to access contraception, faced stigma and discrimination, and lacked the autonomy to make informed decisions about her own body.
The UN agencies are calling for a comprehensive package of sexual and reproductive health services to be included in universal health coverage, delivered through resilient health systems. They emphasize the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination, dismantle harmful social and gender norms, and ensure access to affordable, high-quality care.
Amina’s story is not unique. Millions of women and girls face similar challenges, and it’s time for the global community to act. The UN agencies are urging governments, donors, civil society organizations, and the private sector to strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health services, promote comprehensive sexuality education, and address the social determinants of health.
Investing in women’s and girls’ reproductive rights and agency has proven returns in terms of social well-being, economic prosperity, and peace. It’s time to prioritize universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health, advance gender equality, and promote human rights.
As the world looks towards the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly in September, now is the time to act boldly and decisively. Let’s work together to ensure everyone can realize their rights to health, dignity, and security. Amina’s story can be a thing of the past, and a brighter future can be within reach for all.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
