Chair

Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health

Members

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul
Independent Researcher
African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP)

IUSSP Secretariat

International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP)

Council Liaison

Tulane University
Description

The 1994 International Conference of Population and Development (ICPD) ushered in a new era of research, development and human rights. The definition of reproductive health, which also includes sexual health, adopted at the ICPD called for a paradigm shift from analyzing individual components to addressing it holistically.  Elements of sexual and reproductive health are included in three of the eight millennium development goals (MDGs): reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating HIV and AIDS. Achieving, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health is a target for the MDG on improving maternal health.

 

Sexual and reproductive health is affected by socio-cultural, economic and demographic factors, including gender norms, beliefs, taboos, and other determinants of individual behaviour. Health-care policies and the delivery of services also influence sexual and reproductive health. All these aspects are within the realm of population and development research and policy. Over the years, population experts have contributed to a better understanding and measurement of sexual and reproductive health, by analyzing levels and trends and also by documenting the determinants and consequences of poor sexual and reproductive outcomes. Evidence on a number of critical issues however still remains sparse or inconclusive. The objective of the Panel is to disseminate the available evidence and to stimulate and advance research in critical, but often neglected, areas by bringing together researchers, interested policy makers and programme managers from different regions and areas of specialization. As part of the activities of the Panel, three focused scientific seminars are proposed to be undertaken before the end of December 2014.


Programme of activities

Increasing Use of Reproductive Health Services through Community-based and Health Care Financing Programmes: Impact and Sustainability
Bangkok, Thailand, 23-25 August 2012


International Seminar: Is access enough? Understanding and addressing unmet need in Family Planning
Nanyuki, Kenya, 14-16 May 2013

 

International Seminar on Promoting Postpartum and Post-abortion Family Planning: Challenges and Opportunities
Cochin, India, 11-13 November 2014