Women in less developed countries are 30 times more likely to die from reproductive health-related causes than women in industrialized countries, and it is estimated that fully one-third of the illness among women aged 15–44 in developing countries is related to pregnancy, childbirth, abortion, reproductive tract infections, and HIV and AIDS.
The importance of sexual and reproductive health services and rights in contributing to progress towards MDG 5 (on maternal health) and MDG 6 (on combating HIV and AIDS, Malaria and TB), has been acknowledged with the inclusion of "universal access to sexual and reproductive health services" as a target under MDG 5.
Our expertise in sexual and reproductive health includes:
contraceptive service provision
quality of care
logistics management
design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of sexual and reproductive health programmes
increasing access and strengthening systems of accountability between service providers and clients
maternal, child and newborn health
adolescent sexual and reproductive health
HIV and AIDS.
In addition to improving access to services and service delivery, we also address more fundamental issues which are often deep-rooted within societies and culture. We work with partners to understand the social contexts that shape poor people's reproductive and sexual behaviours and, informed by these realities, we support partners to design appropriate and effective behaviour change communication interventions.
To learn more about Options' work in sexual and reproductive health, contact Kirstan Hawkins
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