A Primer on Reproductive Health Supplies in Asia and the Pacific

This information kit is prepared by the Asia Pacific alliance (APA) to provide an overview of contraceptive and reproductive health supply challenges in countries of Asia and the Pacific. Information is presented to support advocacy efforts and highlight regional issues and priorities for donors, policymakers, suppliers and programme managers. Published in 2009. Download the primer.

World Bank's Reproductive Health Action Plan is out

The World Bank has released their Reproductive Health Action Plan 2010-2015 set to help poor countries reduce high fertility rates and prevent widespread deaths of mothers and children. The Bank warned that family planning and other reproductive health programs vital to poor women had fallen off the development radars of many low-income countries, donor governments, and aid agencies. Read the Action Plan here.

10th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development - ICPD at Ten

Information Note from UNFPA on the 10th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development—ICPD at Ten
19 March 2004

Background
The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994 was a milestone in the history of population and development, as well as the history of women's rights. The Programme of Action that was adopted by 179 countries, by consensus, is a forward-looking 20-year plan. While the Programme of Action (PoA) is comprehensive and calls for action at various levels, the strategic focus of the recommendations is for action at the national level.

Make a Case for Supplies

Produced by the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, 'Leading Voices in Securing Reproductive Health Supplies' is a practical, evidence-based tool designed to foster policy change for increased commitment to RH supplies. This valuable resource draws upon successful advocacy initiatives and lessons learned in contraceptive security.

RH Supplies in Six Countries: Themes and Entry Points in Policies, Systems and Funding

A report from Population Action International, ‘Reproductive Health Supplies in Six Countries: Themes and Entry Points in Policies, Systems and Funding', identifies the challenges faced by reproductive health programs in Bangladesh, Ghana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Tanzania and Uganda.

IPPF: Contraception at a Crossroads-Averting a Global Contraceptive Crisis

The world is stumbling towards a contraceptive crisis, and for millions of the poorest people around the world the crisis has already arrived, a new report, Contraception at a Crossroads, released by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) states.

Bangladesh: 47,000 children born for shortage of contraceptives

Daily Star, Dhaka
20 July 2009

Around 47,000 children were born last year in addition to the general population increase in the country due to unexpected pregnancies caused by an acute shortage of contraceptives, according to a study.

Trends in adolescent contraceptive use in developing countries

A study of women's contraceptive use around the world finds that sexually active 15-19-year-olds are more likely than their 20-49-year-old counterparts to use contraceptives inconsistently and, on average, experience a 25% higher rate of contraceptive failure.

Determinants of actual condom use among adolescents in Thailand

N Khumsaen, FA Gary
Journal of the Association of Nurses In AIDS Care 2009 May-Jun;20(3):218-29.

Abstract: This study examined the relationships among attitudes toward condom use, personal characteristics, condom use self-efficacy, and actual condom use among Thai adolescents. Predictors of condom use were also investigated. The sample consisted of 270 Thai vocational students aged 18 to 21 years. Multiple regressions were used to estimate the correlates between the independent study variables and condom use among Thai adolescents. The results showed that self-reported history of alcohol or drug use, attitudes toward condom use, and condom use self-efficacy were related to actual condom use. 

Reproductive health supplies in the Pacific - an overview

The regional context

The Pacific is a region of small island developing states with diverse landscapes and population groups. Key sexual and reproductive health and rights issues for the region include: