Addis Ababa, June 7, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia took a significant step towards addressing inequalities in sexual and reproductive health rights by launching the 2024 State of World Population Report, titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,”
The report was unveiled during a high-level event co-hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The report, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), emphasizes the urgent need for renewed commitment to achieving sexual and reproductive health and rights for all individuals, especially those who are marginalized.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Seyoum Mekonnen, State Minister of Planning and Development, acknowledged Ethiopia’s progress in implementing the ICPD Plan of Action. He pointed to the integration of key elements within the country’s development plans and sectoral strategies, leading to significant demographic, social, and economic advancements.
Mr. Seyoum highlighted Ethiopia’s accomplishments, including: ‘Reduced poverty and malnutrition rates, Increased access to affordable modern contraceptives, decreased unmet need for family planning, improved access to maternal health care services and reduced maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.’
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing population and development issues in Ethiopia and called for continued partnership support.
The launch event featured presentations by UNFPA representatives and government officials, followed by a plenary discussion on the report’s findings and their relevance to Ethiopia’s context. The event stressed the imperative to address persistent inequalities in sexual and reproductive health access and utilization.
Ms. Muna Ahmed, State Minister of women and social affairs, emphasized the report’s role in guiding Ethiopia towards more equitable strategies for the future.
Ms. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of AU, underscored the call to action to confront inequalities and champion everyone’s rights.
Reflecting on the progress made in reproductive health and rights over the past three decades, Mr. Koffi Kouame, representing UNFPA, highlighted that there’s still more work to be done to achieve the desired outcomes for Africa.
The launch of the State of World Population 2024 report signals Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health rights and sets the stage for further dialogue and action towards achieving universal access to SRHR, aligning with the global goals outlined in the ICPD Plan of Action, as stated by MoPD.