WHO’s New Head — Will She Lead the Way on Reproductive Health?

Washington, DC - November 20, 2006

With the recent announcement of its new Director-General, the World Health Organization (WHO) ushers in a new era and, with it, an important opportunity to reposition family planning as a leading health intervention. Dr. Margaret Chan’s acceptance speech on November 9th was encouraging in this regard: “Improvements in the health of the people of Africa and the health of women are key indicators of the performance of WHO”. PAI welcomes the emphasis on these indicators and urges an expanded focus on family planning and reproductive health programs as one of the most effective ways to improve the health of women and their families.

It remains to be seen how significant a role reproductive health will play under Dr. Chan’s guidance. For example, she did not respond to a questionnaire on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health put forward by civil society groups to all WHO nominees. On the heels of a landmark study coordinated by WHO urging a greater emphasis on sexual and reproductive health, it is clear that Dr. Chan must make this a top priority of the institution.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Chan said “Reducing health problems in women and empowering them will result in a dramatic increase in health-promoting behaviors—right where it counts most.” What could be more empowering than giving a woman control over her own fertility and sexual health by providing access to reproductive health services? It will be crucial for Dr. Chan to take a strong stance in support of family planning and reproductive health programs. Despite their widespread and cost-effective impact on improving maternal and infant health, they face ideologically-based opposition from some governments.

We urge Dr. Chan to lead the WHO in implementing the recommendations it set forth on sexual and reproductive health in last month’s Lancet. She is poised to play an historic role in expanding access to family planning as one of the most assured ways for improving the health and livelihood of women and their children.

Population Action International (PAI) works to improve individual well-being and preserve global resources by mobilizing political and financial support for population, family planning and reproductive health policies and programs.