Reproductive Health: A Key to a Brighter Future Biennial Report 1990-1991, Special 20th Anniversary Issue.

Abstract

WHO established its Special Programme of Research Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction in 1972 to promote coordinate conduct and evaluate research in human reproduction in both developed and developing countries. Its aim is to assist developing countries meet the reproductive health needs of their populations. The first section of the biennial report discusses the reproductive health status in the world including fertility regulation sexual health infertility and safe motherhood since 1972. Despite considerable progress in the last 20 years unmet needs remain substantial. New environmental concerns related to population growth and maternal and child health concerns womens status and human development all dictate a sense of urgency. The second section covers specific activities of the Programme in the last 20 years. It includes the results of an external evaluation of the effect the Programme has had. It found the Programmes effect to be most successful due to its collaborating centers and multicenter trials and studies epidemiologists clinicians and laboratory scientists. This section also includes viewpoints from China Kenya and Mexico. 2 former directors of the Programme present a historical account of the Programmes accomplishments. The third section discusses progress the Programme had made during 1990-91. It specifically covers development and assessment of fertility regulation technologies prevention of infertility improving family planning choices through systematic introduction and proper management of contraceptive methods epidemiologic research social measurements of reproductive health and improving capacity for key national reproductive health research.