Government invests SEK 4.3 billion in sexual and reproductive health and rights

Crises, conflicts, climate change and global health threats are challenging the long-term positive trend of improved global health. Furthermore, the increased pushback against human rights and the SRHR of girls, women and LGBTIQ people, in particular, is leading to a drastic reduction of access to medical services for far too many people around the world. This makes it more challenging for these groups to be in good health, reach their full potential and contribute to social development. 

Therefore, the Government has taken the decision to invest SEK 4.3 billion in increased efforts in this area. Sida has been tasked with implementing the strategy over the next five years.   

The strategy is focused on the most vulnerable individuals in greatest need in low- and middle-income countries. In line with the ambitions of the reform agenda for development assistance, the strategy is expected to contribute to improved conditions for good health, strengthened health systems, better preventive measures, increased disease monitoring in the event of outbreaks, counteracting the development of antibiotic resistance and enabling more individuals to fully benefit from SRHR. Activities are expected to include increased access to maternity care, contraceptives and safe abortions. 

“Through this initiative, Sweden is contributing to fewer girls being subjected to genital mutilation, being forced into child marriage, unintended pregnancies, unsafe births and unsafe abortions. The initiative is also expected to help prevent more diseases, ensure more children receive basic vaccinations and contain infectious diseases at an earlier stage,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.