,,,Adding It Up: The Benefits of Investing in Sexual and Reproductive Health Care

Adding It Up: The Benefits of Investing in Sexual and Reproductive Health Care


 

Publication Date: January 2004

Publisher: Guttmacher Institute

Author(s): Susheela Singh; Jacqueline E. Darroch; Michael Vlassoff; Jennifer Nadeau

Research Area: Health; Population and demographics

Type: Report

Abstract:

Sustained and increased investment in sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries promises tremendous benefits to women, families and societies. In addition to improved health, sexual and reproductive health services contribute to economic growth, societal and gender equity, and democratic governance. To better
appreciate the substantial returns on sexual and reproductive health investments, policymakers need both a fuller accounting of these broad benefits than has been available to date and more complete information about costs.Sexual and reproductive health services encompass three main areas: contraceptive services, maternal health services and services related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, and other gynecologic and urologic problems. Their benefits fall into two large categories medical and nonmedical.