Sexual and Reproductive Health: The Global Challenge

REFERENCE: The Lancet (online 1st November 2006)
Anna Glasier, University of Edinburgh,
Kaye Wellings, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
John Cleland, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Joy Phumaphi, Assistant Director General, World Health Organization

Sexual and reproductive health has been neglected and needs to be put back on the global health agenda, according to a series of articles published in The Lancet. Together with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the Audio Journal of Global Health Issues investigates the world-wide challenge facing healthcare professionals over sexually transmitted diseases, unsafe abortions, contraception and complications in pregnancy. At a briefing hosted by Lancet Editor Richard Horton, Derek Thorne spoke with Anna Glasier about why these issues have been neglected; Kaye Wellings revealed fascinating and unexpected findings on worldwide sexual behaviour; John Cleland explained why family planning has a crucial rôle to play; and Joy Phumaphi, talked about The World Health Organizations’s commitment to improving reproductive health.