Sexual and reproductive health in Eswatini

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns the well-being of women, as well as that of their partners and children. The country is accelerating efforts toward the realization of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and strengthening the access and utilization of SRH services at all levels is one of the key initiatives that the Ministry of Health is targeting. High maternal mortality rate, high adolescent fertility rate, unmet need for family planning, and on-going problems with sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) are some of the indicators that highlight a need for a comprehensive sexuality education and evidence based interventions. This Policy provides concrete areas of focus and is aligned to international and national policies and frameworks. It addresses reproductive health and rights challenges faced by citizens of Swaziland and outlines implications for the different levels in the Ministry. It also recognises the role that other sectors play in improving the SRH of the people of the Kingdom of Swaziland. This policy takes cognizance of the existing policies, frameworks and guidelines, in particular the National Health Policy which forms the basis for all population related programmes. The development of the policy involved extensive consultations with key informants and stakeholders in government and NGOs as well as opinion leaders at both the national, regional, Inkhundla and chiefdom levels. Young people, men and women as well as Community leaders were also consulted. This document is designed to be used by policymakers, program managers and service providers at all levels in both public and private sectors in SRH. It forms the basis and mandate for all SRH activities, outlining the national strategic pillars for improving SRH. It will also enable us forge new partnerships - between governments and communities, nongovernmental organizations, development partners and the private sector - that are critical if we are to succeed in the implementation of integrated SRH services.
(PDF) Swaziland National Policy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/216604707_Swaziland_National_Policy_on_Sexual_and_Reproductive_Health_and_Rights.

Comments

Family Planning in Eswatini

Family Planning in Eswatini Family Planning is the ability of an individual or couple to plan their family size, birth intervals of their children, when to start and stop having children through the use of family planning methods that are safe, effective, accessible and acceptable. These include both modern and natural family planning methods. Eswatini Family Planning programme is by far one of the leading programmes in Africa as there are proportionally more currently married women who are using modern methods of contraception than in other countries. In 2014, the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate reached 66% thereby putting the country on the same spot as Zimbabwe with the highest CPR in the continent. Despite these tremendous achievements by the government, inequalities in terms of access to Family Planning continue to exist among different groups of women particularly younger and vulnerable women. According to MICS 2014, younger women aged 20-24 and older women ...

Extending the Arm of Health (ETAH)

Extending the Arm of Health (ETAH) FLAS strive to provide integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health services through the static clinics and outreach sites prioritizing young people aged 10-24 as a primary target and adults above 24 years as its secondary target group. In an effort to expand service provision, the Association also focus on enabling other partners through service provision, capacity building and mentoring. The Family Life Association of Eswatini strategic plan 2016 -2020 stresses particular attention in reaching out to a number of people with SRHR services and information. The Association pledged and committed to provide over 2 million qualities integrated SRH services delivered by FLAS volunteers, staff and partners. This is because integrated SRHR and HIV service delivery remain the core function of the institution and this is enabled and done through static clinics and outreach activities with mobile clinic. Rational for Integrated SRHR and HIV services Among ...

SAfAIDS Statement Commemorating International Safe Abortion Day International 28th September 2018

As 28th September is commemorated globally, SAfAIDS recognises past and current global, regional and local efforts advocating adolescent girls and women’s access to safe abortion. SAfAIDS however notes with great concern the increasing retrogressive and punitive legislative frameworks and policies denying women’s access to safe abortion and freedom of choice, criminalising abortion, and limiting access to comprehensive reproductive rights and health, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, the Mexico City Policy (Global Gag Rule) reinstated in 2017 only served to worsen the plight of adolescent girls and women - through denied full bodily autonomy and agency, and restricted access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including safe abortion. It is against this background that SAfAIDS and its partners in SADC are buttressing efforts to promote adolescent girls and women’s access to comprehensive s...

Youth Action Movement Eswatini

Search This Blog