New partnership to support sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Pacific
The Albanese Government is supporting the Pacific to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a $37 million investment in the second phase of a program being implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The Transformative Agenda for Women, Youth and Adolescents program will work with nine Pacific governments over the next five years to strengthen quality sexual and reproductive health services.
Australia supports the universal realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights. This enables everyone, especially women and girls, to make informed decisions about their health and to participate and benefit from social and economic development.
This funding complements other Australian Government investments in sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Pacific, including $5.7 million to the International Planned Parenthood Federation and $15.3 million to UNFPA Supplies. Australia is also providing $38 million in core funding for UNFPA globally.
Our support is delivering results, including improved midwifery through training for Pacific midwives, providing young people with the information they need to stay safe and enabling more people with disabilities to access services.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
“Australia is committed to empowering all people, particularly women and girls, to realise and understand what their rights are when it comes to sexual and reproductive health.
“Investments in sexual and reproductive health and rights are key to improving health, strengthening gender equality and accelerating inclusive development.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“Access to sexual and reproductive health services, information and education means people can make informed decisions about their lives, protect their health and reach their full potential.
“These investments are part of our five-year $620 million Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, which is supporting partner countries to build resilient and equitable health systems.”