In January, India’s Supreme Court has ruled that menstrual health is a fundamental right, directing states and schools to take measures to facilitate menstrual health and sanitation. The laws of the world’s most populous country are now in line with the United Nations (UN) stand on menstrual health taken in 2024, and one that is […] Continue reading ->
This story was originally published by The New Humanitarian. On an early morning in February, 23-year-old Suzan Akello was found lying dead on a veranda outside a house she had visited in Namataala, Mbale town, in eastern Uganda. Friends said she could not afford a clinic and had taken herbal medicine to terminate a pregnancy. […] Continue reading ->
The International Day of the Midwife (May 5) reminds us that safe birth is not a stand-alone event, but part of the broader continuum of sexual and reproductive health and rights Most maternal deaths occur during labour, birth, or shortly after birth. Nearly 290,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020, with […] Continue reading ->
STRASBOURG – Amid a global backlash against sexual and reproductive rights, the European Parliament has taken a decisive stand by voting for a unified, human rights-based standard for sexual offences. This Europe-wide legislative push aims to overhaul the fragmented national laws that currently leave many survivors without access to justice or essential health support. The […] Continue reading ->
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recognises comprehensive abortion care as an essential health service, countries all over the world are tightening access, inspired by the United States. But all this means is worse outcomes for women’s health There is a persistent myth that restricting abortion stops it from happening. What restrictions really do – […] Continue reading ->
Undermining vaccines, failing pregnant black women, threatening to remove black children with ADHD from their parents – these were some of the barrage of questions put to United States Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr when he appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. Kennedy was testifying about […] Continue reading ->
Each year, hundreds of thousands of women die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth that are well understood and largely preventable. Most of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa carrying the greatest burden. At the same time, millions of families continue to face financial barriers to essential health services, […] Continue reading ->
The Human papillomavirus (HPV35), globally associated with only 2% of invasive cervical cancers (ICC), has a disproportionately higher prevalence in sub‐Saharan Africa, reaching rates of 22-30% in some countries among women with ICC lesions, according to a new study. Recently, a high-level panel called for redoubled efforts in HPV vaccination, screening and treatment to meet […] Continue reading ->
Under-five deaths have fallen globally by more than half since the year 2000. However, since 2015, the pace of reduction in early childhood mortality has slowed by more than 60%, a new UN report shows. The report, co-authored by UNIICEF, WHO and the World Bank, also shows that while great gains have made globally, the […] Continue reading ->
The United States was isolated in its opposition to the adoption of “agreed conclusions” at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) on Tuesday, recording the only “no” vote at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday. There were 37 votes in favour and six abstentions from Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic […] Continue reading ->