Sexual and Reproductive Health

"Sexual and reproductive health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples, and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries. Sexual and reproductive health, viewed affirmatively, requires a positive and respectful approach. "

"While access to sexual and reproductive health services is central to achieving good maternal and child health, its importance extends beyond this. Sexual and reproductive health generates a sense of wellbeing and control over one's life, along with an ability to enjoy basic human rights."

"Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) affects people throughout their lives, and access to quality SRH services is a human right. It is well-documented that investing in SRH contributes significantly to reducing maternal and new-born deaths, unintended pregnancies and SRH-related burden of disease. Dedicating attention to SRH not only has health benefits but contributes to social and economic development."

"Women carry a heavy and disproportionate burden in human reproduction. It is high time for Health Care Professionals to pay women back in the currency of science and ethics, and to ease their sexual and reproductive health burden. If couples are urged to postpone or widely space pregnancies, it is imperative that they should be helped to achieve pregnancy when they so decide. Women are not dying of diseases we can’t treat. They are dying because societies have yet to make the decision that their lives are worth saving."

"Al-Azhar University is an international institution with a heritage that dates back more than 1 000 years. Al-Azhar is keen to contribute to the development of SRH programs, and to help dispel misconceptions about Islam and SRH. Al-Azhar University works towards enhancing cultural understanding among service providers, directors of pre-service and in-service training programmes, policy makers and religious leaders. In collaboration with WHO EMRO, Al-Azhar University is providing this on-line training course in order to accelerate progress towards achieving SDGs."

"Access to the highest possible standard of SRH is a human right and central to achieving the SDGs. Harmful cultural practices, misunderstood doctrine, and lack of credible information and knowledge of SRH and reproductive rights are obstacles to achieving health coverage for all. The aim of this online course is to provide stakeholders with basic information on SRH, refute harmful cultural practices and dispel misconceptions about religion and reproductive rights. The course is self-explanatory, with carefully designed objectives and tools for self-assessment. We hope the course will lead to improvements in SRH services in all countries in the Region."

Reproductive and Maternal Health Unit

The Reproductive and Maternal Health (RMH) Unit in the Department of Healthier Populations at WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is responsible for providing technical support and guidance to Member States in matters relating to sexual, reproductive and maternal health. RMH programmes boost women's health and well-being throughout their life-course by reducing maternal mortality and morbidity and promoting continuous and integrated sexual, reproductive and maternal health services. The RMH team provides Member States with up-to-date technical guidance and support to improve women's survival rates, allow them to thrive, and promote healthy environments for their well-being.