World Bank Criticized for Neglecting Reproductive Health in Developing Countries

The World Bank's efforts in reproductive health have fallen short, according to a new report by Population Action International (PAI). While the bank receives high marks for increasing educational and economic opportunities for girls and women, it continues to neglect the impact of rapid population growth on developing countries. PAI director Shanti Conly notes that without access to reproductive health care and family planning services, women and their families will not reap the full benefit of education or rising household income, making it harder for countries to achieve their development goals.

Key Takeaways:

• The World Bank's share of reproductive health projects in health sector loans has declined from about a third (33%) between 1986 and 1991 to less than a quarter (24%) between 1992 and 1996.
• Even among reproductive health projects, the share for family planning has decreased, despite being a crucial area of need.
• The World Bank has emphasized long-term, indirect strategies for helping women, such as promoting girls' education and small-business loans, but this should not come at the expense of family planning.
• Developed countries have decreased their giving for population and reproductive health issues since the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994.
• Developing countries are increasingly looking to the World Bank for help, placing a greater responsibility on the bank to exercise leadership in social policy areas.

Statistics:

• 33%: The World Bank's share of reproductive health projects in health sector loans between 1986 and 1991.
• 24%: The World Bank's share of reproductive health projects in health sector loans between 1992 and 1996.
• 1994: The year of the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo.
• 1998: The year of the report by Population Action International.

Sources:

• Population Action International (PAI), "The World Bank: Falling Short on Reproductive Health"
• United Press International (UPI)