Reproductive health strategy launched

A five year sexual and reproductive health strategy, Eastern Africa Reproductive Health Network (EAHRN), has been launched to enhance family planning and reproductive health.

By Cecilia Okoth

A five year sexual and reproductive health strategy, Eastern Africa Reproductive Health Network (EAHRN), has been launched to enhance family planning and reproductive health.

While launching the plan in Kampala on Thursday, First Deputy Prime Minister Eriya Kategaya noted that there was a slight improvement on maternal mortality in Uganda.

He said maternal mortality had declined from 503 to 435 per 100,000 live births between 2001 and 2006.

The strategy, is an initiative requiring Government ministries to address population issues. Its geographical coverage includes Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

The strategy includes advocacy to increase awareness and programmes to offer integrated sexual reproductive health programmes.

Abbdelylah Lakssir, an official, said increasing investment in family planning and reproductive health is important for development.