Sexual and reproductive health and rights in developing countries
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are under threat around the world. Not everyone has access to proper healthcare, contraceptives or medication such as anti-retroviral drugs. This situation prevents fair and equal development. The Netherlands is working worldwide for better protection of SRHR, and investing in better healthcare in developing countries.
Focus on marginalised groups and sensitive issues
In working for better protection of SRHR, the Netherlands focuses on groups and issues that are often sensitive around the world. It focuses on marginalised groups that are excluded or oppressed, such as:
- young women and girls, including unmarried teenage mothers;
- LGBTIQ+ people;
- people living with HIV/AIDS;
- sex workers.
The issues the Netherlands focuses on include safe abortion and sex education. It also supports various projects to combat sexual exploitation, child abuse and child marriage, and seeks to eliminate HIV and AIDS by 2030.
Strengthening healthcare in developing countries
Ensuring good health worldwide demands good healthcare. Specifically, better healthcare helps improve protection of SRHR in developing countries. To this end, the Netherlands invests in better healthcare in developing countries through long-term partnerships. This includes supporting local organisations in addressing regional challenges. The Dutch government also seeks to form effective partnerships in the private sector and civil society. Strengthening healthcare in developing countries is part of the government's Dutch Global Health Strategy.
Diplomatic and political action
The Netherlands also takes diplomatic and political action through the EU and the UN. It defends international agreements on SRHR and gender equality when countries try to undermine them.
Funds that the Netherlands supports
Funds to which the Netherlands donates include:
- The Global Fund (GF). This fund works to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
- The Global Financing Facility (GFF). This fund works to prevent infant and maternal mortality.
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This fund makes contraceptives available in developing countries and works to end child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
- UNAIDS. This United Nations fund aims to stamp out HIV and ensure universal access to antiretrovirals.