ICPD at 30 – What African countries need to do better

Abstract

In September 1994, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), that gave birth to the doctrine of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), was held in Cairo, Egypt1 . This year is the 30th year following the conference. Given that a total of 179 governments attended the ICPD and agreed to the Platform for Action for promoting and improving sexual and reproductive health and rights, it is appropriate to take stock of changes, expectations, and commitments that have occurred as a result of actions taken by governments. The 57th session of the Commission on Population and Development will be held in April 2024 and will be dedicated to assessing the status of sexual and reproductive health and rights 30 years after Cairo. Additional post-30years events will take place in Geneva, Switzerland in October 19-20, 2024 which are intended to enable the global community to take a look backwards identify ways in which the ICPD processes have influenced global development.