Update on the World Bank Strategy for Health, Nutrition and Populations Results

In recent weeks, there has been controversy surrounding the World Bank Strategy for Health, Nutrition and Population Results, specifically regarding reproductive health and family planning. Representatives of the United States previously sought to change the phrase “reproductive health services” to “age-appropriate access to sexual and reproductive health care” in the Strategy. Representatives from France, Germany, Italy, and Norway objected to this proposal, claiming that the altered language could restrict young women’s access to reproductive services. The United States said that it would note its reservations about the language in the official minutes of the Board’s discussions.

The issue was resolved on May 1, 2007, when the Bank’s Board of Directors approved the Strategy, which declares a commitment to tackling the large unmet needs in international sexual and reproductive health.  The plan also promotes family planning services in developing countries. World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz recently denied any changes to the Bank’s policy on reproductive health, after leaked documents showed that the Bank’s managing director had removed all references to family planning in a strategy for Madagascar.

According to Reuters, the World Bank has loaned more than $3 billion over the past 30 years for population and reproductive health programs, making it one of the world’s largest funding organizations of health and population activities.

Relevant links:

• World Bank Strategy for Health, Nutrition and Populations Results [PDF of the strategy itself]
  
• World Bank health plan passes with no objections [Reuters]