The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50275

Sylvie I. Cohen¹, Margareth Arilha², Michele Burger³, Akinyele E. Dairo, MD¹, Helen Jackson⁴, Luis Mora², and Pedro C. Garzon². (1) Technical Support Division, UNFPA, 220 East 42nd street, New York, NY 10017, 1-212-297 5238, cohen@unfpa.org, (2) CST Mexico, UNFPA, 220 east 42nd street, New York, NY 10017, (3) UNFPA, 220 east 42nd street, New York, NY 10017, (4) CST Harare, UNFPA, 220 E 42nd street, New York, NY 10017

UNFPA, with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), prepared case studies of sexual and reproductive health programmes run by the Armed Forces with UNFPA support, in three countries in Latin America (Ecuador, Nicaragua and Paraguay) and three in Africa (Botswana, Madagascar and Namibia).

These studies provide an analysis of experiences of integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights issues into the military health, education and communication infrastructure; populations served; the range of strategies chosen to provide SRH and rights education and services; results achieved; lessons learned and recommendations for future undertakings.

Findings from these studies indicate that the military is a key institution for reaching men and women to prevent unwanted pregnancy, STIs, HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence. This is especially true as army have an increasing role in development and security. However, for SRH with a gender perspective to become integrated into the military system, issues such as gender equality, couple communication, gender-based violence and human rights need to be more systematically addressed.

By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of the key elements required to develop such programs, the role advocacy plays in institutionalizing and sustaining the partnership, and benefits derived by men, women and civilian populations.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of the key elements required to develop such programs, the role advocacy plays in institutionalizing and sustaining the partnership, and benefits derived by men, women and civilian populations.

Keywords: Male Reproductive Health, Gender

Related Web page: www.unfpa.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: UNFPA programmes in SRH and reproductive rights The Armed Forces of countries involved
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.