Ethiopia Launches 2024 State of World Population Report

Addis Ababa, June 7/2024(ENA) Ethiopia took a significant step towards addressing inequalities in sexual and reproductive health rights by launching the 2024 State of World Population Report.

The report titled "Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights," was unveiled during a high-level event co-hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Development and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the report emphasizes the urgent need for renewed commitment to achieving sexual and reproductive health and rights for all individuals, especially those who are marginalized. In his opening remarks, State Minister of Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonnen, acknowledged Ethiopia's progress in implementing the ICPD Plan of Action. 

He pointed to the integration of key elements within the country's development plans and sectoral strategies, leading to significant demographic, social, and economic advancements.

Seyoum highlighted Ethiopia's accomplishments, including: reduced poverty and malnutrition rates, increased access to affordable modern contraceptives, decreased unmet need for family planning, improved access to maternal health care services and reduced maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

He reaffirmed government's  commitment to advancing population and development issues in Ethiopia and called for continued partnership support.
The launch event featured presentations by UNFPA representatives and government officials, followed by a plenary discussion on the report's findings and their relevance to Ethiopia's context. 

The event stressed the imperative to address persistent inequalities in sexual and reproductive health access and utilization.

State Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Muna Ahmed emphasized the report's role in guiding Ethiopia towards more equitable strategies for the future.

Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union, Minata Samate Cessouma, underscored the call to action to confront inequalities and champion everyone's rights.

Reflecting on the progress made in reproductive health and rights over the past three decades, Koffi Kouame representing UNFPA, highlighted that there's still more work to be done to achieve the desired outcomes for Africa.

The launch of the State of World Population 2024 report signals Ethiopia's commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health rights and sets the stage for further dialogue and action towards achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, aligning with the global goals outlined in the ICPD Plan of Action, according to Ministry Planning and Development.