Title: International programmes.

POPLINE Document Number: 201600

Author(s):

Barzelatto J

Source citation:

In: Fertility regulation today and tomorrow, [edited by] E. Diczfalusy and M. Bygdeman. New York, New York, Raven Press, 1987. :21-8. (Serono Symposia Publications from Raven Press, Volume 36)

Abstract:

Components of the international research system include political commitment, international cooperation, and financial factors. The author discusses each of these factors. 2 examples show a markedly changed degree of political commitment by government from 2 areas of the developing world, Latin America, and Africa, where family planning activities of the public sector have been clearly lagging behind. First, in October 1984, the Ministers of Health of the Americas unanimously approved a resolution at the World Health Organization Regional Committee meeting recognizing the close relationship of health, development, and population and reaffirming the basic human right of parents to decide freely and in a well-informed and responsible way the number and spacing of their children. Secondly, in May 1986, African parliamentarians from 29 countries and representatives from another 9 countries met in Zimbabwe to discuss population and development issues. They pledged to provide leadership and support to their governments to improve the quality of life of their people by promoting a number of measures, including family planning programs, and national population policies and programs that attempt to decrease the high rates of population growth in Africa. International cooperation in scientific research is undoubtedly a sine qua non for accelerating the development of new contraceptive technologies. Use-effectiveness is 1 of the greatest problems. An important element of international cooperation is close interaction between the leaders of family planning programs to get a better feel for the needs and constraints of both groups. International cooperation is also essential to respond to a new challenge posed by a resurgence of opposition to family planning. Another weak point in international cooperation and which restrains research efforts is the state of the safety requirements of regulatory agencies. Developing countries are confused by the different requirements of the most sophisticated agencies of developed countries and particularly by the wide differences among them as to which products are and are not authorized for use as contraceptives. Worldwide expenditures for research in human reproduction peaked in 1973 at close to $120 million U S dollars. Funding has decreased since then in constant dollar value. It seems quite likely that the reduced support for research in fertility regulation may continue unless special efforts to increase funding are undertaken.

Keywords:

Developing Countries
Developed Countries
Research and Development
Expenditures
Government
Family Planning Programs
International Cooperation
Contraception
Needs
Goals
Technology
Economic Factors
Financial Activities
Political Factors
Family Planning
Programs
Organization and Administration
Planning