The official launching ceremony of the report took place on Wednesday 26 June 2024. It was presided over by the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Mr. Alamine Ousmane Mey, and the Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Cameroon, Dr. Justin Koffi, in the presence of other members of the government, country managers from United Nations agencies, representatives of Technical and Financial Partners and the civil society.
“Intertwined Fates, Glimmers of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights” is the title of the 2024 State of the World Population report released yesterday in Yaounde. The report shows that significant progress has been made worldwide in sexual and reproductive health and rights over the last thirty years.
Concerning maternity care in particular, the 2024 report shows that the global maternal mortality rate dropped by 34% between 2000 and 2020, an achievement largely attributable to improved access to skilled and emergency obstetric care. In terms of contraceptive use, for example, the rate of unwanted pregnancies dropped by 19% between 1990 and 2019, and the number of births to girls aged 15-19 has fallen by approximately a third since 2000. In terms of sexual health and well-being, the report highlights that HIV infection rates have fallen considerably and the proportion of girls who have undergone female genital mutilation has also fallen significantly. Moreover, 162 countries have adopted laws to fight against domestic violence. This progress is commendable but is unevenly distributed across most countries in the world.
“Inequalities are persistent” stressed the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Mr. Alamine Ousmane Mey, in his speech. “The launching of the 2024 report allows Cameroon to join the international community in assessing the progress made, examining efforts made and, also, to find ways and means of addressing the challenges we face as a result of the commitments we have undertaken”, said MINEPAT. In this respect, the Cameroon government intends to promote the development of healthy, productive human capital, capable of contributing to strong, inclusive, and sustainable growth through equitable and universal access to basic healthcare and high-quality priority specialist care.
The Minister seized the opportunity of the launch of the 2024 State of the World Population report to show the progress made in Cameroon. He indicated that actions undertaken in collaboration with partners such as UNFPA have led to national ownership of international and regional instruments guaranteeing respect for women’s rights; the densification of the health map with the opening of reproductive health services in health facilities; the popularisation of contraceptive methods; the adherence to the global initiative Family Planning 2030 since 2018; the signing of the partnership between MINSANTE and UNFPA-Supplies 2022-2026 for the procurement of contraceptive products; the strengthening of the last-mile supply chain for essential generic medicines; improved access to comprehensive sexuality education in initial training curricula and the gradual introduction of Universal Health Coverage, among others.
Beyond these convincing results, the 2024 report suggests that we need to go further by building a collective future. According to the report, collective action is the only possible way to address the major stakes of the international community. This is why the Minister of the Economy called for greater involvement and wholehearted support from everyone – communities, parents, and individuals. “Together we must fight against gender inequality in all areas of national life and further eradicate poverty, discrimination, and harmful customary practices. By doing so, we will contribute to the development of all members of our society, especially women, for the well-being of all”, urged the Minister of the Economy.
