Reproductive Health : What is it ?

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and its functions and processes”.

Reproductive health therefore implies that both men and women are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so by being informed [about] and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning of their choice, as well the right of access to appropriate health-care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant.

According to the WHO, Reproductive and sexual ill-health accounts for 20% of the global burden of ill-health for women, and 14% for men.

We are going to focus on sexual health, child bearing and health, millennium development goals, Reproductive health and abortion, expanded contraceptive options, Engaging men as partners and Prevention of Mother to Child transmission.

SEXUAL HEALTH.

Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons in the community must be respected, protected and fulfilled.

CHILD BEARING AND HEALTH. 

Early childbearing and other behaviors can have health risks for women and their infants. Waiting until a woman is at least 18 years old improves maternal and child health. If an additional child is desired, it is considered healthier for mother, as well as for the succeeding child, to wait at least 2 years after previous birth before attempting to conceive .After a miscarriage or abortion, it is healthier to wait at least 6 months.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND ABORTION

The WHO's Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), has an overall strategy to combat unsafe abortion that comprises several activities such as

•  synthesizing and generation of scientifically evidence on unsafe abortion prevalence and     practices 
•  developing improved technologies and implement interventions to make abortion safer
•  and to assist in the development of programs and policies that reduce unsafe abortion and improve access to safe abortion and high quality post abortion care

EXPANDED CONTRACEPTIVE OPTION

Through the Acquire Tanzania Project (ATP) and USAID Engender Health there has been works to advance the availability, quality, and use of reproductive health and family planning services throughout the country by;

•  Increasing availability of contraception such as sterilization, Intrauterine devices, pills, condoms, and injectables;
•  Building the capacity of local health officials to advocate for family planning resources and programs;
•   Integrating family planning into HIV and post abortion services

ENGAGING MEN AS PARTNERS
Several interventions have been made by different NGO’s such as UMATI to improve men’s participation in reproductive health, which through its innovative projects has increased men’s involvement in preventing the spread of HIV in Tanzania by addressing the underlying gender issues that drive HIV transmission, providing training and assistance to partners to integrate male engagement approaches in their programs.

PREVENTION FROM MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV (PMTCT)

Through the Ministry of health and Social well fare, there has been the program of mother to child prevention of transmission up to the community level by

• Promotion of  voluntary counseling and testing;
•  Provision of peripartum antiretroviral (ARVs);
•  Encouraging safer obstetric practices;
•  Educating new mothers about safe infant-feeding practices;
• Training health professionals to provide quality PMTCT and related reproductive health and family planning services;

CONCLUSION

Despite efforts that have been made in Reproductive health, still the system is encountered by challenges that make the health progress with difficulties;

•  shortage of qualified health workers throughout the country, but particularly in rural areas which exacerbates health challenges related HIV & AIDS, maternal and child health, and reproductive/family planning services
•  Lack of specialized health educators
• Poor health seeking behaviors in case of venereal diseases, antenatal care and birth.
•  Still are a lot of practices regarding unsafe abortions despite the education and improved health center services. Young girls at reproductive age do afraid to be noted within societies on their reproductive seeking help
•  However, The Ministry of Health and Social welfare has successful improved the 4^th and 5^th Millennium Development Goals “reducing child mortality rates and improving maternal health”
•  The Benjamin Mkapa Foundation through its HIV/AIDS management has improved the prevention of Mother to Child HIV Transmission.

REFERENCES

1. WHO; The world Health Report 2002, Reducing Risks promoting Healthy Life, pg 61,62, 118,119,121.
2. UNFPA & IPPF Evaluation; Tanzania country report strengthening Reproductive Health Services.

BY: DR IBRAHIM A. LIMBU

       BUGANDO HOSPITAL,

       MWANZA.