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Sweden strongly commits to Women’s and Children’s health
Description/achievement of initiative

2010: Sweden’s strong commitment to Women’s and Children’s health is clearly reflected in Sweden's policy for global development , in Sweden's international policy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and in the Policy for Gender Equality and the Rights and Role of Women . In the bilateral development cooperation support is primarily given to the strengthening of national health and education systems with a focus on a broad SRHR approach. A range of funding and other mechanisms is used. Policy dialogue and strategic partnerships are essential to raise awareness and build capacity with regard to phenomena related to maternal and child health including controversial issues such as access to safe abortions. Globally Sweden supports the UN system (UNFPA including the UNFPA/ICM program to strengthen midwifery, UNICEF, UNESCO), global initiatives (GAVI, Education for all Fast Track Initiative, GFATM) and civil society (IPAS, IPPF, Men Engage network). To further strengthen the commitment a special effort on MDG5 has been developed . The ambition is to raise awareness and build capacity to improve maternal health at all levels of development cooperation. Sweden also endorses the G8 Muskoka Initiative for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, and has made a substantial allocation in the budget bill proposed to parliament for 2011 to further strengthen work to improve child health.

Implementation methodologies

By working with partnerships and support UN system and civil society. strengthening of national health and education system with a focus on a broad SRHR approach.

Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer

Coordination mechanisms/governance structure

Partner(s)

UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO, GAVI, Education for all Fast Track Initiative, GFATM, (IPAS, IPPF, Men Engage network
Progress reports
Goal 5
2011
Sweden endorses the G8 Muskoka Initiative for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, and has made a substantial allocation in the budget bill proposed to parliament for 2011 to further strengthen work to improve child health.
2011
Sweden has enhanced its commitment to the Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health during 2011. Contributing to the achievement of the MDGs, especially MDGs 4 and 5, is one of the core focuses of Swedish development aid, which amounts to approximately 1% of its annual Gross Domestic Income. In 2011, Sweden has committed to allocate 500 million Swedish kroner to combat child mortality and maternal mortality and promote health, education and youth entrepreneurship. In addition the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation has announced that Swedish development aid has the ambition of helping save the lives of 250,000 children, as well as 50,000 women who otherwise would lose their lives due to complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth. Sweden will support, through bilateral development cooperation, efforts to strengthen national health and education systems, in order to generate better access to sexual and reproductive health. A range of different funding mechanisms are utilized and policy dialogues and external partnerships are essential to Sweden's assistance. Sweden will continue its support to UNFPA, UNICEF and UNESCO; global initiatives such as the GAVI Alliance (with $201 million for the period 2011-2015), the GFATM; and civil society (Ipas, IPPF, MenEngage Alliance). Sweden endorses the G8 Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
2012
Born to Soon report puts important attention to an area within the continuum of maternal and newborn health care. Knowledge and interventions to prevent prematurity is a neglected area in many countries of the world; especially in low income countries. For Sweden and Sida the reduction of newborn morbidity and mortality remains a high priority. We are committed to reducing the incidence of prematurity and to do so mainly through support to capacity building of a competent midwifery workforce. An educated and professional midwife provides a number of important prerequisites for preventing pre-term births as well as identifying and caring for the pre-term baby. As part of the global movement to reduce MNC mortality Sida will work to increase awareness of the role midwives can play and improve education and working conditions to allow midwives to play a significant role in the prevention of premature birth and competent care for the pre-term baby.
2012
London Family Planning Summit, Sweden’s priority is to work in the most effective way for the rights and improved health of women and girls in the most vulnerable countries in Africa. The Swedish government will continue to be a major player, both financially and politically, in the issue of family planning. Sweden will increase spending on contraceptives from its 2010 level of US $32 million per year to US $40 million per year, totaling an additional US $40 million between 2011 and 2015. Sweden also commits to ensuring that support of family planning utilizes existing structures for financing and support, and is contributing to the broader agenda of Millennium Development Goal’s (MDG) 4 and 5. The government plans to increase its contribution to MDG 4 and 5 from its current amount of US $450 million per year.
Financing (in USD)
325,000,000 USD

Basic information
Time-frame: - 2012
Website
Partners
UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO, GAVI, Education for all Fast Track Initiative, GFATM, (IPAS, IPPF, Men Engage network
Countries
Contact information
United Nations