Investments in reproductive health programs and services can make countries “healthier”-more secure and peaceful, more democratic, and better able to provide for the needs of their citizens, according to a seminal new report from PAI. The Shape of Things to Come: Why Age Structure Matters to a Safer, More Equitable World examines the connections between demographics, reproductive health, international security, governance and other development issues. Programs that foster more balanced age structures-such as family planning, infant and maternal health, and girls' education-must become a cornerstone of all international development assistance.

The world will fail to achieve the targets set in the landmark Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) unless population growth is curbed, says a new report from the United Kingdom's All-Parliamentary Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health. The report's findings underscore the fact that access to family planning and reproductive health services is not only a fundamental right but also essential to achieving a wide-range of commonly shared goals, including eradicating poverty and hunger, reducing maternal and infant death, combating HIV/AIDS, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, services and supplies is essential to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), according to a recent report released by the Millennium Project. The report makes five specific recommendations on integrating SRH into the MDGs, including funding for reproductive health supplies and the systems that ensure accurate and timely distribution. PAI strongly endorses these recommendations, specifically the need to improve access to contraceptives and condoms to meet the growing global demand. Without access to supplies, a sustainable reproductive health program is unattainable.

The world's population has more than doubled in the last half-century and is increasing by nearly 76 million people each year. Poor access to reproductive health services and the low social status of women continue to drive population growth, most of which is taking place in the world's poorest countries. On the occasion of this World Population Day (July 11), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is campaigning to underscore the important issue of gender equality, and PAI joins them in this effort.

An independent, blue-ribbon task force sponsored by the U.S.-based Council on Foreign Relations recently issued a detailed report calling for a more comprehensive and strategic U.S. approach toward Africa. In the report, the Task Force – comprised of a diverse group of influentials from across the political spectrum – highlights the pivotal role that slowing rapid population growth must play in U.S. policy toward Africa and the subsequent need for increased U.S. involvement in international family planning programs. PAI lauds the timing of the Task Force's prescriptions, given Congress' upcoming discussions on the fiscal year (FY) 2007 budget.

This summer promises to be a busy one. The situation in Iraq, the political conventions and the Olympics are just some of the events likely to dominate the news. However, there will be a number of other newsworthy events related to foreign aid and global health in which PAI will be actively involved:

Your opinion about the direction of our country's foreign policy will play a central role in determining who wins this year's U.S. presidential election. One issue that needs more attention, especially since the majority of U.S. citizens support family planning and reproductive health issues at home and abroad, is foreign aid. Given the unprecedented number of young people in the developing world entering their reproductive years and concerns about what lies ahead for them, now is the time to think about the tenth anniversary of the landmark 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (also known as ICPD at 10).

With Congress gearing up for work on spending bills for fiscal 2005, U.S. policy and funding for international family planning programs will likely be a catalyst for conflict once again. The following summarizes where things stand now — and what may lie ahead. FY 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Signed Into Law On January 23 President Bush signed the FY04 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The omnibus allocates $432 million for international family planning programs, which is $7 million more than the President's request, but $14.5 million less than last year's level. Support for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was earmarked for “up to” $34 million.

Findings Could Help Predict and Prevent Wars High proportions of young adults, rapidly growing cities, scarcities of cropland and water, and HIV/AIDS prevalence may contribute significantly to the risk of deadly civil conflict, according to a new report from Population Action International (PAI). Among the implications of these findings is that sound population policies, centered around provision of reproductive health services for all who want them, can play an important role in advancing global security.

For the first time in 11 years, International Women's Day (March 8, 2002) will be observed in Afghanistan. In a symbolic show of support for Afghan women, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and First Lady Laura Bush will preside over opening ceremonies for International Women's Day at the United Nations in New York. Population Action International joins them in commemorating the spirit and the courage of women everywhere, and in particular, Afghan women.