The benefits of investing in sexual and reproductive health

Abstract

The full value of investing in sexual and reproductive health services has been underestimated, as its wide range of benefits has been largely unrecognized. The direct medical benefits of preventing unintended pregnancies, improving maternal health and preventing, diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS are well-known; however, the economic and social benefits are no less real, even if they are more difficult to measure. The global community cannot afford not to fully fund these services to achieve global development goals.