Rapid population growth, particularly in Africa, will make it harder for countries to achieve the millennium development goals and escape poverty. 99 per cent. of population growth will take place in developing countries and will make it more difficult for countries to maintain and increase investments to keep up with demands for health, education and other basic services. Experience shows that by improving health, education and livelihoods, and promoting gender equality and rights with good sexual and reproductive health information services and supplies, gives people the choice to have fewer children. Delivery of these basic services is central to DFID’s work.