The Department for International Development’s (DFID) strategy “Reducing maternal deaths: evidence and action” was published in September 2004. Three progress reports have been published since then—in December 2005, April 2007 and June 2008.
We will update our existing maternal health strategy and incorporate into this our existing position paper on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (published July 2004). In producing the updated strategy will we draw on our experience to date of implementing our existing strategy and the information in our three progress reports. We have also commissioned an evidence paper to inform our thinking which should be completed in autumn 2009.
Earlier this year the Department for International Development (DFID) held an initial stakeholder workshop on the development of the new strategy with representatives from across the sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternal health and HIV and AIDS communities. The feedback from this event confirmed our view that the new strategy should cover both Millennium Development Goal 5 targets (5a to reduce maternal mortality and 5b to provide universal access to reproductive health).
In producing the updated strategy will we draw on our experience to date of implementing our existing strategy and the information in our three progress reports. We have also commissioned an evidence paper to inform our thinking which should be completed in autumn 2009. We will continue to consult with interested stakeholders as we move forward with the strategy development.