Reproductive Health Research Network (RHRN)

WHO defines reproductive health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes.” The concept of reproductive health, as an essential component of public health, has received increased attention and has been adopted in all countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Hence, the need for integrating the existing fragmented services into the national health care system is being further appreciated through a holistic approach to reproductive health care.

In view of the high magnitude of maternal and neonatal death in some countries and the limited resources available in the Region, specific focus has been addressed to safe-motherhood related programmes, including antenatal, obstetric, postpartum and newborn health and family planning. These are considered as priority components of reproductive health.  Other issues are emerging as priority areas in national reproductive health programmes in different countries, including: reproductive tract infections, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, reproductive health in adolescence and post menopause, reproductive system cancers, harmful practices to reproductive health, premarital and genetic counseling and neonatal screening for inherited disorders.

Research, surveillance and data use for evidence-based decision making and advocacy are regarded as areas of strategic priority for reproductive health programme development at both the regional and country levels. Research is necessary for identifying existing needs, for designing interventions, for monitoring implementation and progress of programs, and for evaluating the impact of health-related efforts. Reproductive health research impacts policy formation and promotion, program design and implementation, efficiency and efficacy of the health service delivery system, and identification and adoption of best practices. Research is needed for designing guidelines, for identifying appropriate medical practices, for developing and testing new drugs, and discovering and evaluating new procedures. To say the least, research is vital to secure funding and enhance political support needed to promoting and protecting reproductive health.