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This paper provides updated figures on the dividends of investing in reproductive health care, including contraception, and highlights the gaps in service provision and support. It argues that an investment in contraceptive services can be recouped four time over -- and sometimes dramatically more -- by reducing the need for public spending on health, education and other social services.

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This booklet provides a snapshot of UNFPA's programming efforts to advance gender equality and empower women. It reports on activities undertaken in six priority areas, based on contributions from the global, regional and country levels over the course of two years (2007-2008).

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The recommendations are presented under four main headings:
1. Empowering inclusive national leadership and ownership
2. Alignment and harmonization
3. Reform for a more effective multilateral response
4. Accountability and oversight.

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In addition to providing a list of essential reproductive health supplies, this guidebook outlines the steps necessary for including reproductive health medicines on country-level lists of essential medicines. It also highlights the consequences of poor reproductive health and the importance of devoting resources to its betterment and reviews the concept of essential medicines lists and their significance.

 

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