Men’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) spans infertility, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prostate health, reproductive tract cancers, gender-based violence, andropause and adolescent health, among other issues. A critical aspect of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action was its recognition that men have distinct SRH needs that should be addressed in parallel with those of women. While these positions are known and ratified by policy makers, little has been done to actualize men’s SRH beyond their role in supporting their female counterparts' access and utilization of SRH services. Meanwhile the prevalence of men’s SRH problems remains high, and this is compounded by limited availability of services.
Recognizing this gap and its implications on attainment of reproductive health goals and targets, the World Health Organization (WHO), including HRP (the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction), has undertaken a rapid review to document the situation on availability and access to SRH services for men and adolescent boys globally and in the six WHO Regions.
An online stakeholder consultation organised by WHO, HRP and the IBP Network will be convened to share the findings of the review, generate discussion around availability and access to SRH services by men and inform critical next steps to enhance availability and access to these services without compromising investments and gains in women’s SRH services. The overall goal of this consultation is to contribute to the attainment of SRH related global goals and targets by addressing gaps, harnessing opportunities and leveraging evidence-based practices towards strengthening availability and access of SRH services for adolescent boys and men.