Examples include preparations of UNGASS, follow-up to the MDGs, and UN conferences on gender equality and SRHR – all of which are intimately linked to the policy issues discussed in this PfA.

33. Points out to the Commission that the importance of women as primary health promoters should be highlighted and that a gender perspective therefore needs to be introduced into health policies, into the statistics and research relating to them and into education, environment, international trade, agriculture and immigration policies; 20% of the world's population are currently of child-bearing age, making it crucial for information to be provided on sexual and reproductive health and health services, such as family planning and safe motherhood services, so as to enable this section of the population to guard against unwanted pregnanc ...[+++]ies, clandestine abortion and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS; stresses that the numbers and rates of HIV infection among women and girls are rising compared to those of men; points out that in 1997, 41% of HIV-positive adults were women and girls, and yet today this group accounts for 50% of all people living with HIV or AIDS worldwide; also notes that in sub-Saharan Africa, the figure is 58%;

33. Points out to the Commission that the importance of women as primary health promoters should be highlighted and that a gender perspective therefore needs to be introduced into health policies, into the statistics and research relating to them and into education, environment, international trade, agriculture and immigration policies; 20% of the world's population are currently of child-bearing age, making it crucial for information to be provided on sexual and reproductive health and health services, such as family planning and safe motherhood services, so as to enable this section of the population to guard against unwanted pregnanc ...[+++]ies, clandestine abortion and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS; stresses that the numbers and rates of HIV infection among women and girls are rising compared to those of men; points out that in 1997, 41% of HIV-positive adults were women and girls, and yet today this group accounts for 50% of all people living with HIV or AIDS worldwide; also notes that in sub-Saharan Africa, the figure is 58%;

16. Draws the Commission's attention to the desirability of highlighting the importance of women as the main promoters of health and the consequent need to incorporate the gender perspective in health policies, statistics and studies on this subject; points out that, at present, 20% of the world population is of reproductive age and it is therefore crucial that information on sexual and reproductive health and sexual and reproductive health services should be available to help this section of the population protect themselves against unwanted pregnancy, clandestine abortion and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS;

High maternal mortality and morbidity rates, the lack of a full range of safe and reliable reproductive and sexual health care and services, supplies and information, and the spread of HIV and AIDS undermine all efforts for poverty eradication, to enhance sustainable development, expand opportunities and safeguard livelihoods in developing countries,

[11] In parallel, the Commission proposed the revision of the regulation for the special budget line (B7-6312) on 'aid to population programmes' to include 'reproductive and sexual health and rights'.