Five papers detail recent successes and promising opportunities, despite political setbacks
Boston — Today, renowned medical journal The Lancet published five papers detailing “Innovations in Sexual and Reproductive Health” in recent years. Led by top Boston healthcare center Fenway Health, the papers were developed by a team of prominent doctors and other medical researchers from around the world, and focus on new scientific developments that offer the greatest opportunities for sexual and reproductive health globally.
The papers emphasized that in spite of rollbacks, the world has made significant advancements in sexual and reproductive health — and more is on the horizon. Advancements in HIV prevention and treatment through antiretroviral therapy (ART) have controlled an epidemic and allowed those with access to lead normal, healthy lives. Looking forward, researchers are making promising strides in male birth control, STI vaccines and numerous multipurpose treatments that can protect against various concerns at once, like preventing HIV and pregnancy.
Dr. Ken Mayer, Fenway Health’s medical research director, a preeminent HIV expert for the last 40 years who managed the project said:
“Protecting the sexual and reproductive health of diverse people all around the world is vital for human development, to save lives and to ensure freedom for all. But most of the 4.3 billion people of reproductive age have inadequate care. At a time when governments are deprioritizing these fundamental rights, the scientific community is developing new methods that both advance global health and save money. From new vaccines and male contraception to multipurpose technologies and integrated, community-centric care, there are exciting innovations on the horizon.”
Yet the papers also document how this essential care is not accessible for all who need it. Even though the fourth paper details how investments in sexual and reproductive health are cost-effective — with contraception saving health systems $3 for every $1 spent, and HIV programs saving as much as $14 — governments are scaling down foreign funding and political leaders are rejecting support for sexual health and human rights. In 2023, only $35 billion of the required $52 billion to secure sexual and reproductive health in lower- and middle-income countries was spent. These gaps extend to developed countries as well, with 214 million globally lacking access to effective contraception, and 21% of women in the U.S. not using birth control because of anticipated side effects.
The fifth paper in the series focuses on a potential solution to this challenge: Integrating services can both improve health care and cut costs. Research shows that with better provider training and community-centered programs, integrated programs can help bridge the gap when funding is limited.
The five papers in the series are:
- Overview of progress: “Partial progress in sexual and reproductive health and rights: the influence of sociocultural, behavioural, structural, and technological changes on epidemiological trends,” led by University of New South Wales STI expert Dr. Andrew E. Grulich
- Contraption and abortion care: “Biomedical innovations in contraception: gaps, obstacles, and solutions for sexual and reproductive health,” led by Boston University Obstetrics/Gynecology and Immunology expert Dr. Deborah J. Anderson
- HIV and STI prevention: “Innovations in the biomedical prevention, diagnosis, and service delivery of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,” led by STI care and research medical officer at the World Health Organization Dr. Remco Peters
- Cost effectiveness: “Who pays and what pays off in sexual and reproductive health? A rapid review of the cost and cost effectiveness of interventions and implications for future funding and markets,” led by Boston University School of Public Health and University of Witwatersrand Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO) health economics experts Drs. Gesine Meyer-Rath and Lise Jamieson
- Integrating programs: “Challenges and opportunities in developing integrated sexual and reproductive health programmes,” led by Fenway Health medical research director and Harvard professor of medicine Dr. Kenneth Mayer
Fenway Health and The Lancet are hosting an in-person event to discuss the papers on Friday, October 31st at 9:00am ET at 1340 Boylston Street. All paper authors will attend — either in person or virtually — and will be available for additional comment. Sign up to join the event in person or online here: https://fenway.health/the-lancet-sexual-reproductive-health-series-launch/
Fenway Health has been an innovative leader for LGBTQIA+ since 1971, providing compassionate and equitable healthcare for the greater Boston area. For its 50 years, Fenway Health has been a leader in research and innovative, community-centered care.
Contact: Sam Nurick | [email protected]