None of the crises we face today - whether it is the food crisis, the water crisis, the financial crisis or the crisis of climate change - can be managed unless greater attention is paid to population issues.
World Population Day, which was July 11, was the right time to put the population issue back on the radar screen. And it/s not a moment too soon. By 2050 our global population of 6.8 billion people could grow to the United Nation/s median projection of nine billion, or even soar to 11 billion.
But what/s not widely realized is that the projection of nine billion global population is based on a substantial reduction in fertility in the least developed countries, which would require a dramatic increase in voluntary family planning.
Recently we heard President Barack Obama, in his address from Cairo, say that denying a woman her education is denying her equality. I would add another area that is vital for broadening women/s horizons. Governments agree it is necessary to approve access to sexual and reproductive health. This is essential for advancing women/s empowerment and levels of equality.
Some 200 million women today want to plan and space their births but lack access to safe and effective contraception. According to the latest figures, just one in four married women in the least developed countries are using modern contraception.
It is important to note that investments in women and reproductive health are not only important for overcoming poverty, they are also cost-effective. For example, an investment in contraceptive services can be recouped four times over - and sometimes dramatically more over the long run - by reducing the need for public spending on health, education, housing, sanitation and other social services.
That/s why the International Conference on Population and Development proposed a plan 15 years ago in Cairo to ensure universal access to reproductive health by 2015, a goal that now seems out of reach.
It is also important to work toward maternal health. The sad and shocking truth is that maternal mortality represents the largest health inequity in the world. With the financial crisis and the reduction in budgets for health, solving these problems will be even harder.
Clearly we need to do more to improve women/s health.
Thoraya Ahmed Obaid is executive director of the United Nations Population Fund. Column provided by the American Forum.
