Togolese parliamentarians train to boost sexual and reproductive health rights

A working session on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) was held from August 27 to 29 in Kpalimé for members of the National Assembly. Organized with the support of the Directorate of Maternal and Child Health (DSME), in partnership with the Togolese Association for Family Welfare (ATBEF) and Ipas Afrique Francophone, this meeting aimed to strengthen the commitment of elected representatives to a legislative environment favorable to access to sexual and reproductive health services.

The initiative is part of the role of parliamentarians in monitoring and guiding public policies. It provided participants with tools on the challenges of SRHR and the levers of action available to them to improve people's access to these essential services.

"The role of parliament, beyond passing laws, is to anticipate the needs of its citizens, ensure the effectiveness of their rights, and create the conditions for sustainable human development. In terms of SRHR, this means promoting a legal environment that protects, informs, supports, and does not stigmatize," stressed the chief of staff, Kissao Tchourou, representing the President of the National Assembly.

The discussions also provided an opportunity to showcase the significant progress Togo has made in sexual and reproductive health in recent decades. The figures shared demonstrate continued improvement in key indicators:

• Neonatal mortality : Reduced from 40 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1998 to 21 in 2023.
• Infant mortality (under one year): Reduced from 77 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1998 to 35 in 2023.
• Infant and child mortality (under 5 years): Declining from 71 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2017 to 58 in 2022.
• Maternal mortality : A significant decline, from 478 per 100,000 live births in 1998 to 362 in 2023.

The Emissary