Achieving SDG 3.7: An Assessment of the Contributions of International Development Partners in Ghana

Abstract

Reproductive health has always been a critical factor for all spheres of development be it social, economic and even cultural. This study highlights the contributions of international development partners, particularly the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in providing reproductive health services in Ghana. Data for the study was from primary sources mainly interviews and secondary sources including journal articles, internet sources, reports, books etc. This study sheds light on the instrumental efforts of the UNFPA in reproductive health programming in Ghana. Key findings indicate that international development partners have been instrumental in increasing awareness of reproductive health and rights issues in Ghana, additionally UNFPA has been a major supplier of contraceptives in the country as well as funded a lot of reproductive health initiatives. The study identifies some challenges encountered in the provision of these services, majority of which is low funding both locally and globally as well as requisite training for health workers. This study recommends that government carefully considers domestic resource mobilization to be able to provide these services considering dwindling donor support as well increased capacity building initiatives for health workers to be able to discharge their duties efficiently. With proper planning and management, reproductive health can be of immense benefits to nations, hence it deserves all the necessary attention.