LDM worked to improve reproductive health and population outcomes in five countries throughout Africa and Asia. Each focus country experiences poor reproductive health indicators in the form of high maternal mortality rates, rapid population growth and poor status of reproductive rights. Yet, the context of each country is unique.
Ethiopia
Rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia are among the highest in the world. Harmful traditional practices, including societal pressure to marry and have children at a young age, extreme poverty, Female Genital Mutilization (FGM), and lack of access to adequate medical care contribute to the country’s epidemic of pregnancy complications.
Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and experiences the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. The LDM program focused primarily in Northern Nigeria, where the majority of the population practices Islamic Shar’ia law. Key challenges facing Northern Nigeria included overpopulation, poverty, gender–based exclusion and large numbers of unemployed youth.
India
The financial growth found in parts of India does not reach the marginalized regions of Bihar and Jharkand. High rates of violence against women in these LDM focus states, coupled with the strict patriarchal, caste-based society, contribute to the low status of women and poor reproductive health and population outcomes.
Pakistan
The past several years have been turbulent in Pakistan with political volatility, natural disasters and rising levels of extremism and violence. Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s already large and young population is growing rapidly. With one of largest gender disparities in the world, Pakistan struggles with high rates of violence against women and dismal reproductive health outcomes.
Philippines
Despite significant growth in the Philippines’ per capita income, resource distribution remains uneven and poverty continues to be widespread. One of the most influential voices in the country is the institutional Roman Catholic Church which has actively blocked government support to promote the use of artificial contraceptive methods. This stance has had a significant impact on the country’s reproductive health and population policies and programs.