Regional Strategic Framework for accelerating universal access to sexual and reproductive health in the WHO South-East Asia Region 2026–2030

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are central to health and well-being across the life-course and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the WHO South-East (SE) Asia Region has made strong progress, including major reductions in maternal mortality and declines in neonatal mortality, stillbirths and adolescent birth rates, inequities in coverage persist across universal health coverage (UHC) and sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) indicators. Ongoing sociodemographic transitions, climate shocks, urbanization, conflicts, declining official development assistance (ODA) and rising noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) risks threaten these gains, underscoring the need for sustained investment and integrated, life‑course SRHR approaches that move beyond survival to well-being and thriving.

The Region has achieved the highest global decline in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) from 2000 to 2023, yet its MMR remains the third highest globally. It is expected that by 2030, with the exception of one Member State, all would have achieved MMR levels below 140 per 100 000 live births, with five expected to achieve two thirds reduction [Ending Preventable Mortality and Morbidity (EPMM) 2030 country targets]. Further gains require focused action on preventable causes, inequities, quality of care (QoC) and scaling up high-impact interventions. 

With regard to stillbirths, six Member States are expected to achieve the stillbirth rate (SBR) target of less than 12 per 1000 total births by 2030; two are on track to achieve the target by 2030; and two need accelerated efforts. With regard to neonatal mortality rate (NMR), five Member States are expected to achieve the target of less than 12 per 1000 live births by 2030 – one is on track and four need accelerated efforts.