By Edward Williams, GNA
Hohoe (V/R), Feb. 12, GNA – The Women, Media and Change (WOMEC), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called on governments and duty bearers to move beyond policy rhetoric to effective implementation of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
It said the implementation should include increasing domestic investment in reproductive health, strengthening health systems, and ensuring that adolescent- and youth-friendly services are accessible, affordable, confidential, and free from stigma.
Dr Charity Binka, Executive Director, WOMEC, in a release to mark Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day 2026, noted that health systems must prioritise early detection, comprehensive sexuality education and quality care for conditions such as cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis, and other reproductive health challenges that remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.
She said WOMEC reaffirmed that sexual and reproductive health and rights were fundamental to human rights and access to accurate information; quality and responsive healthcare should not be negotiated.
“Yet, despite global, regional, and national commitments, millions of women and girls continue to face barriers to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services,” she added.
Dr Binka noted that the gaps fueled preventable maternal health complications, unsafe practices, and far-reaching social and economic consequences.
She said in an era marked by persistent misinformation, deep-rooted stigma and unequal access to essential services, the health and dignity of women and young people remain under threat.
Dr Binka said the need for renewed political will, adequate resourcing and systemic reform had never been more urgent.
She said the media had a critical role to play in driving the agenda by going beyond episodic coverage and consistently elevating sexual and reproductive health as a national priority.
Dr Binka noted that responsible and evidence-based reporting was essential to challenge harmful myths, break the silence surrounding reproductive health and hold policymakers accountable adding that “misinformation and neglect must no longer shape public discourse.”
She said empowerment began with knowledge but must be matched by action, and education must lead to policy reform, adequate budgetary allocations, improved service delivery, and measurable outcomes.
Dr Binka said comprehensive sexuality education, protection of reproductive rights, promotion of consent and safe practices and access to life-saving screenings were urgent necessities and not optional interventions.
She urged policymakers, health professionals, educators, media practitioners, and civil society to act with urgency, courage, and accountability since the era of incremental progress had passed.
“We must accelerate collective action to ensure that every woman and girl can make informed choices about her body, access quality healthcare without discrimination and live in dignity. Our health is our right. Our rights demand action.”
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei