MSI Asia Pacific welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of $56.8 million in new funding to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the Asia and Pacific regions.
This funding, to be delivered through DFAT’s ‘Towards Universal Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the Indo-Pacific’ initiative, marks a significant step forward in promoting gender equality, supporting women and girls, and ensuring access to life-saving healthcare.
This funding comes at a critical time. Globally, SRHR is under threat, with an emboldened anti-rights movement challenging hard-won gains. By committing to this funding, the Australian Government is demonstrating strong leadership and reinforcing its position as a champion of SRHR and inclusive development in our region.
Building on past successes
The new program builds on the successes of the ‘COVID-19 Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Surge Response Initiative’ (2021–2024), which delivered vital care to over 4.5 million people across Asia and the Pacific.
This initiative delivered the RESPOND I project, which provided a much-needed opportunity for MSI to develop innovative service delivery models during the pandemic, including home-based care, self-care, and digital health initiatives.
Notably, beyond the movement restrictions of COVID-19, these new models have continued to enhance the sustainability and accessibility of SRHR services to communities across the region.
Examples include the significant expansion and uptake of telemedicine in Cambodia, and door-to-door visits conducted by Female Health Educators in Pakistan, who provided information to women in the comfort of their homes.
Crucially, RESPOND I also strengthened avenues for support and referrals for SGBV survivors. This was essential to addressing the sharp rise in rates of SGBV during the peak of COVID-19, also known as the ‘shadow pandemic’.
MSI’s key achievements under RESPOND I:
– 302 maternal deaths averted
– 870,213 unplanned pregnancies averted
– 285,999 unsafe abortions averted
– 3,731 clients referred for SGBV follow-on support
Adolescents will be a key target group of RESPOND II, ensuring more young people can access sexual and reproductive healthcare without fear of stigma.
Looking ahead
As a component of the newly announced ‘Towards Universal Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the Indo-Pacific’ initiative, RESPOND II will have an even greater focus on the rights of marginalised and high-need groups, including people with disabilities, people living in poverty, and children and young people.
It will also have a strong focus on the creation of an enabling environment for SRHR through policy change, advocacy and evidence generation.
The new funding also complements Australia’s ‘Transformative Agenda for Women, Youth and Adolescents in the Pacific Phase 2’ program, which began in November 2023. Together, these initiatives represent a coordinated approach to improving SRHR, eliminating child marriage, and addressing SGBV throughout the Indo-Pacific.
MSI will continue to work alongside the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), UNICEF, and others to deliver comprehensive SRHR programs. These efforts will include community outreach, digital health services and public sector strengthening.
One notable aspect of this funding is its inclusion of MSI Afghanistan’s essential work in humanitarian crisis. We look forward to sharing more about this work in the coming days.
Strengthening SRHR in an uncertain world
“The announcement of this funding is a timely commitment by the Australian Government to the realisation of SRHR,” says Merewyn Foran, Executive Officer of MSI Asia Pacific.
“In an increasingly unpredictable global political climate, securing SRHR for women, girls and communities is not just a moral imperative but a cornerstone of inclusive development.”
By investing in initiatives like ‘Towards Universal Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights’, Australia is not only safeguarding essential healthcare but also driving progress towards gender equity and sustainable development in our region.
“The announcement of this funding is a timely commitment by the Australian Government to the realisation of SRHR. In an increasingly unpredictable global political climate, securing SRHR for women, girls and communities is not just a moral imperative but a cornerstone of inclusive development.” - Merewyn Foran, MSI Asia Pacific Executive Officer
MSI Asia Pacific is proud to partner with DFAT on this critical initiative and remains committed to supporting women and girls to lead healthier, more empowered lives—no matter where they live.