WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the Human Reproduction Programme Policy and Coordination Meeting – 24 March 2026

Chair, Dr Eren Zink,

Vice-chair Dr Krisna Prasad Paudel,

Our outgoing Chair, Ms Nina Strøm,

Members and observers of the PCC, dear colleagues and friends,

Good morning, and welcome.

In two weeks' time, on the 7^th of April, we will celebrate World Health Day, marking the date in 1948 on which WHO was born.

This year, we have chosen the theme, "Together for health. Stand with science".

It reflects the central role of science in WHO's work and in public health, at a time when established science is sometimes questioned, sidelined or manipulated.

When WHO began our Transformation almost nine years ago, one of the first things we did was to establish a new Science Division, led by our Chief Scientist.

Our goal was - and remains - to make sure that WHO's technical work is grounded in the best available scientific evidence.

One of WHO's most important functions is to convene experts from all over the world to review the evidence and distil it into the norms and standards on which many countries rely.

Your work this week is important in reinforcing the centrality of science in the work of HRP.

Science allows us to act without fear or favour. It keeps us accountable to facts, not pressure; to people, not politics.

We are all aware of how sexual and reproductive health has become heavily politicized globally, including in WHO's own Governing Bodies meetings.

The expanded Mexico City Policy, along with restrictions from other countries, are creating the most serious challenges to sexual and reproductive health we have faced.

Services for family planning, safe abortion, sexual health and more are under threat.

Many of WHO's partnerships are increasingly shaped by shifting political dynamics that influence priorities and decision-making across sectors.

At the same time, reduced investment in humanitarian and social sectors, alongside increased emphasis on militarization and defence, has significant implications for the safety, health, and well-being of women and girls.

A growing focus on fertility outcomes rather than informed choice and individual agency underscores the continuing importance of efforts to protect and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

Let me be clear: WHO does not take sides with countries. We take sides with science.

Through science, innovation, and technology, we advance solutions that are equitable, effective, and grounded in reality.

I thank members and observers of the Policy and Coordination Committee for your dedication to this important work.

Thanks to your leadership and financial support, important gains have been achieved over the past year, despite challenges.

WHO stands together with our HRP cosponsors - UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and the World Bank - in our commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Our shared focus on the evidence that supports the protection of human rights is particularly powerful in WHO's mandate to ensure the health, rights and dignity for all.

When we measure problems and test solutions, we can make change happen.

Evidence shows the essential, life-saving, life-enhancing power of access to contraception, fertility care, maternal care, violence prevention and safe abortion, achieved through strong and resilient health systems that can deliver even in times of crisis.

Through its research and evidence-based guidance, HRP has continued to deliver strong results that have enabled Member States, our sister UN agencies and partners to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights.

In this political climate, now, more than ever, the independence of HRP as a special programme and the scientific robustness of HRP's work is vital and must continue to accelerate progress.

Thank you all once again for your commitment to HRP, to science and to the communities and individuals we serve.

I thank you.