Implementing the reproductive health paradigm in Mexico

After the International Conference on Population and Development, held in Cairo in 1994, Mexico took the initiative to implement a Reproductive Health Programme as part of the reform process of the public health sector. Creation of the General Directorate of Reproductive Health and the Inter-institutional Group of Reproductive Health and elaboration of a comprehensive programme were the first actions undertaken. Different actions relating to the main components of the programme family planning, perinatal health and women's health were carried out including interpersonal communication techniques and incorporation of gender perspectives. These actions have been reviewed in this paper. Strategies for the implementation of the programme such as training, production of media materials, "Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital" initiative, epidemiological surveillance systems, and actions aimed at improving quality of services, have been highlighted. Some statistical data on achievements of the programme have been presented as the evolution of prevalence of contraceptive use, total fecundity rate, maternal and perinatal mortality and life expectancy, reflecting that the implementation of the programme has been successful. However, a number of outstanding needs are still outstanding and new demands have emerged.