Progress towards the Millennium Development Goals: a long trek for reproductive health

With only six years remaining to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in 2015, issues pertaining to universal access to reproductive health deserve more emphasis as part of current efforts in international health. The maternal health goal is the Millennium Development Goal with the most disappointing progress. Whereas much has been achieved globally for the utilization of family planning services, there are some geographical areas and subpopulations where progress is lacking. Health systems should be strengthened whilst addressing disparities. The rights and gender aspects of reproductive health have been fully documented, but equitable access and economic aspects should be considered in policy formulation and program implementation. Advocacy is needed for key players to leverage support, whereas efforts for accelerating progress should be sustainable in the long term.