[WHO Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). A summary]

The world population is still increasing dramatically. This rapid growth takes place mainly in developing countries and represents a considerable obstacle to the improvement of the economic and social conditions in these countries. A higher acceptance of various fertility-regulating methods is one important factor in the reduction of the population growth. An increasing acceptance cannot be realised without the general availability of safe and effective methods for all users while considering and respecting the multiple different cultural backgrounds. The WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), a programme of an international organisation with high esteem particularly in developing countries, contributes considerably to this field, therefore should be supported more widely.