Council on Foreign Relations Calls for Restoring U.S. Leadership on International Family Planning Programs in Africa

Washington, DC - January 17, 2006

An independent, blue-ribbon task force sponsored by the U.S.-based Council on Foreign Relations recently issued a detailed report calling for a more comprehensive and strategic U.S. approach toward Africa. In the report, the Task Force – comprised of a diverse group of influentials from across the political spectrum – highlights the pivotal role that slowing rapid population growth must play in U.S. policy toward Africa and the subsequent need for increased U.S. involvement in international family planning programs. PAI lauds the timing of the Task Force's prescriptions, given Congress' upcoming discussions on the fiscal year (FY) 2007 budget.

In calling for greater resources for family planning programs, the report cites reasons for this recommendation that mirror many of PAI’s research findings. For example, rapid population growth depletes natural resources and exacerbates hunger in countries prone to food shortages and famine, such as Ethiopia and Niger. Ethiopia and Niger – along with many countries in sub-Saharan Africa – have extremely limited access to modern contraceptives. Average birth rates in both countries are three and four times higher than birth rates in the United States, resulting in some of the highest population growth rates in the world.

The Council on Foreign Relations' report also pays serious attention to the “youth bulge,” a population demographic studied extensively by PAI that associates high proportions of youth ages 15-29 with increased risk of conflict. Noting that by 2015 more than 40 percent of sub-Saharan Africa's population will be less than fifteen years old, the Task Force states that “the social and political impact of the growing youth bulge should garner more attention to population policy, as this bulge presages more conflict, unemployment, and potential recruitment for extremist activity."

Citing the wide-reaching impact of demographic pressures on the continent, the report states that “all the programs the United States supports on food security, employment, empowerment of women, achieving universal primary education, and economic growth may well falter if serious attention is not given once again to population." Since 1995, U.S. funding for international family planning programs and contraceptives has fallen more than $100 million – a 35% reduction when adjusted for inflation.

Among other recommendations, the report calls for “utiliz[ing] the growing investment in health services associated with the fight against HIV/AIDS to strengthen reproductive health programs and to provide them in conjunction with HIV/AIDS and other health services.” PAI urges Congress to heed these well-founded recommendations when preparing the FY 2007 foreign assistance budget.

Population Action International (PAI) works to improve individual well-being and preserve global resources by mobilizing political and financial support for population, family planning and reproductive health policies and programs.