International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD)
Maldives, along with delegations from 178 other states, took part in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) at Cairo in 1994 and a Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (ICPD+5) in The Hague in 1999. The three areas prioritised in these meetings were:
In Maldives, the Government has made considerable progress in achieving ICPD targets. A major achievement is represented by the finalisation of the National Population Policy, which gives better overall policy direction to the areas of population and development, reproductive health and gender equality. Similarly, the coordination of population issues through establishment of the Population Programme Coordination Committee and the Population Programme Coordination Unit at the Ministry of Planning and National Development provide a focal point for population issues.
Nationally, life expectancy at birth has increased to 71 years for both sexes, while the infant mortality rate has decreased to 21 per 1,000 live births. At the same time, total fertility rate has declined significantly to 2.8 (Census 2000). Despite this, the current population of 270,101 is still expected to double in just 36 years.
Table 1 provides data on progress toward achieving ICPD goals. As can be seen, the two ICPD+5 indicators requiring particular attention include contraceptive prevalence rate and maternal mortality. Exact information on the ICPD+5 indicator on HIV/AIDS information and services for young persons is not available. With regard to births attended by trained health personnel, 44% of births are attended by foolhumas, traditional birth attendants with limited midwifery training.
Related Links:
UNFPA Maldives: ICPD Indicators UNFPA Maldives: Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
Page last updated: 25 February 2006
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