Addressing Population in Poverty Reduction Strategies
Poverty reduction strategies form the basis of World Bank and International Monetary Fund assistance in the poorest developing countries. The detailed guidelines, "poverty reduction strategy papers," are prepared in the host country and influence the investments made in most sectors of development. But because family planning is receiving less attention and dedicated funding since the advent of PRSPs, those who support continued investments in family planning need to understand PRSPs and stay engaged in order to ensure that funding for family planning is sustained. (November 2007)

Family Planning and Economic Well-Being: New Evidence From Bangladesh
Family planning is one of the most cost-effective health interventions in the developing world. For decades, research has shown that for a relatively modest investment, family planning saves lives and improves maternal and child health. However, there have been relatively few studies that shed light on how family planning also lifts families out of poverty. Now, a new study on Bangladesh provides evidence that long-term investment in an integrated family planning and maternal and child health program contributes to improved economic security for families, households, and communities through larger incomes, greater accumulation of wealth, and higher levels of education. (June 2009)

Improving the Health of the World's Poorest People Policy Brief (PDF: 106KB)

 This policy brief, based on a longer report by the Population Reference Bureau, "Improving the Health of the World's Poorest People," highlights the extent of the rich-poor health divide, the factors that play a role in health disparities, and approaches for improving the health of the poor. (April 2004)