Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes have become the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. It is projected to rise by 15% over the next ten years increasing the global burden of disease. Contrary to popular perceptions, it is the low- and middle-income countries that will be most affected, because compared to the developed countries, they will face higher levels of NCDs at earlier stages of economic development, with fewer resources, and with less time to respond effectively. Asia is slated to be the new epicenter for NCDs, especially diabetes due to the sheer number of cases. While, women's sexual and reproductive rights (SRHR) are far from being achieved, noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major challenge, affecting the SRH of women especially the poorest and vulnerable in the developing countries (both low- and middle- income countries). Diabetes – a critical missing link – is increasingly becoming an impediment to the achievement of the sexual and reproductive health related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Asia-Pacific region. While there is ample evidence to show the debilitating effects of diabetes on women's health, especially their sexual and reproductive health, it has received little or no attention within the SRHR circles. For more information on diabetes and women's sexual and reproductive health, click here.

This project is being implemented by ARROW in partnership with the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) with the objective of raising awareness and understanding of the linkages between diabetes and women's sexual and reproductive rights of the SRHR practitioners, advocates, researchers and other key stakeholders in order to integrate diabetes into the sexual and reproductive health agenda. 

The project is being implemented from October 2011 – June 2012.

The project has two key outputs/activities:

• Conduct a satellite session at the 6th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (APCRSHR) on 21 October 2011, and
• Produce and disseminate a publication on the critical linkages between diabetes and sexual and reproductive health in Asia-Pacific Region, by February 2012.  To view the publication, titled 'Diabetes: A Missing Link to Achieving Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Asia-Pacific Region', please click here 

Project Personnel: