Evidence- and rights-based national policies, guidelines and legislation play a key role in improving sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH), framing the enabling environment for equitable provision and accessibility of quality services. The SRMNCAH policy survey monitors the existence of national SRMNCAH laws, policies, strategies and guidelines and the extent to which they are aligned with WHO recommendations on SRMNCAH. This publication reports on the findings from the 2023 WHO SRMNCAH policy survey.

In the 2023 survey, which was completed by SRMNCAH focal points in each country’s ministry of health with support from WHO country offices and other national stakeholders, respondents completed modules on: (i) cross-cutting issues related to SRMNCAH; (ii) maternal and newborn health; (iii) child health; (iv) adolescent health; (v) sexual and reproductive health; and (vi) violence against women. The questionnaire was completed through a web-based platform that allows countries to submit national source documents (e.g., laws, policies, strategic plans, and guidelines) that were used to respond the survey. These documents are available through a searchable repository.

An online data visualization tool for the 2023 SRMNCAH policy survey can be accessed here.