Population and the World Bank: Adapting to Change

Revised edition. The global demographic situation has changed dramatically since the World Bank started population work three decades ago. Much progress has been made in the area. As a result of effective investments in education, health, and family planning, more couples want smaller families and have safe and effective means of regulating fertility. Women and children have a better chance of surviving pregnancy and childbirth and living healthier, more productive lives. Despite this progress, many challenges remain. The World Bank's Health, Nutrition, and Population Sector Strategy maps in broad terms the Bank's responses to these challenges. This title expands on several topics that were not treated in detail in the HNP strategy paper. Its key messages focus on how the Bank can increase its effectiveness in population and reproductive health by: linking population to poverty reduction and human development; adapting to diversity and change; being sensitive to a country contexts; and strengthening skills and partnerships. This title will be of interest to the Bank staff and the countries and partners with whom the Bank works.