Jordan Launches 1st Periodic Report on National Population Strategy Progress

Amman - The Higher Population Council, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), launched the first periodic report to monitor the performance indicators of the National Population Strategy (2021-2023). The report was unveiled during a meeting of the strategy’s steering and technical committee.اضافة اعلان

The council emphasized the importance of integrating demographic dimensions into the development process to balance population growth with available resources and achieve sustainable development goals. This approach, it noted, guided the preparation and government approval of the National Population Strategy.

The strategy focuses on understanding how demographic shifts impact economic and social development outcomes.

The report aims to track progress on the strategy's performance indicators, evaluate achievements against objectives, and measure success or failure in meeting targeted indicator values across four axes: economic and social development, social protection, women and youth, health and reproductive health, and migration, asylum, and crises.

Issa Masarweh, Secretary-General of the Council, stressed the ongoing importance of monitoring progress, noting it reflects collective efforts across sectors and supports overcoming obstacles, correcting paths, and achieving the strategy’s vision.

Ali Gharabli, a health policy expert at UNFPA Jordan, highlighted improvements in health indicators such as reduced under-5 mortality rates and increased life expectancy. However, challenges persist, including low demand for family planning and high cesarean birth rates, necessitating strategic interventions for health awareness and service accessibility.

Ataf Hadid, Director of the Programs Unit at the Council, discussed key findings and challenges within the economic and social axes, while Badiaa Qabilat, Advocacy Coordinator, addressed issues related to women and youth. Joanna Samawi, Reproductive Health and Gender Program Coordinator, presented insights into health and reproductive health challenges.

The meeting concluded with discussions among participants on the report’s findings and recommendations, agreeing on next steps for 2025. Representatives from various ministries, public institutions, and organizations attended.