Review and appraisal of the World Population Plan of Action [WPPA].

Abstract

This article summarizes the major points covered in the document, "Review and Appraisal of the World Population Plan of Action," with special emphasis on demographic factors pertaining to Asia and the Pacific. This document, which will be a focus for deliberations at the International Conference on Population, includes 6 major chapters: 1) socioeconomic development and population; 2) development of population policies; 3) population trends, prospects, goals, and policies; 4) promotion of knowledge; 5) role of national governments and the international community; and 6) monitoring, review, and appraisal of the World Population Plan of Action. Each chapter synthesizes major trend over the 1974-84 decade and projects possible future trends. The variation in fertility levels within the developing world are now as large as those previously found between developed and developing regions. For example, kfertility declined by 44% in East Asia but only by 14% in South Asia in the 1970-75 to 1980-85 period. Recent increases in contraceptive practice have primarily involved methods employed by women. Despite the relative safety and cost-effectiveness of vasectomy, many more women than men have been voluntarily sterilized. a common feature in most developing countries over the past decade has been rising female labor force participation andequalization of the school enrollment of males and females. Governments are increasingly aware of the link between demographic goals and implementation of population and development programs has been recognized. In general, family planning has become integrated with other development programs. Effective service approaches have included integration of family planning with maternal and child health services, community centered primary health care, community based distribution and marketing of contraceptives, and use of paraprofessional personnel. The rapid increase in the school age population is projected to be among the most important demograhic trends for the remainder of this century, and the aging of the population will have important implications for the current world population structure.