The world’s population is set to hit seven billion this month with implications for the health and rights of individuals everywhere, international experts on reproductive health have disclosed.

"A world of seven billion people is a distinctive moment in history. It represents an achievement, as well as an unprecedented challenge for the future of the planet and its inhabitants. It also presents a rare opportunity for a call-to-action to renew global commitment for a healthy and sustainable world,” said Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of  the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Towards this end, an International Conference on Family Planning would convene nearly 2,000 policymakers, scientists, and advocates in Dakar, Senegal, from November 29 to December 2.

Worldwide, 215 million women have an unmet need for family planning – a number that is sure to rise unless unprecedented action is taken.

According to the organisers, the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) would draw on renewed political support and funding for family planning – as well as the latest in contraception research – to galvanise action and results.

Amy Tsui, Director of The Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a conference organiser said: “It’s clear that now is the time to turn the world’s focus to family planning.”

The vice-presidents of Ghana and Malawi will give keynote speeches and Melinda Gates will open the conference with a video address. Plenaries and special sessions will feature DFID Under-Secretary Stephen O'Brien and the First Ladies of Senegal, Burkina Faso; Côte d'Ivoire and Mozambique, as well as health and finance ministers from across Africa.

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