Driving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services: a project management perspective

Introduction and Literature Review
Underpinning the drive towards sustainable African economic development lie important initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). However, the “messy, complex, wicked, multi-stakeholder and uncertainty prone” (George et al., 2024) SDGs have presented a significant challenge to traditional project management which is often based on making deliberate planned steps into a relatively known future (as reflected in the “iron triangle” governing most projects and which focuses on cost, time and scope implementation). This has encouraged the setting of relatively narrow targets which define “success” and “impact”. This study suggests that the recent publication of the GPM® P5™ Standard for Sustainability in Project Management (GPM Global, 2025) represents an opportunity to review data related to existing sexual and reproductive health projects whilst also suggesting ways in which “sustainability” within a broader context can be mapped within the same initiatives. Thus, in addition to specific sector related outputs and outcomes, projects could also encompass contributions towards, for example, climate change, ethical behaviour and social responsibility. This suggests implications for the engagement of appropriate project frameworks for a range of initiatives.

Methodology
The study engages with literature review insights from sexual and reproductive health projects from anglophone Africa. The engagement of GPM® P5™ suggests ways in which a broader sustainability agenda could be addressed within them.

Findings
Sexual and reproductive health projects have, traditionally, focused on the delivery of products and services (eg condoms, STI and HIV testing and treatment) which support efforts related to family planning/child spacing. Issues relating to sustainability have tended to focus on product/service uptake as well as the extent to which projects have been integrated into national health systems. Rarely – if at all - have sexual and reproductive health projects considered broader aspects of sustainability. This study suggests that within such sectorally specific projects, sustainability might usefully be mapped as part of a broader contribution to SDGs.

Implications
The implications for project management within the context of SDGs are important as they suggest a mandate slightly broader than the traditional focus on relatively narrowly defined sectorally-specific targets. The use of GPM®P5™ suggests a practical way in which this can be delivered. Suggestions are made with regards to sectors other than sexual and reproductive health.

Originality
The recent publication of the GPM® P5™ presents a unique opportunity to support the evolution of sexual and reproductive health projects in Africa in the first instance. The study suggests that the consideration of the broader mandate of “sustainability” will help to ensure that all aspects of project performance are captured, not only within the context of sexual and reproductive health, but across other projects throughout Africa in the first instance.