Why was it created

The European Union as well as the UNPFA and various other actors within the RHIYA's predecessor, the RHI confirmed that an encouraging start had been made in meeting the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people in the target countries.

Evaluation missions and review by both the European Commission and the UNFPA determined, that all seven countries were making progress towards meeting the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) goals. At the same time, both partners concluded, that in order to achieve more sustainable results and to gain maximum impact, a new phase was needed.

Both the RHIYA and the RHIY set a precedent in terms of international population assistance, demonstrating mutual commitment, by the European Union and the UNFPA to the goals and principles of the ICPD.