A/RES/S-21/2 Page 16 subject of government development strategies, should not be imposed on family planning providers in the form of targets or quotas for the recruitment of clients. 59. Governments, with the increased participation of the United Nations system, civil society, donors and the private sector, are urged to pursue the research and development of new, safe, low-cost and effective familyplanning and contraceptive methods, for both men and women, including female-controlled methods that both protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and prevent unwanted pregnancy. All actors must abide by internationally accepted ethical, technical and safety standards in all research and development as well as, where appropriate, by applicable standards in manufacturing practices, quality control and product design, production and distribution. 60. The international community and the private sector should also take the necessary measures, particularly in the transfer of technology, as appropriate, to enable countries, in particular developing countries, to produce, store and distribute safe and effective contraceptives and other supplies essential for reproductive health services in order to strengthen the self-reliance of those countries. 61. The United Nations Population Fund is urged to continue to strengthen its leadership role within the United Nations system in assisting countries to take the strategic action necessary to ensure availability of reproductive health services and choice of reproductive health products, including contraceptives. C. Reducing maternal mortality and morbidity 62. Governments, with the increased participation of the United Nations system, civil society, including non-governmental organizations, donors and the international community, should: (a) Recognize the linkages between high levels of maternal mortality and poverty and promote the reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity as a public health priority and reproductive rights concern; (b) Ensure that the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality is a health sector priority and that women have ready access to essential obstetric care, well-equipped and adequately staffed maternal health-care services, skilled attendance at delivery, emergency obstetric care, effective referral and transport to higher levels of care when necessary, post-partum care and family planning. In health sector reform, the reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity should be prominent and used as an indicator for the success of such reform; (c) Support public health education to create awareness of the risks of pregnancy, labour and delivery and to increase the understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities of family members, including men, as well as of civil society and Governments, in promoting and protecting maternal health; (d) Develop appropriate interventions, beginning at birth, to improve the nutritional, health and educational status of girls and young women, so that they are better able to make informed choices at maturity about childbearing and obtain access to health information and services; (e) Implement programmes to address the negative impact of environmental degradation, in some regions, on the high levels of maternal mortality and morbidity. /...