Armenia has faced a number of challenges over the years, including high unemployment, an ageing population and a skewed sex ratio at birth. Contraceptive use and maternal mortality rates have improved over time, while the number of abortions has declined. Since 1999, UNFPA has supported new policies and services to broaden access to quality reproductive health care, particularly for vulnerable groups. It has helped develop the skills of health-care providers and cultivate new capabilities for preventing HIV. Efforts to advance gender equality incorporate data collection and analysis and aim to help reduce gender-based violence.