UNFPA in the News
The excerpts below are from media stories. UNFPA is not responsible for the accuracy or content of independent media reports displayed for reference purposes only. The Fund does not necessarily endorse or approve of the views expressed.
15Jun/13Off

DENMARK: Fighting FGM/C

Jyllandsposten on 15 June published an opinion piece, co-written by the Minister for Development Cooperation Christian Friis Bach; Chief of the UNFPA Nordic Office Pernille Fenger and UNICEF Denmark National Committee’s Steen Andersen on the issue of female genital mutilation/cutting in relation to the Day of the African Child.

12Jun/13Off

DENMARK: The Challenges of FGM/C

Afrikablog on 12 June published a longer article about the challenge of FGM/C, including an interview with the Chief of the UNFPA Nordic Office, Pernille Fenger about UNFPA’s efforts and hope to end FGM/C within a generation. Read in Danish: afrikablog.dk

1Jun/13Off

DENMARK: Providing Maternal Health for Refugees

In their June edition, Global Vol. 3 2013, the journal of the UNA Denmark published a 2-page article about UNFPA’s work to ensure maternal health in the Zaatri refugee camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan, by Chief of Nordic Office Pernille Fenger. Read in Danish: Global UNA Denmark journal (page 6-7)

1Jun/13Off

DENMARK: Advocacy and Information Can End FGM/C

Tidsskrift for Jordemødre, the journal of the Danish Association of Midwives, in their June edition, published a 3-page article by Pernille Fenger from the UNFPA Nordic Office about FGM/C and how advocacy and information about the adverse consequences of FGM/C can contribute to ending it. Read in Danish (page 32-34): Tidsskrift for Jordemødre

30May/13Off

DENMARK: UNFPA Patron Participates in Women Deliver

Multiple media outlets on 30 May covered UNFPA patron, the Crown Princess Mary of Denmark’s participation in the Women Deliver Conference, including a visit to a UNFPA partner organization in Malaysia. Pictures from the conference show ED Babatunde Osotimehin together with the Crown Princess. Read in Danish: ulandsnyt.dk, the webpage of the Danish embassy in Malaysia, the foreign ministry’s webpage View pictures at Berlingske

28May/13Off

DENMARK: UNFPA Office Chief Featured in TV Programme

TV2 on 28 May ran an 8-minute programme about FGM/C featuring Pernille Fenger Chief of the UNFPA Nordic Office. The item covered UNICEF Denmark and UNFPA Nordic Office’s campaign against FGM/C, the results obtained so far through the joint programme in 15 African countries and an interview with Pernille Fenger and Aissatou Barry, victim of FGM/C.

27May/13Off

DENMARK: Joint Programme to Fight FGM/C

On 27 May national TV-station DR2 morning news and national radio station P1 had in-depth coverage of UNFPA’s and UNICEF’s new campaign in Denmark. Secretary General of UNICEF National Committee was interviewed about the UNFPA-UNICEF activities – and the Danish Director of the Midwifery Association commented on the health challenges of FGM/C. See the TV and radio coverage in Danish: DR2 (See 18 minutes in to the show) and P1 (see 10 minutes in to the program)

23May/13Off

DENMARK: Two Initiatives Launched to Increase Access to Family Planning

Ulandsnyt on 23 May covered a story about UNFPA’s launch of two new initiatives that will increase access to family planning and improve maternal health in some of the most hard to reach areas around the world, including post-conflict and post-disaster countries. The two initiatives were launched at the Women Deliver Conference in Malaysia. Read more at u-landsnyt.dk

19May/13Off

DENMARK: UNFPA and UNICEF Joint Hands to Fight FGM/C

Berlingske, Politiken, DR, TV2 and several other national media  on 19 May reported on UNFPA’s and UNICEF’s joint campaign against FGM/C. The articles were based on UNFPA’s and UNICEF’s press release and quoted Pernille Fenger, Chief of UNFPA Nordic Office, saying that the hope is to abandon the tradition of FGM/C within a generation. With the press release the two UN agencies launched a common campaign in Denmark, to raise awareness about female genital mutilation/cutting and to raise funds for UNICEF and UNFPA activities to end FGM/C.

Read in Danish: Berlingske Kristeligt Politiken Information Jyllands-Posten DR BT TV2 Nyheder

18May/13Off

DENMARK: Crown Princess Works for Maternal Health

U-landsnyt on 18 May published an article on Major General and Chamberlain Soren Haslund-Christensen turning 80 years. The article also mentionied Crown Princess Mary´s work for maternal health issues, as member of the ICPD high level panel and that she is the Patron of the UNFPA. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt

13May/13Off

DENMARK: Spreading the Word About Maternal Health and Teen Pregnancy

U-landsnyt on 13 May  and the web page of the University of Copenhagen wrote about the joint UNFPA, DANIDA and the University of Copenhagen Mother's Day to-go cup–campaign. More than 23,000 yellow to-go coffee cups with messages about maternal health and teenage pregnancies were distributed on DSB trains (Danish public railway) across the country to draw attention to the unfinished business of reducing maternal deaths, especially amongst young mothers. Read in Danish and English: U-landsnyt, University of Copenhagen and UN.DK

6May/13Off

DENMARK: Situation for Iraqi Females Deteriorating

U-landsnyt on 6 May published an article on women’s rights and gender equality in Iraq, highlighting that the situation for Iraqi women is deteriorating. The article refers to a survey by the government and the UNFPA, showing that domestic violence, honour killings, FGM and human trafficking threaten many Iraqi women and girls. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt

29Apr/13Off

DENMARK: Funding Needed for N. Korea

U-landsnyt on 29 April published an article on the need for humanitarian aid in North Korea, highlighting that five major UN organizations (WFP, UNICEF, WHO, FAO and UNFPA) still lack 3/4 of what they appealed in 2013 to support North Korea. The funding is urgent for their work to meet the most critical and life-saving needs of the people of North Korea. Read in English: U-landsnyt

24Apr/13Off

DENMARK: Planning Cooperation with UN Organizations

U-landsnyt on 24 April published an interview with the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Christian Friis Bach about his visit to New York to discuss Danish cooperation with the major UN organizations. The Minister plans to allow for larger core contributions for UN organizations in return for more influence on their overall strategies. UNFPA is mentioned as one of the four UN agencies which is positive to Denmark’s plan. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt

21Apr/13Off

DENMARK: UNFPA DED Interviewed

U-landsnyt on 21 April published an interview with Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen during her visit to Copenhagen where she took part in the international donor meeting on the "Global Programme to Enhance Reproductive Health Commodity Security." The interview focused on Danish leadership style in a global organization such as UNFPA - and on UNFPA’s adaptation to a changing world. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt

20Mar/13Off

DENMARK: UNFPA DED Interviewed

Berlingske on 20 March published an interview of UNFPA's Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen on her management role in the UN. She discussed her views on leadership, management and  reform initiatives within UNFPA.

15Mar/13Off

DENMARK: Population Dynamics Discussed

P1 Orientering on 15 March reported that Kirsten Larsen  interviewed, UNFPA's Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen. The focus of the interview was on population dynamics and trends in Africa and Europe. Listen in Danish: P1 Orientering

22Feb/13Off

DENMARK: Lubricants Hard to Find in Developing Countries

U-landsnyt on 22 February published an article on the poor availability of lubricants in developing countries, even though it has been shown to lower HIV transmission by decreasing the risk of condom breakage. The lack of lubricants leads people to use alternative, sometimes harmful, substances during intercourse.

Acknowledging the importance of using personal lubricants with condoms, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) decided in 2012 to include water-based lubricants in the procurement list of commodities available to governmental and non-governmental clients in low and middle-income countries. However, demand remains low explains, Bidia Deperthes, a senior HIV adviser with UNFPA’s Comprehensive Condom Programming division. UNFPA spent more than 18 percent of its 2011 budget on male condoms, but less than 0.5 percent on personal lubricants, the article highlights. Read in English: U-landsnyt

8Feb/13Off

DENMARK: HRH Crown Princess Mary Visits Mozambique

The local TV station DR launched a video on 8 February, covering UNFPA Patron HRH Crown Princess Mary’s visit with UNFPA to Mozambique and her general engagement as an advocate of maternal health. The video was produced for Danmarks indsamlingen 2013, a popular national fundraising event that was broadcast countrywide. Watch the video in Danish: Kongehuset Read in Danish: Billedbladet Information Avisen Kongehuset

6Feb/13Off

DENMARK: Fewer Girls Being Subjected to FGM/C

U-landsnyt and several other media reported on 6 February on the new numbers released by UNFPA and UNICEF, showing that fewer girls are being subjected to FGM/C. The news was released on the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM/C. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt, Kristelig Dagbland, Jyllands-Posten, Information, TV2

4Feb/13Off

EUROPEAN UNION: Foreign RH Aid Sparks Debate

Euractiv.com on 4 February reported that according to health advocates, conservatives who oppose using EU development aid to finance family planning have succeeding in reducing support for reproductive health services in poorer nations. The EU’s role in supporting reproductive health and birth control and financing the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) escalated a decade ago when George W. Bush set out to revamp American aid priorities, shifting money away from ideologically divisive reproductive and women’s health programmes to the more popular fight against malaria and AIDS. Read in English: Euractiv.com

31Jan/13Off

DENMARK: Maternal Health in Ethiopia

U-landsnyt on 31 January published an article about women’s complications and long-term disabilities during and after pregnancy and childbirth in Ethiopia, based on UNFPA estimates and facts. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt

4Jan/13Off

DENMARK: UNFPA Patron Visiting Mozambique

The Magazine Elle in their January edition published a 7-page article about UNFPA patron HRH Crown Princess Mary’s visit with UNFPA to Mozambique and her general engagement as an advocate of maternal health. Particularly, the article focuses on young people and women in Mozambique and the challenges and solutions of ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health for these vulnerable groups. Read a teaser in Danish: Elle

4Jan/13Off

DENMARK: Unsafe Sex – The Largest Health Threat in Mozambique

Danish Journal of Nursing on 4 January published a 5-page background article on sexual and reproductive health challenges, such as maternal health, fistula, STI and HIV/AIDS, family planning needs and teenage pregnancies, in Mozambique. In addition, solutions and successful programmes were described, such as the work of UNFPA partner organizations AMODEFA, Associaçấo Coalizấo da Juventude Mozambiçana and the fistula patient ward in the central hospital in Beira. Read in Danish: Danish Journal of Nursing

3Jan/13Off

DENMARK: Young People and Sexual and Reproductive Health in Mozambique

Vi Unge Youth Magazine on 3 January published a personal interview with UNFPA youth advocate Neusias Manuel from Mozambique on her story and life as a teenage mother.

27Nov/12Off

DENMARK: Fighting for the Right to a Safe Birth

Information on 27 November published a joint op-ed by Chief of the UNFPA Nordic Office Pernille Fenger and Executive Director of UNICEF Denmark Steen M. Andersen, following the broadcast of the “Why Poverty?” documentary entitled “Welcome to the World.” The op-ed states that every woman has the right to have a safe birth, regardless of where in the world she lives. Read: Information

22Nov/12Off

DENMARK: Interview with Crown Princess Mary

Billedbladet published on 22 November an interview with Crown Princess Mary of Denmark regarding her visit to Mozambique in her capacity as UNFPA patron. The Crown Princess states that she will return even more motivated and dedicated to advocate for women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, which will support her in her capacity as member of the High Level Task Force.

13Nov/12Off

DENMARK: H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark Visits Mozambique

Numerous Danish newspapers and TV channels reported on H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary’s visit to Mozambique from 9-13 November. In her capacity as patron of the UNFPA, the Crown Princess visited Mozambique to put focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights challenges and the work of UNFPA. She travelled together with Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin and the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, Christian Friis Bach. The visit brought extensive media coverage from both local and national media in Denmark. Read and see more in Danish: Billedbladet Program, Billedbladet day 1, Billedbladet day 2, Billedbladet day 3, Billedbladet day 4, Billedbladet day 5, Vi unge, Berlingske, U-landsnyt, TV2, BT day 1BT day 2-3, BT day 4, BT day 5, BT FilmSjællandske Nyheder, Sjællandske Nyheder, Sjællandske Nyheder, Sjællandske Nyheder, MetroXpress, Bornholms Tidende, JV, Kongehuset and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

12Nov/12Off

GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2012 REPORT

AUSTRALIA: ABC Radio Australia on 15 November featured an interview with William Ryan, UNFPA's regional communications adviser for Asia and the Pacific, to discuss the 2012 UNFPA report entitled, "By Choice, Not By Chance." Read and listen in English: ABC Radio Australia

BELARUS: Multiple media outlets from 13-15 November reported on the release of the State of the World Population report. UNFPA experts have concluded that women who use contraceptives, tend to have better health, better education and better-paid career. As stated by UNFPA, the availability of contraceptives should not be a privilege, but a right for any person. Read in Russian: Belfamily, Femina.by, rosbalt.ru

BRAZIL: O Globo and G1 published on 14 November that Brazil ranked 79 among 188 countries and territories in terms of maternal mortality rate, remaining among the countries with the highest rate of women dying during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, according to UNFPA’s State of the World Population 2012 report. With 56 women dying for every 100,000 live births - in last year's report, this rate was 58 - Brazil is behind nations like China, with a rate of 37; Iran, 21; and Turkey, 20. A special envoy was sent to Quito, Ecuador, to cover the launching of the report, which addressed family planning this year. In terms of adolescent pregnancy, the Brazilian situation (79 births per thousand women aged 15 to 19 years) is slightly better than the average for Latin America and the Caribbean: 71 births every thousand. The UNFPA report warned that 222 million women in developing countries have no access to contraception methods such as the pill. UNFPA also estimates that 80 million women have been victims of unwanted pregnancy through the end of 2012. Read in Portuguese: O Globo/G1, Agencia BrasilTerra Portal, R7 Portal, BBC Brasil

CAMBODIA: The Phnom Penh Post reported on 19 November that,according to a UN report, additional investments in family planning yield economic benefits and would save developing countries more than US$ 11 billion annually. Better access to family planning in developing countries would reduce costs for maternal and newborn health care. “This applies also to Cambodia,” UNFPA Representative Marc Derveeuw said. “The clear economic gains from investment in reproductive health including family planning benefits the country economy as a whole through the reductions in healthcare-related costs incurred by maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and mortality." Read in English: The Phnom Penh Post

CANADA: The Globe and Mail on 15 November reported on the release of the State of the World Population report. The report, “calling on developed countries to invest massively in family planning is raising questions about Canada's international aid priorities as its landmark Muskoka Initiative on maternal and child health enters its third year…despite a $1.1-billion commitment to maternal and child health over five years, Canada's aid agency does not place a significant emphasis on family planning.”

COSTA RICA: Several media outlets reported from 14 to 19 November, on the launch of the State of the World Population 2012. The report draws attention to an issue that has been neglected because almost no one would question that the right to family planning is a human right and that everyone has the right to exercise it. However, about 222 million women who are of reproductive age in the world, have an unmet need for family planning, this means about one of four women are not having access to contraception,” said Oscar Valverde, UNFPA’s Reproductive Health Officer. Listen in Spanish: Nuestra Voz, Radio Monumental, Radio ADN, Noticias Radio Nacional, Noticias Radio Nacional, Watch in Spanish: Canal 11, Canal 42 T.V, Telenoticias, Canal 7, RTN Noticias, Canal 13, Read in Spanish: La Nación, La Prensa Libre, Al Día, La Nación, Aldea Global, , La Nación, Sección Internacionales.

DENMARK: Politiken reported on 14 November that USD 5.7 billion could be saved by increasing access to family planning according to UNFPA’s SWOP report. Read in Danish: Politiken

Politiken featured an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director on 19 November, in which the Executive Director states that providing women in developing countries access to family planning is not only a basic human right, but also an effective investment in economic growth and development.

Kristeligt Dagblad published an article on 16 November stressing that access to contraceptives is a human right. The newspaper further quotes a philosopher arguing that this statement might be considered as controversial. Read in Danish: Kristeligt Dagblad

Kristlig Dagblad published a comprehensive interview with UNFPA Executive Director on 21 November, highlighting that it is a human right for women to decide how many children they want. Read in Danish: Kristeligt Dagblad

Berlingske published an article on 17 November under the headline: There is a need for USD 4.6 billion to provide access to condoms. The article further mentions that there are 222 million women in developing countries who lack access to family planning. Read in Danish: Berlingske

U-landsnyt featured an article quoting UNFPA Executive Director saying that “there is indisputable evidence that when family planning is integrated into broader economic and social development initiatives, it can have a positive multiplier effect on human development and the well-being of entire nations”. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt

FINLAND: Helsingin Sanomat published on 15 November an article regarding the State of the World Population launch in Helsinki.

GERMANY: aerzteblatt on 14 November ad derwesten on 13 November reported that more than 220 million women in developing countries have no means of family planning, due to poverty, social pressures and persistent discrimination. Of the 80 million women with unwanted pregnancies, 80,000 of them die as a result of pregnancy, as it showed in the SWOP report by the UN Population Fund. “Family planning is a human right and one of the most effective and cost-effective measures to reduce poverty," said Werner Haug, the regional director of UNFPA EECA. Read in German: aerzteblatt and derwesten

GHANA: Ghana Web and the Government of Ghana reported on 15 November on the launch of UNFPA's State of World Population Report 2012. Read in English: Ghana Web and Government of Ghana

GUATEMALA: Prensa  Libre, Reportaje de, Publinews, La Hora and CERIGUA on 15 November reported that family planning is a women’s right that leads others such as access to health, education and development. According to the UNFPA's State of the World Population, women with fewer resources and greater poverty are those with more children, which limits their progress. The publication also indicates that 42% of Guatemalan woman do not use contraception. Access to contraception is a universal human right which could significantly improve the lives of women and children in poor countries. Read in Spanish: Prensa Libre, La Hora, CERIGUA, Reportaje de

GUYANA: Stabroek on 15 November reported on the release of the 2012 State of the World Population report which found that, "81% of young Guyanese men are likelier to engage in such behaviour [risky], compared with 40% of young Guyanese females from the same age group." Such practices have been linked to high cases of unwanted pregnancies, infections and sexually-transmitted diseases. Read in English: Stabroek

JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets in between 15 and 16 November reported on the launch of the State of the World Population report, which took place on 14 November. Read in English: Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Gleaner

KYRGYZSTAN: KTRK, CA-news, Akipress,  24 KG, Namba,  For KG reported on 14 November, that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in the Kyrgyz Republic launched this year’s State of World Population Report with the theme focused on access to family planning, human rights and development. The press conference took place at the Family Planning Center “Marriage and Family” under the National Mother and Child Health Center. Speakers were Mr. Kaliev M., Deputy Minister of Health, Mr. Avanessov A., UN Resident Coordinator, UNFPA Representative in the Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Omurzakov M., UNFPA Assistant Representative and Mr. Uzakbaev. K., Director of the National Mother and Child Health Center.

“Access to modern contraception is a fundamental human right” the UN Resident Coordinator, and UNDP Resident Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Alexander Avanessov said. “Hand-in-hand with this right is a need to provide individuals and couples a range of family planning options that would give them the freedom to make their own personal choice.” Dr. Meder Omurzakov, Assistant Representative of UNFPA Kyrgyzstan, concluded that, “This year’s State of World Population report and today’s event is about listening to couples and individuals, about meeting their aspirations, and giving them the power to create a better life for themselves and their families.” Read in Russian:  24KG, 24KG, KTRK , Namba, CA-News, For KG, CA-News, Newsfiber, centrasia.ru

LEBANON: Several media outlets reported on 15 November on the launch of UNFPA’s SWOP 2012 message, notably that access to family planning is a human right. The articles focus on the themes of the report and provided statistics on the global use of contraceptives. They also quoted the UNFPA Executive Director on the need to invest in family planning to promote economic development. Read in Arabic: Bayynat. Read in English: Naharnet

Several media outlets reported on November 15 on the launch of SWOP 2012. UNFPA ASRO and the League of Arab States, in Beirut, organized the high-level event jointly. The launch marked the opening of the 14th Meeting of Heads of Population Councils for Population Affairs in Arab States. The launch was held under the patronage and in the presence of the Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs and attended by high-level government representatives, international organizations, CSO, academia and media. Read in Arabic: PSP, Sidonia News 1, Sidonia News 2, Lebanon 24, Lebanon Debate, Now Lebanon, National News Agency.

MEXICO: Multiple media outlets reported on 15 November on the Mexican launch of UNFPA's State of the World Population report. UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios noted that while Mexico has reduced its demographic growth from 3.6 per year, in the 1970's, to 1.1 per year at present, gaps in health access still exist and lead to hospitalization derived from abortion, maternal deaths and unwanted pregnancies. It is estimated that 800,000 abortions are registered each year and in the last 10 years, two million hospitalizations were registered for the same cause. In addition, he highlighted the lack of attention currently given to indigenous and rural populations and youth. Latin America is has the second highest rate of pregnancies among adolescents. At the launch, UNFPA Representative Palacios stressed that while, advances have been made in demographic growth and fertility reduction, family planning is a human right that needs to be assumed as a priority for the public agenda of the country. Read in Spanish: La Jornada, El Economista, Reforma, Reforma, El Diario, ReformaCIMAC, Milenio, Noticias, MVS, Azteca, Nocitias MVS, Once TV, El Sol de Mexico, CIMAC

CIMAC on 16 November reported that UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios mentioned that the next government administration, chaired by Enrique Peña Nieto from the Revolutionary Institutional Party, should consider updating Mexico’s population policy to be able to take advantage of the “the demographic bonus” and prioritize investment in reproductive and sexual health for adolescents, in addition to education and employment opportunities.

MOLDOVA: Info-Prim Neo wrote on 14 November about the launch of the State of World Population 2012 report. UNFPA Country Director for Moldova and Albania, Mr. Ian McFarlane, was quoted in the news, saying that “men’s involvement in family planning as partners in the relation and in life, the ensuring of greater access to information on reproductive health commodities and equal access to services of a high quality are simple actions that can bring extraordinary results. We underline our commitment to work together with the government and our partners so as to promote family planning in the development strategies and ensure the country’s sustainable development.” Read in Romanian and English: Info-Prim Neo.

The launch of the State of World Population 2012 report was discussed on 16 November, at Radio Moldova, program “Pro şi Contra”, where the guests discussed reproductive health and family planning issues. Mr. Boris Gilca, UNFPA Programme Coordinator raised the importance of trainings and family planning services for individuals and couples, budgeting resources from the Ministry of Health for contraceptives and access to life skills based education. Watch in Romanian Privesc.eu.

Ziarul de gardă on 15 November published a material “Boris Galca: fiecare sarcină, să fie dorită” (Boris Gilca: each pregnancy should be wanted), where they wrote about the launch of the State of World Population 2012 report. UNFPA Country Director for Moldova and Albania, Mr. Ian McFarlane, is quoted saying: “We underline our commitment to work together with the government and our partners so as to promote family planning in the development strategies and ensure the country’s sustainable development”.

MYANMAR: The New Light of Myanmar on 18 November reported on the launch of the State of the World Population report launch. UNFPA Representative Mr. Abdel-Ahad is quoted saying, "Nearly one quarter of Myanmar women of reproductive age have expressed desire to practice birth spacing but do not have access to contraceptives."

PARAGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 14 November that the right of adolescents and young people to have access to family planning services is addressed in the UNFPA's State of the World Population 2012. In Paraguay in recent years there has been an increase in contraceptive use in the sexually active adolescent population. According to the National Demographic and Reproductive Health 2008 (ENDSSR 2008), less than 60% of women who had their first sexual experience during marriage or first union have used a contraceptive.  The percentage varies according to the area of ​​residence. Read in spanish:  La Nación , Última Hora , ABC Color, Neike , Radio 970

Multiple media outlets reported on 14 November that it is estimated that in developing countries there are 222 million women who lack access to reliable and quality services for family planning, according to The State of World Population 2012, released today by the UNFPA. Read in spanish:  Diario La Nación Digital , ABC Color , Diario Fedecámaras , Radio Viva , SC Noticias , IP Paraguay

Radio Ñanduti reported on 15 November that, according to The State of World Population 2012, released on 14 November by UNFPA, lack of access to contraceptives and family planning services are some of the reasons why there are still millions of people who do not exercise their rights to family planning. This applies especially to women living in poverty, who are most vulnerable to discrimination and inequality. Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti

ABC Colour reported on 16 November that through various stories, The State of World Population 2012 UNFPA, released worldwide on 14 November, shows that when a woman is able to exercise her reproductive rights, she is more likely to exercise her other rights, such as education. As a result, there is more income, better health for women and their children. Read in Spanish: ABC Color digital

SOUTH AFRICA: Business Day on 14 November and Media 24 on 20 November reported on the South African launch of UNFPA's State of the World Population report.

SWAZILAND: The Swazi Observer reported on 15 November that, globally, out of the 80 million unintended pregnancies projected to have occurred in 2012, an estimated 40 million will likely end in abortion. The newspaper was reporting on the UNFPA's State of the World Population Report 2012, which was launched in Swaziland on the 14 November, by the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Prince Hlangusemphi.

SWEDEN: Sveriges Radio, aired an interview with UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Ms. Kate Gilmore on 16 November. In the interview, Ms. Gilmore suggests that it makes good business sense to have family planning as a key priority in troubling economic times.

Bloggen om utvecklingspolitik from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, reported on 20 November from the launch stating that many women still lack access to family planning. Read in Swedish: Sveriges Radio and Bloggen om utvecklingspolitik

TIMOR-LESTE: Suara Timor Lorosae reported on 16 November on the launch of the State of the World Population report in Dili. UNFPA Representative Pornchai Suchitta is quoted saying, “UNFPA supports voluntary family planning or birth spacing so individuals and couples can decide when and how often to have children. When women are able to exercise their right to family planning, they are healthier, more economically productive, and are better equipped to rise out of poverty."

Timor Post on 17 November reported that, "The population, especially young, Timorese people should plan their family before they are married and be responsible based on UNFPA data which shows that the population in the world increased quickly in 2012. According to the UNFPA data, one in four sexually active women aged 15 to 49— 222 million women in total—have an unmet need for family planning. Most unintended pregnancies happen in developing countries. Addressing this unmet need for family planning worldwide would avert 54 million unintended pregnancies and 26 million abortions." UNFPA Representative Pornchai Suchitta is quoted in the piece.

TURKEY: haber turk, haberler, euronews, haberx,  and kmu.gov from 13- 15 November reported on the UNFPA's launch of the State of the World Population Report. Read in Turkish: Haber turk, Haberler, Euronews, Haberx, and HDN

UKRAINE: Multiple media outlets from 14-16 November reported on the launch of the State of the World Population report in Ukraine. UNFPA ECCARO director Werner Haug, who was at the regional launch, noted that contraceptive prevalence in Ukraine and Moldova is low compared to the EU countries leading to a high rate of adolescent pregnancies, particularly in rural areas.  Ignoring family planning can cause poverty, morbidity and a high rate of mortality for women. About 100 girls younger than 14 give birth in Ukraine each year and 100 more abort. According to the Ministry of Health, unplanned pregnancies account for 65% of the country’s abortions.

UNFPA Representative Nuzhat Ehsan is quoted saying the, “UNFPA State of world population report proves that family planning has a multiplying positive impact on countries’ development. And the government in Ukraine declared it will guarantee a right for family planning to Ukrainian people.”  Investments in family planning can help developing countries save resources for development. According to UNFPA report, women who use contraception are generally healthier, have higher income and are more productive economically.

Read in Ukrainian: UNIAN agency, Voice of America (Ukrainian service), Korrespondent, Gazeta, UNIAN agency, BBC (Ukrainian service), Podrobnosti, Liga Watch in Ukrainian: 1+1 TV, National television of Ukraine

UNITED STATES: Multiple media outlets, including The Associated Press, Huffington Post, Inter Press Service, CBS News and others, on 14 and 15 November reported on the launch of UNFPA's State of the World Population report.  The Christian Science Monitor on 15 November reported on the release of the State of the World Population report. “It is the first time the U.N. Population Fund's annual report explicitly describes family planning as a human right. It effectively declares that legal, cultural, and financial barriers to accessing contraception and other family planning measures are an infringement of women's rights." Read in English: Huffington Post, The Associated Press, Inter Press Service, Voice of America, UPI, US News & World Report.

3Oct/12Off

DENMARK: Launch of High Level Task Force for ICPD

Several Danish newspapers and TV channels on 4 September reported that the Crown Princess has agreed to take part in the High Level Task Force (HLTF) for ICPD.

Also, several new outlets covered her participation in the first meeting of the HLTF in New York from 28 September to 1 October mentioning her role as patron for UNFPA.

The Danish magazine Billedbladet published on 3 October, a 4-page interview with the Crown Princess related to her participation in the launch of the HLTF in New York. In the interview, the Crown Princess states that her participation in the task force is a natural progression of her engagement in maternal health and women’s rights issues, and she makes reference to her role as patron for UNFPA.

Read more in Danish: Billedbladet, Altinget, MFA, The Royal Danish Court, Politiken, Berlingske or TV2