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 Brasil, Terra 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, Reforma, CIMAC, 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.
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD
BELARUS: The Interfax News Agency on 13 October reported on the family and early marriage situation in Kazakhstan quoting UNFPA Sub-regional director Nikolai Botev saying that “In the world, out of young women that are currently in the age group 20-24 there are about 10% that got married before 15 years of age. For some regions of the world, especially in Africa and India this percent reaches 30.” Read in Russian: Interfax News Agency
BOLIVIA: Multiple media outlets on 11 October reported on UNFPA's press release on the International Day of the Girl Child. Read in Spanish: Página Siete, ERBOL
CAMEROON: Cameroon Tribune reported on 11 October and CRTV on 8 October an interview with UNFPA Representative Alain Sibenaler about the celebration of the first International Day of the Girl Child in Cameroon. He says that UNFPA will organize very soon a campaign to tackle one the consequences of early marriage, that is, obstetric fistula for which the youngest patient is only 11 years old.
COSTA RICA: Multiple media outlets, reported on 10, 11 and 12 October on the first International Day of the Girl Child, drawing attention to the fact that child marriage could affect 142 million girls in 2020. In Costa Rica, new data on early marriages or unions, from the 2011 Census, was released. “There is a significant proportion of girls between 12 and 18 who are entering early marriages and relationships, generally with adult men,” said Oscar Valverde, UNFPA’s SRH Officer. Listen and watch in Spanish: Nuetra Voz, Monumental, Escuchar Radio ADN, Radio Nacional, Radio Reloj, Noticias Reloj, Noticias ADN, Escuchar Radio Nacional, Noticias Columbia , Ver Telenoticias, Canal 7 , Ver RTN Noticias, Canal 13 , Ver NC Once , Ver Telenoticias , Ver Canal 9 , Ver Telenoticias , Escuchar Noticias Nacional, Escuchar Noticias Nacional, Radio Columbia, Ver Programa Giros , Ver Canal 9 Read: La Nación, 11 Octubre 2012, La Nación, 12 Octubre 2012, Opinión en Diario Extra, and Diario Extra.
CUBA: Multiple media outlets between 11 and 15 reported on the first International Day of the Girl Child. The reports referred to the participation of UNICEF and UNFPA in the commemoration, and cited the presence of Jesus Robles, International Programme Coordinator of UNFPA in Cuba. Read in Spanish: Juventud Rebeide, CubaTV, Revista Mujeres, Tribuna de La Habana, SEMlac, IPS
EL SALVADOR: La Prensa Grafica on 12 October interviewed UNFPA Representative Elena Zuniga who described the situation of girl and adolescents in the country and described the state's role in protecting them. Read in Spanish: La Prensa Grafica
ETHIOPIA: The Daily Monitor, Sub Saharan Informer, Addis Admas and The Reporter from 13-14 October reported that if current trends continue, the number of girl child marriages will increase dramatically over the next 10 years, according to “Marrying too young: End Early Marriage,” a news report released on by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, on the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child.
The report also finds that despite laws to prevent its practice, child marriage has remained mostly constant in developing countries over the past decade. “No social, cultural or religious rationale for child marriage can possibly justify the damages these marriages do to young girls and their potential,” said UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. “A girl should have the right to choose whom she marries and when. Since many parents and communities also want the very best for their daughters, we must work together to end child marriage. It is the only course by which we can avert what otherwise is the human tragedy of child marriage.” In 2010 a total of 158 countries reported that 18 years was the minimum legal age for marriage for women without parental consent or approval by a pertinent authority. Still, in 2010, one in three girls or 67 million girls were married before their 18th birthday in developing countries (excluding China). Progress has been made and the report finds that child marriage has declined in some developing countries, including Armenia, Bolivia, Ethiopia and Nepal, among other countries.
GUATEMALA: Prensa Libre on 13 October reported that the vulnerability and exclusion faced by millions of children and adolescents in the world, led the United Nations to make the decision to commemorate 11 October as the Day of the Girl. Leonor Calderon, UNFPA Representative in Guatemala indicates that there are many reasons. The International Day of the Girl Child is a call for reflection on the situation of vulnerability and risk that many girls have just for being girls. There are countless examples in Guatemala where the girl is subjected to many injustices: human trafficking, sex trafficking, exploitation and abuse. Until July this year, 11 girls 10 years of age have been mothers. The number of mothers under 14 years is 448,000. Read in Spanish: Prensa Libre
GUYANA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 October on UNFPA's celebrations for the International Day of the Girl Child. The event was held at the Duke Lodge in Georgetown Guyana and was facilitated by UNFPA and the Ministry of Labour and Human Services and Social Security. Read in English: GINA and Guyana Chronicle
JAMAICA: The Jamaica Information Service reported on 13 October that, "on 11 October, the first International Day of the Girl Child, the UNFPA Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean (SRO), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth in Jamaica, hosted a public forum on sexual violence under the theme: 'Ending Impunity for Sexual Violence: Breaking the Silence.’ In her welcome remarks, Ms. Geeta Sethi, Director, UNFPA SRO explained that although the global focus was on child marriage, based on recent events in Jamaica (an upsurge in cases of sexual violence against women and girls) the decision was taken to focus on sexual violence. She said the forum was the first in a series of conversations and discussions, "because this is an issue that we all need to talk about more, so that we can all understand what’s happening better and understand how we can find solutions to this.” Read in English: Jamaica Information Service
The Jamaica Observer reported on 13 October that girls were the focus of a high level panel discussion at the United Nations headquarters in New York where UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Girls Not Brides, focused on ways to end child marriage. The article also mentioned a public forum put on by the UNFPA sub-regional office for the caribbean to mark the day. Read in English: Jamaica Observer
JORDAN: All local daily newspapers and different news agencies reported on 11 October that UNFPA Jordan , as part of the International Day of Girl Child activities, has organized an awareness interactive session for Syrians in Za’tri camp in Mafraq, on the risks of early marriages, especially its effect on both young girl’s health and future.
The session was conducted for girls aged 15-19 and their mothers, where a sketch on early marriage was presented by two Syrian young girls followed by a discussion on health implications and problems that this issue might cause. Media reporters were invited to attend, and a brief was done to them on UNFPA’s services in the camp. Read in English: Jordan Times Read in Arabic: Al Rai, Petra, Almadenah News, Hasadjo, Addustour
KAZAKHSTAN: Multiple media outlets reported on 11-12 October on the issue of child marriage in Kazakhstan and the press conference held to mark International Day of the Girl Child in Almaty. The event was organized by the United Nations Population Fund, UN children fund (UNICEF) and Sub-Regional office of UN Women in EECA. Nikolai Botev, Director of UNFPA Sub-regional office for Central Asia and Country Director in Kazakhstan, quoted a passage from the Secretary General’s message, “Investing in girls is a moral imperative – a matter of basic justice and equality. It is an obligation under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.” Read in Russian: kazinform, kloop.kz, Express K, and Kazakhstan Today
KYRGYZSTAN: Kabar, Knews, 24KG, VB, Mir24TV, Central Asia.ru reported on 11 October that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund called today for a national campaign to end the harmful traditional practice of child marriage in Kyrgyzstan. The call made on the International Day of the Girl Child, is part of the day’s observance and also includes the opening of “TOO YOUNG TO MARRY - The sold childhood,” a photo exhibition hosted by UNFPA. Featuring photography and video, the multimedia show highlights the personal narratives of six Kyrgyz girls married against their will at early ages. The photo exhibition aims to renew local attention to the critical issue and promote accountability from decision makers in Kyrgyzstan.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Alexander Avanessov described the impact of child marriage as, “a practice that would diminish girls’ chances of completing their education because new brides are usually forced to drop out of school to bear children and to provide household labour.” "On behalf of girls in Kyrgyzstan, we ask for your full engagement in helping us to end child marriage...We all want the best for our children and your support is crucial. It is time for policy makers, parliamentarians, communities, families and young people to address this issue head on. It is time to break the silence. Together!” said Mr. Avanessov. Read in Russian: Kabar, Knews, Knews,Knews, 24KG, 24KG, VB, Open Line, for.kg, Mir24TV and Central Asia.ru
LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: KPL on 11 October, reported on the first ever celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), with support from the United Nations Population Fund, UNICEF and UN Women in Lao PDR, organized a drawing competition for young adolescents to raise awareness about the importance of education for Lao girls. Read in French: KPL
LEBANON: Several media outlets reported on 16 and 17 October on the release of the UNFPA report “Marrying too Young: End Child Marriage,” on the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child. The articles feature the press advisory released by UNFPA, featured quotes by UNFPA Executive Director Dr Babatunde Osotimehin and provided global statistics on early marriage. Read in Arabic: As Safir, An Nahar, UPI, Al Jaras, Al Wifaq, Lebanon Files. Read in English: Al Jaras 2
PARAGUAY: ABC Colour online reported on 12 October that, on the International Day of the Girl Child, according to UNFPA, the habit of marrying minors who have not attained the age of majority is deeply rooted in Jordanian society and has increased with the arrival in the country of refugees. Read in Spanish: ABC online
ABC Colour, in its print edition, reported on 12 October that UNFPA noted that each year 16 million adolescents between 15 and 19 give birth, which make up 11% of births in the world. 95% of these births occur in developing countries. Read in Spanish: ABC
Radio Ñanduti reported on 11 October that according to the emergency programme coordinator of the UNFPA, Shible Sahbani, several Syrian parents have forced their daughters to marry Jordanian men. These statements were made in the context of the International Day of the Girl Child, commemorated worldwide. Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti
Última Hora reported in its online edition on 11 October that during the presentation of a report by the UNFPA, to mark the first International Day of the Girl, the Executive Director of UNFPA, Babatunde Osotimehin emphasized that “child marriage is a terrible violation of human rights and robs girls their education, their health and their future prospects." Read in Spanish: Última Hora
RUSSIAN FEDERATION: Metronews.ru on 14 October published a column on the attitudes and issues of child marriage in Russia and surrounding countries. The column cited UNFPA data saying, “The UNFPA reports that in 2012, 14 million 200 thousand girls under the age of 18 were married.” Read in Russian: Metronews.ru
SIERRA LEONE: The New Citizen, New Vision and several other outlets reported on 15 October that the Ministry of Social Welfare Gender, and Children’s Affairs and other development partners including UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, Restless Development and Plan International, on 11 October, launched the first ever International Day of the Girl Child at the Family Kingdom Hall in Freetown. UNFPA Country Representative, Ratidzai Ndhlovu, on behalf of the UN family, articulated the significance of the day and encouraged all hands on deck to support government for the safety and empowerment of girls and pledged the UN’s commitment to ensure that girls go to school and at least get basic education. She also stressed the UN will continue to play a major role in enhancing girls’ empowerment and development.
TAJIKISTAN: Tajik Mama and Asia Plus reported on 9 October that the UNFPA will mark the International Day of the Girl Child in Tajikistan. The main event - open debate/discussions with the involvement of young leaders, journalists, activists, governmental officials, religious leaders and parliamentarians - will be held in Dushanbe on 10 October. Campaigns in social and traditional media will be conducted with youth involvement. Read in Russian: Asia Plus and Tajik Mama
Tajik Mama reported on 7 October that Mavzuna Chorieva, bronze medalist of London 2012 Olympic Games from Tajikistan, participated in a UNFPA event devoted to the International Day of the Girl Child and delivered a speech with a call to action to support girls’ rights to education and self-actualization. Read in Russian: Tajik Mama
Asia Plus and Khovar reported on 11 October that in an effort to promote the rights of girls and to address the unique challenges that they face around the world, the International Day of the Girl Child, designated by the United Nations in 2011 is commemorated in Tajikistan by UNFPA in partnership with governmental, non-governmental and international partners. Read in Rusisan: Khovar and Asia Plus
Ozodi, the Tajikistan branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, reported on 10 October that issues of early marriage were addressed during the UNFPA conference devoted to the International Day of the Girl Child in Dushanbe. Read in Russian: Ozodi
TURKEY: Multiple media agencies on 11 October reported on the moves by UNFPA and its partners to raise awareness about child marriage in the region. Werner Haug, UNFPA’s director of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia regional office, agreed that unlisted marriages are common throughout the region. "[Child marriage] is certainly unreported across the region as the marriages themselves occur in community ceremonies but are not officially registered with the state," he said.
“Compared to 1990, we see a surprising increase, not decrease as one might expect, in child marriage in the region,” Haug said of a recently released study of 10 countries including Turkey. He cited the rise or return of traditional views of the role of women and economic, political and ethnic turmoil as well as conflict in the region as key drivers of the rise in child marriage. Read in English: Southeastern Europe Times, Today’s Zaman, and Today’s Zaman
UNITED STATES: Multiple media outletson 10-12 October reported on UNFPA and the International Day of the Girl Child. Read in English: The Associated Press, Washington Post, The New York Times, Mitchell Reports, Voice of America, Inter Press Service,
GUYANA: UNFPA Supports Workshop on Rehabilitation Services
The Guyana Chronicle on 12 September reported on a Ministry of Health rehabilitation services workshop for health care workers on sexual and reproductive health for persons with disabilities. The workshop was supported by UNFPA. UNFPA Programme Officer Babsie Giddings is quoted in the article. Read in English: Guyana Chronicle
GUYANA: Discussion on Policy Affecting Youth
The National Communications Network 6 O'Clock News on 11 August broadcast a news clips of a high level discussion between Parliamentarians and young people on policy issues affecting youth. The engagement was entitled Conversation with Young Parliamentarians and was held in observance of International Youth Day 2012. The Guyana Branch Office facilitated the discussion. Watch in English: NCN
GLOBAL: World Population Day
ALGERIA: Le Soir d'Algerie, El Moudjahid and Horizons on 12 July reported on the country's World Population Day celebration which took place in the National Institute of Public Health with the participation of the Minister of Health Dr. Djamel Ould Abbes and the UNFPA Representative. According to UNFPA, family planning is a basic human right. However, it remains meaningless unless individuals and couples have access to contraceptives, information and services to enable them to exercise that right. We have to meet the needs of the 222 million women who want to delay or avoid pregnancy but have no access to modern contraceptives. Read in French: Le Soir d'Algerie, El Moudjahid and Horizons
ARMENIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on World Population Day and the event organized by UNFPA Armenia to mark it. Garik Hayrapetyan, UNFPA Armenia Assistant Representative, addressed the participants in his welcome notes. Following the introduction, Meri Khachikyan, Director of "For Family and Health" the Pan-Armenian Association NGO, made a presentation on "Key Factors Influencing Contraceptive Behavior in Eastern Europe and Central Asia." The presentation covered a 2011 study conducted in seven countries of the region, including Armenia, which was aimed at increasing the understanding of the low use of modern contraception and the key factors influencing contraceptive behavior in the region. Read in English: Public Radio of Armenia, Ankakh.com, A1plus News, Panorama.am, Lurer.com. Read in Russian: 7 Days News, Armenpress News Agency, Slaq.am, Panorama.am. Read in Armenian: 7 Days News, 7 Days News, Panorama.am, Panorama.am, Aysor.am, MediaLab, Henaran Press Club, Armenpress News Agency, Armenpress News Agency, Lurer.com, A1plus News, Ankakh.com, Hraparak Daily. Listen in Armenian: Radio Liberty
AZERBAIJAN: AzerTAc reported on 11 July that UNFPA and he Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Azerbaijan conducted a round table devoted to the “Role of Communication in Access to Reproductive Health Services.” The event was chaired by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Elmira Suleymanova and the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Fikret Akcura.
Mr. Akcura commended the economic advance and the high pace with which Azerbaijan was resolving poverty at the national level, hereby investing in human capital, as well as furthering gender equality and other MDG targets. As the UNFPA Representative in Azerbaijan, he reemphasized the importance of proper communication and dissemination of unbiased, evidence-based information on reproductive health and family planning services. The high-ranked representatives from the Ministry of Health, National Reproductive Health Office (NRHO), the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry of Youth and Sport, and other long-standing partners of UNFPA once again thanked the organization for its technical assistance in realization of the advanced programmes in the country targeting the unmet RH/FP needs of the population. Read in Azerbaijani: AzerTAc
BANGLADESH: The Daily Star on 11 July published an op-ed by UNFPA Representative Arthur Erken on World Population Day urging an increase in family planning. "So yes, Bangladesh has done remarkably well when it comes to reducing its population growth rate, and in reducing the number of children a woman has these days. But, providing universal access to quality family planning information and services to all those who want to plan their families remains the greatest unfinished agenda of Bangladesh! So, on this World Population Day, let us redouble our efforts to make family planning again our top priority" he said. Read in English: Daily Star
The Daily Star on 12 July reported that as a result of the government's move to control overpopulation, 60 percent of women across the country have access to family planning. However the Prime Minister's Adviser for Health and Family Welfare Affairs Syed Modasser Ali noted that, “Although we have brought sixty percent women under the family planning services in order to reduce birth rate, we can not claim it as a success because we have to ensure hundred percent success." He was the chief guest at a discussion to mark World Population Day. UNFPA Representative in Bangldesh Arthur Erken also addressed the programme. Read in English: Daily Star
Gulf Times, News Today, UNF Connect and The Daily Star on 8-13 July published stories on a parliamentary debate competition jointly organized by UNFPA Bangladesh and Debate for Democracy to mark World Population Day and foster discussion of population issues amongst youth. Eight renowned schools from Dhaka took part in the competition, while 800 students enjoyed the competition. UNFPA Bangladesh Representative Arthur Erken is quoted saying, “Over the period of three decades, the total fertility rate has come down from 7 to 2.3. But, as 1/4th of the populace is young, they should have sufficient knowledge and skills on adolescent sexual reproductive health." Read in English: Gulf Times, News Today, UNB Connect and The Daily Star
BELIZE: Channel 5 on 11 July broadcast a TV programme, Open Your Eyes, featuring Erika Goldson, Assistant Representative in Belize for UNFPA. She discussed the intricacies of World Population Day and the activities taking place in Belize. Read in English: Channel 5 and LoveFM
BENIN: Multiple media outlets on 11 and 12 July reported that the United Nations Population Fund, in cooperation with the Benin Government, celebrated World Population Day under the theme "Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services," at Djakotomey. This municipality has one of the lowest rates of contraception use (1.6 % according to the sanitary statistics of 2011).
BOLIVIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July that UNFPA Bolivia celebrated World Population Day in close coordination with the Ministry of Health. A new plan to reduce maternal mortality was launched. The main event took place in La Paz, with similar local presentations in the cities of Cochabamba, Sucre and Potosi. Jaime Nadal, UNFPA Representative, highlighted the need for universal access to reproductive health in order to achieve MDG 5. Read in Spanish: Página Siete, La Razón, Los Tiempos, Los Tiempos, Opinión, Correo del Sur, Gaia Noticias, Jornada, ERBOL, ERBOL, PIEB, Radio FM Bolivia, Radio FM Bolivia, El Diario, El Deber, Bolivia.com, Infanciahoy.com, peopledaily.com, Opinion, La Razon
BRAZIL: Jornal do Brasil and other outlets reported on 11 July that the United Nations celebrated World Population Day by calling for more action in the area of reproductive health. UNFPA Executive, Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, stressed that 222 million women who do not want to become pregnant have no access to contraceptives. Lack of access to reproductive health continues to cause deaths for women of reproductive age. Dr. Osotimehin also said that 1.8 billion young people worldwide have no access to information and services while making decisions about reproductive health. Read in Portuguese: Jornal do Brasil and Sidneyrezende
BURKINA FASO: Observateur Paalga on 12 July reported on World Population Day celebrations in Burkina Faso. According to the newspaper, the acting representative of UNFPA, Pascal Karorero, who delivered the message of UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, said that, "it is time for leaders to renew their commitment to ensure universal access to services for reproductive health, especially to voluntary family planning." The newspaper said that the technical advisor to the Minister of Economy and Finance, who chaired the ceremony, called on all actors in society to work for the theme of the day, "Universal access to reproductive health services" a reality.
CHINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on World Population Day and its theme of "Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services." Read in Chinese: Xinhua Net
CNTV English Channel and CNTV Chinese reported on 11 July on the Asian Symposium on Building Sustainable Aging Society convened in Changchun of Jilin Province on 5 July. Mr Arie Hoekman, Representative of UNFPA China, attended the opening ceremony and selected sessions. He was interviewed by national media during the meeting and quoted saying, "China’s population is ageing more rapidly than most countries in the world. France has doubled its aged population, which is over 60 years old, to 14% from 7% within 115 years, in Sweden within 85 years. But China made it in only 27 years. It is estimated that there will be 332 million people over the age of 60 in China in 2050. Such severe ageing problems require improvement and diversity of community retirement services for the elderly."
The story was broadcasted as a major piece on the World Population Day on 11 July on CCTV. Watch in English: CNTV Watch in Chinese: CNTV Chinese
Sohu on 11 July a UNFPA China sponsored World Population Day event entitled, "Voices of Youth, Initiative of Cooperation” co-organized by the China Family Planning Association (CFPA) and China Youth Network in Shenzhen on 10 July. Mr. Arie Hoekman, Representative of UNFPA China attended the opening ceremony and gave a speech. Local media outlets were invited and a joint press release was prepared. Mr. Hoekman was quoted saying, “Every young person has the right to comprehensive sexuality education, and access to youth-friendly reproductive health services. With the right policies, investments and social support, young people can enjoy healthier lives free of poverty, violence and exploitation.” UNFPA-supported survey findings on youth access to sexual and reproductive health were provided to the media. Read in Chinese: Sohu, Oeee, and China.com
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: Tele-Congo reported on 12 July on the celebration of World Population Day on 11 July in Kinkala, in the Pool region, and specifically on a debate on Universal access to reproductive health. UNFPA Representative, David Lawson, and Health Minister Chief of Staff, Alexandre Alumba, were keynote speakers at this event. While outlining progress made in Congo on maternal mortality reduction over the past three years, Mr. Lawson called on the government for free family planning services in Congo. He said, "while free c-section has brought tremendous progress in maternal health, free family planning would enhance further this positive trend and help reach MDG5." Watch in French: Daily Motion
Tele-Congo and DRTV broadcast on 11 July the UNFPA Executive Director's message on World Population Day delivered by UNFPA Representative in Congo David Lawson. In line with the London Summit on Family Planning, the message focuses on this year's theme “Universal Access to Reproductive Health” and calls for greater action on family planning to reduce maternal mortality. Watch in French: Daily Motion
CUBA: Multiple media reported on 12 July on the celebrations of World Population Day in Cuba dedicated to universal access to reproductive health. The media published reports organized by the Scientific Scrub Cuban School of Public Health (ENSAP) and about the intervention of Jesus Robles, International Coordinator of the UNFPA Program in Cuba. Read in Spanish: Granma, Juventud Rebelde, CubaAhora, Radio Reloj, Revista Mujeres
Several media outlets on 11 July reported that the celebration of World Population Day in Cuba, promoted by UNFPA, was an opportunity to reflect on long-term population dynamics on the island and the challenges it poses to society. Cuba’s low fertility and rapid ageing process pose challenges to the island’s sustainable development. Read in Spanish: Revista Mujeres, Telecrentro Solvision, Tribuna de La Habana
Emisora CMHW reported on 10 July that Rolando Garcia Quiñones, Cuba's Assistant Representative of UNFPA, said youth participation is crucial to the success of the Greater Antilles in the field of sexual and reproductive health and protection of vulnerable demographic sectors. Read in Spanish: Emisora CMHW
DENMARK: Berlingske Tidende on 11 July published a joint op-ed by the Chief of UNFPA Nordic Office Pernille Fenger and Executive Director of the Danish Family Planning Association Bjarne B. Christensen. In the op-ed they discussed the realities of poor, young women not being able to decide when to have children. They point to the fact that with concerted efforts poor countries have obtained remarkable results in meeting women’s rights. The op-ed was a lead up to the London Summit on Family Planning. Read in Dutch: Berlingske Tidende
U-landsnyt.dk on 11 July published a joint press release by the UNFPA Nordic Office and the Danish FPA on the London Summit on Family Planning, with quotes from the Danish Minister for Development Corporation Christian Friis Bach, Chief of UNFPA Nordic Office, Pernille Fenger and Executive Director of the Danish FPA Bjarne B. Christensen. The release highlights the goal of meeting the needs of 120 million women and the renewed focus on family planning which the London Summit is an indication of. Read in Dutch: U-landsnyt.dk
Berlingske Tidende on 11 July, as well as several regional newspapers, published an article on a new large-scale initiative to give 120 million women access to contraception. The article quotes UNFPA's Executive Director stating that, “there is no excuse, neither cultural nor religious, that women should not be able to use contraception.” Read in Dutch: Berlingske Tidende, Berlingske Tidende, and JV.dk
Information on 11 July featured an article on the numbers from adding it up and the information – including a quote from the Chief of the UNFPA Nordic Office – on the London Summit. Read in Dutch: Information
Information on 11 July mentioned UNFPA and the London Summit in a human interest story. Read in Dutch: Information
Kristeligt Dagblad on 13 July reported on the outcome of the London Summit and quotes the Chief of the UNFPA Nordic Office (based on an interview conducted 12 July). In addition to telling about the commitments made at the conference, the article discusses how this renewed focus on family planning, the significant commitments by developing countries themselves and the involvement of a Catholic woman like Melinda Gates may serve to alleviate the controversy and add a more pragmatic approach to the subject.
EL SALVADOR: Multiple media outlets reported on World Population, and UNFPA-related activities around the theme of "Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services." Read in Spanish: La Prensa Gráfica, Equilibrium, Diario CoLatino (news 1), Diario CoLatino (news 2) and Website of the Institute of Youth in El Salvador - CONJUVE
Diario CoLatino on 12 July that this World Population Day, UNFPA stressed its speech on universal access to reproductive health services as an important goal for human development. Read in Spanish: Diario CoLatino and Diario CoLatino
La Prensa Grafica on 12 July reported that UNFPA celebrated World Population Day by remembering the day of 7 billion. Read in Spanish: La Prensa Grafica
La Palabra Universitaria on 13 July reported that UNFPA and the Ministry of Health celebrated World Population Day by focusing on the need for univeral access to reproductive health services. Read in Spanish: La Palabra Universitaria
UNFPA collaborated with several partners to publish pieces on World Population Day. Read in Spanish: Caminando hacia la Igualdad Sustantiva, INJUVE and Instituto Salvadoreno Del Seguro Social
ETHIOPIA: The Daily Monitor on 12 July reported that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for more to be done to help those who most need access to reproductive health care. “I call for urgent concerted action by member states to bridge the gap between demand and supply for reproductive health care,” Mr. Ban said.
“Reproductive health and rights are integral to sustainable development and poverty reduction. Investing in universal access to reproductive health is a crucial investment in healthy societies and a more sustainable future,” he added.
The theme for this year is ‘Universal access to Reproductive Health Services,’ aimed at highlighting the essential part that reproductive health plays in creating a just and equitable world. “Working for the survival and the well-being of women and girls is a human right imperative. And in order to take advantage of women’s full potential in the development of their nations, they must be able to plan their lives and families,” the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund Babatunde Osotimehin said.
GABON: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on the celebrations of World Population Day, held in Libreville. UNFPA Representative Nadir Hadj-Hammou, Vice Health Minister Alice Bikissa Nembe and Social Affairs Honorine Nzet Bitheghe made statements on the theme of the day "Universal access to reproductive health." The Vice Health Minister affirmed that this matter was among President Bongo's priorities. Mr. Hammou lamented that, despite its resources, the country had a maternal mortality (519 deaths for 100,000 live births) above the African average rate. He called for the need to strengthen efforts to address the family planning needs of 222 million women willing to avoid or delay pregnancy and reduce maternal mortality.
GEORGIA:Multiple media outlets reported on 11-13 July on World Population Day and published the message for World Population Day 2012 made by UNFPA's Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. Georgia Today interviewed Tamar Khomasuridze, UNFPA/Georgia assistant representative, focusing on the theme of universal access to reproductive health services in Georgia. According to her, in recent years, Georgia has made considerable progress with regard to improving capacity to provide reproductive health services and that universal access to reproductive health services, in some parts of Georgia, has now come close to reaching the Millendium Development Goals targets by 2015. The Assistant Representative also spoke about the major achievements, namely the results of the Georgia Reproductive Health Survey 2010, that showed the improvements in the reproductive health status of the population. In particular, for the first time since 1999, the birth-rate has surpassed the abortion rate in Georgia. Read in English: Georgia Today, Georgia Today and Inter Press News Read in Georgian: Radio Tavisupleba
GUATEMALA: Various national media on 11 July reported on public activities to commemorate World Population Day and that family planning is a key factor to achieving the objectives of the governmental program, "Zero Hunger," which fights chronic malnutrition among the poorest families in the country. The media also referred to the number of pregnancies in girls and adolescents, a reality that leads to malnutrition and the decreased development for adolescent girls. UNFPA Representative Leonor Calderón is mentioned in several pieces. Read in Spanish:Prensa Libre, Siglo 21,La Hora, La Hora, Diario de Centroamérica, CERIGUA, CERIGUA (Nota Babatunde Osotimehin), EDG Noticias
GUINEA: Goha Guinee on 10 July reported on a family planning advocacy day for religious authorities. Prior to World Population Day, the workshop brought together twenty imams, religious leaders and administrative authorities of Labe. On this occasion, verses from the Koran promoting family planning were identified. The participants proposed activities and committed themselves to promote family planning at meetings and during social ceremonies. Read in French: Goha Guinee
GUYANA: Stabroek News on 12 July published a story on the launch of a new report recommending the upgrade of government-run hospitals performing deliveries in order to boost maternal and newborn care. The report, lauch 11 July, under the theme “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services,” at the Ocean View Convention Centre, East Coast Demerara, coincided with World Population Day. The report, which gives a detailed assessment of all maternity facilities in Guyana during the year 2010, was supported by non-governmental organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Pan American Health Organisa-tion (PAHO) among others. Read in English: Stabroek News and Guyana Chronicle
INDONESIA: Mediaindonesia.com on 11 July reported that, “the level of maternal and infant mortality in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province is far higher than the average of national rate. In 2011, the MMR was reported at 306 per 100,000 live births, well above the national figure of 228. UNFPA Representative, Mr. Jose Ferraris, said that the high level of MMR and IMR have driven UNFPA to focus its programmes in NTT to address issues related to mother and child health. UNFPA works in three programmes of family planning revitalization, improving the universal access to reproductive health in general and implementing a model for friendly health service for youth and adolescents. “ Read in Indonesian: Mediaindonesia.com
The Jakarta Post on 12 July reported that “The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will assist the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) administration to provide reproductive health services for teens, aged 15 to 19, following a recent report by the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (SDKI) that only 45.4 per cent of married teens had access to contraception. “There are many cases that young women who get married early still face discrimination. There are even women who get pregnant before marriage and do not have access to basic health services, as they are the black sheep of the family,” said Moudy Taopan of UNFPA’s Youth Advisory Panel (YAP), on Wednesday."
Mediaindonesia.com on 12 July reported “men’s participation in family planning through condom usage remains low in Indonesia, as the condom is still associated with a negative connotation (of having extra marital sex). This perception is just one of many other misperceptions in the area of reproductive sex such as that providing reproductive health service to young people will lead to increasing their sexual activities, said UNFPA Representative Jose Ferraris in a seminar on Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services held to commemorate World Population Day in Indonesia. The seminar took place in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara on Wednesday, 11 July. Read in Indonesian: Mediaindonesia.com
Timorexpress.com on 13 July reported that, “World Population Day is celebrated this day each year by UN member states around the world to focus attention on the urgency and importance of issues related to population. This year’s theme of “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services” was selected to accelerate progress and reenergize commitments toward achievement of this goal. UNFPA Representative, Jose Ferraris, said in his speech for the opening ceremony in Ima Hotel in Kupang on Wednesday, 11 July, that based on the population structure in Indonesia, the number of people aged 15-29 accounted at 126 million people at the moment. This number means opportunity but also challenge for the country.” Read in Indonesian: Timorexpress.com
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN: Multiple media outlets from 2 July on reported on World Population Day events including speeches by the Minister of Health and Medical Education, the Deputy Minister of Health and UNFPA's Ms. Soudabeh Ahmadzadeh. Read in Farsi: Ghatreh, Ghatreh, IRNA, Ghatreh, IRNA, Ghatreh, Ghatreh, Ghatreh, Salamat News, Salamat News, Salamat News
JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets from 10-15 July reported on World Population observance in Jamaica. In her opening remarks at a symposium celebrating the day, Director of the UNFPA Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean Ms. Geeta Sethi, urged governments to invest in reproductive health services. “People are the most important resource of a country and given the Caribbean’s large youth population, half of which is below 25 years old, special emphasis must be placed on meaningful investment in young people’s education, health, and in equipping them to make responsible choices,” she stated. Several print and electronic media covered the event including the Jamaica Observer, the Gleaner, and the Jamaica Information Service. Read in English: Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Observer and Jamaica Observer
JORDAN: Al Rai, Petra News Agency and multiple news agencies reported on 11 July that Jordan joined the world in celebrating World Population Day 2012. Media outlets talked about this year's theme and how UNFPA Jordan is working with the Government of Jordan to achieve greater access to reproductive health services.
The articles concluded with a quotation of Dr. Osotimehin, “Today, as we commemorate World Population Day, it is time to re-energize our commitment to universal access to reproductive health services, especially family planning services. This commitment is as relevant today as it was when world leaders made it at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo.” Read in Arabic: Al Rai, Petra News Agency, Ammon News, Almadenah News, Al Arabiya, Jordanzad.
KYRGYZSTAN: CentralAsia, KNEWS, 24KG, VB, Akipress reported on 11 July that UNFPA held a press conference with the participation of the Resident Coordinator and a representative of the Ministry of Health. “Availability of affordable life-saving medicines, contraceptives and other essential health supplies is a vital part of well-functioning health systems that can serve people in an equitable manner,” said Alexander Avanessov, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic. “Access to voluntary family planning alone can also reduce unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths and disabilities, saving women's lives and those of their children,” added Mr. Avanessov.
In Kyrgyzstan, the young segment aged 14 to 28 represent 30.2% of the whole population. In this context, it is crucial to invest in young people’s health and education, improve access to sexual reproductive health services and age-appropriate, friendly services. “When young people can exercise their right to health and education, and have a decent job, they can contribute to improving their nations and escape poverty,” said Alexander Avanessov. Read in Russian: 24KG, Namba, 24KG, Namba, Centrasia, VB, KNEWS, KNEWS, 24KG, 24KG, Akipress
LIBERIA: The Daily Observer on 13 July reported that the Chairman of the Liberia Traditional Council, at a World Population Day celebration, has cautioned youth not to engage in risky sexual behaviour. UNFPA-Liberia’s Resident Representative, Esperance Fundira, read a message on behalf of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin at the event. Read in English: Daily Observer
The Inquirer on 11 July reported that UNFPA has disclosed that teenage pregnancy in Liberia stands at 38 per cent; unmet needs for family planning stand at 36 per cent while conceptive prevalence is only 11 per cent. Read in English: The Inquirer
The Inquirer on 13 July reported that according to the United Nations 2012 report, Trends in maternal mortality, Liberia's maternal mortality ratio has reduced from 994 out of every 100,000 live births to 770 out of every 100,000 live births, down by 224. UNFPA UNFPA Representative, Esperance Fundira, speaking during the Observance of World Population Day said, “To make greater progress, every woman needs access to basic package of reproductive health services.” Read in English: The Inquirer
The News on 13 July reported that, while speaking at a one-day World Population Day seminar organized by the National Lutheran Church Women Fellowship in Monrovia, UNFPA representative Madam Fundira said the choice one makes in his/her life in the bearing of children determines their future and should not be blamed on the civil war in Liberia. Read in English: The News
The News reported on 12 July that more than 800 women died daily in pregnancy or childbirth from complications that are very often preventable, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Babatunde Osotinmehin has revealed. Read in English: The News
The Informer on 12 July reported that UNFPA has lauded what it calls Liberia's progress in reducing maternal mortality in the country. UNFPA Liberia Resident Representative, Esperance Fundira, made the commendation yesterday at the program marking the 2012 World Population Day held at the SKD complex outside Monrovia. Read in English: The Informer
Front Page on 12 July reported that the Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund has expressed alarmed over the high level of unwanted pregnancies in Liberia. Read in English: Front Page
MEXICO: More than 50 media outlets such as Excelsior, La Jornada, Reforma, CNN México, El Universal, Milenio, Cronica, Pulsoslp, , Noticias Yahoo, Info7, El Arsenal, OEM, el Golfo, Síntesis, Informativo Chiapas, Chiapas Hoy, El Heraldo de Chiapas, Expreso Chiapas, El Pendulo de Chiapas, Cuarto Poder, Tabasco Hoy, Quadratin, Cambio de Michoacan, El mundo de Córdoba, Noticias Terra, Vocero Quintana Roo, Diario La Verdad, Rotativo, Pulso DF reported on the several activities, such as a press conference, journalist workshop and study tour to a project in Chiapas organized by UNFPA Mexico, on the occasion of the World Population Day. Diego Palacios Jaramillo, UNFPA Mexico Representative pointed out that access to reproductive health should be a priority for the next Mexican government and for the international community as a whole. During the press conference he also mentioned that today, pregnancy and childbirth-related complications are the major cause of death among girls 10 to 19 years old in most developing countries, while the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections are among young people aged 15 to 24. Read in Spanish: Excelsior, La Jornada, Reforma, CNN México, El Universal, Milenio, Cronica, Pulsoslp, Noticias Yahoo, Info7, El Arsenal, OEM, el Golfo, Síntesis, Informativo Chiapas, Chiapas Hoy, El Heraldo de Chiapas, Expreso Chiapas, El Pendulo de Chiapas, Cuarto Poder, Tabasco Hoy, Quadratin, Cambio de Michoacan, El mundo de Córdoba, Noticias Terra, Vocero Quintana Roo, Diario La Verdad, Rotativo, Pulso DF, OEM, Guerrero, Ciudad y Poder, Jornada, Cuarto poder, Chiapas Hoy, Jornada, El Herald o de Chiapas, Es Diario, OEM, Noticias de Chiapas, Imparcial Chiapas, Diario de Chiapas, OEM, El Cuarto Deguerra, Yucatan, Yucatan, Diario Portal, Omnia, e-Tlaxcala, El Mundo, Jornada, Milenio, Reforma, Cuarto Poder, NL, Jornada, Comunicacion Chiapas
MOLDOVA: Radio Chisinau on 11 July reported on the UNFPA press conference organized in celebration of the World Population Day. The article talked about the demographic situation in Moldova as well as about reproductive health issues, especially on universal access to reproductive health services. Read in Romanian: Radio Chisinau.
24h.md reported on 11 July on the importance of reproductive health education as well as universal access to RH services and quoted Mr. Boris Gilca, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Moldova and other speakers at the conference several times. Read in Romanian: 24h.md
Pro TV Moldova reported on 11 July on the flash mob, Informed and Protected, organized by Y-Peers to inform people on reproductive and sexual health to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. The demographic situation in the country was highlighted. Read in Romanian: Pro TV Moldova
Radio Free Europe on 11 July reported on the demographic crisis in Moldova, quoting Boris Gilca, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Moldova, on the issue. Read in Romanian: Radio Free Europe
Radio Free Europe on 11 July interviewed Mr. Mihai Moldovanu, deputy prime minister, Head of the National Commission for Population and Development, who participated in the UNFPA press conference on World Population Day, on the demographic situation in Moldova. Read in Romanian: Radio Free Europe
Teleradio Moldova on 11 July reported on WPD and the alarming statistics on the current issues presented by UNFPA Moldova. Read in Romanian: Teleradio Moldova
EuroTv on 11 July reported that the new priority of the Moldovan Government in population development is to provide access to reproductive health to the entire population. The Government wants to assure the access to reproductive Health Offices and Youth Friendly Service Clinics. Read in Romanian: EuroTV
Radio Free Europe on 12 July conducted an interview with Boris Gilca, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Moldova, on WPD and concerns about the demographic future of Moldova. Read in Romanian: Radio Free Europe
Privesc on 11 July broadcast a live transmission of the UNFPA World Population Day press conference. Watch in Romanian: Prevesc
View the widely broadcast video spots: YouTube1, YouTube2, YouTube3
MONGOLIA: The Mongol News on 4 July reported that the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labour, Ministry and Health and UNFPA in Mongolia jointly organized a press conference on World Population Day. The joint press release was printed in the UB Post on 9 July. The Mongolian version of the press release was published in the Unuudur Daily on 10 July.
MOROCCO: Le Soir on 11 July reported on UNFPA-supported activities for World Population Day.
MOZAMBIQUE: Radio Mocambique, TVM, STV, Lusa, and Angola Press reported on 11 and 12 July that the main commemoration of World Population Day in Mozambique was held in the district of Gongola, in the central province of Manica. All reports say that the event was led by UNFPA’s Representative, Bettina Maas, and Manica Governor, Ms. Ana Comoane. Ms. Maas is quoted by Lusa (Portuguese news agency) saying that there is a need (in Mozambique) to scale up reproductive health services, in particular family planning. “Everyone wishes to live in a world were delivering a baby is a sign of happiness for women, parents and family. We cannot continue living in a world were delivering a baby is a sign of uncertainty or something a family remembers sadly.” Read in Portugese: Noticias, and Portalangop
MYANMAR: The Myanmar Times on 9 July reported on a family planning conference convened in honor of World Population Day as part of a global push to improve access to family planning in developing countries. and the New Light of Myanmar on 12 July reported on World Population Day celebrations. UNFPA Representative Mohamed Abdel-Ahad is quoted saying, "By enabling young women to delay childbearing until they have achieved education and training, reproductive health services contribute toward improving women's social position and increasing their community and political participation."
The New Light of Myanmar on 12 July published an article on the commemorative ceremony held at Thingaha Hotel in honour of World Population Day. Mohamed Abdel Ahad, UNFPA representative spoke about UNFPA's activities in the country.
The New Light of Myanmar on 12 July published an article annoucing UNFPA is part of a coalition of organizations dedicated to improving maternal and child health globally and in Myanmar.
Mizzima on 11 July reported that the country will focus on women's health, family planning and contraceptives following a funding intiative by the UK’s development agency, the Department for International Development (DFID), Marie Stopes International, and UNFPA. A press briefing was organized in Naypyitaw to announce the commitment. Read in English: Mizzima
PARAGUAY: ABC Color on 7 July reported that on 10 July, to celebrate World Population Day, which this year has the theme "Universal access to reproductive health services," the initiative Presencia Joven, boys and girls working towards peer education, will organize an event in the Plaza de Armas. The event, also hosted by the NGO Kuna Roga, with support from UNFPA, will be held from 9:00 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 17:00. Read in Spanish: ABC Color
La Nación reported on 9 July that through theater, graffiti and various activities, adolescents and youth of the Presencia Joven will celebrate World Population Day. The event, held in the Plaza de Armas is driven by NGO Kuna Roga and has the support of UNFPA. Read in Spanish: La Nación
Radio Ñanduti on 13 July reported on the activity organized by Presencia Joven as part of the World Population Day in the city of Encarnación. The Advocacy and Communication Advisor for UNFPA Carolina Ravera, said on behalf of the Assistant Representative of this agency, Manuela Escobar, that "UNFPA would like to emphasize the theme before us today and really make everyone realize their right to information, services and supplies in sexual and reproductive health.” Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti
Portal Paraguayo de Noticias reported on 13 July that Sergio Gonzalez (16), a member of Presencia Joven, an organization of teens working in peer education and supported by UNFPA, organized a fun activity to celebrate World Population Day. Boys and girls were invited to come to the Plaza de Armas "so that together we reflect on our rights, especially when it comes to sexual and reproductive health.” Read more in Spanish: PPN
Itapúa en Noticias broadcast on 11 July, an interview with Sara González, a member of Presencia Joven, which, for World Population Day, organized with support from UNFPA, an event in the Plaza de Armas. During the day, adolescents, through activities such as games, theater and graffiti, shared information on sexual and reproductive health and promoting friendly health services in the city's hospital. Watch in Spanish: Itapúa en Noticias
PHILIPPINES: The Philippine Star on 13 July printed an editorial saying, “the theme of this year’s observance of World Population Day cannot be any more direct: “universal access to reproductive health care.” United Nations statistics show that every day around the world, nearly 800 women die of complications from pregnancy or childbirth. For every death, according to the UN Population Fund, 20 more women suffer debilitating childbirth injuries. UNFPA reported that in most developing countries, pregnancy and complications from childbirth are the leading causes of death of girls aged 10 to 19. The highest rates of sexually transmitted infections are recorded among youths aged 15 to 24 in developing countries, according to the UNFPA." Read in English: Philippine Star
The Inquirer on 12 July printed an opinion piece by Rina Jimenez-David. “In her statement issued on World Population Day last Wednesday, Senator Pia Cayetano appealed to everyone to “prioritize the plight and burden of Filipino mothers. They are the ones who risk their life to bear new life, carry the primary burden of ensuring the health, education and welfare of their children, and balance the family’s meager resources to survive from day to day.” Saying “the situation of our mothers has gone from bad to worse” with rising maternal death statistics, the senator said “any fair-minded legislator [should] support the enactment of the RH bill, which would allow mothers universal access to reproductive health services of the government.”” Read in English: The Inquirer
The Philippine Information Agency reported on 13 July that “the Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Population (PopCom) has pushed for universal access to Reproductive Health (RH) services and the utilization of family planning. RH problems remain as the leading cause of illnesses and death for women of childbearing age locally and globally. Maternal mortality rate in Cordillera based on the 2009 data, is 79 per 100,000 live births. PopCom, in partnership with DOH, spearheaded July 11’s Kapihan Media Forum in observance of the World Population Day 2012, which adopts the theme “Universal Access to Reproductive Health.”” Read in English: Philippine Information Agency
The Philippine Star on 11 July printed an editorial saying, “the World Bank has joined the International Monetary Fund and rating agencies in projecting an economic contraction this year for the Philippines. As the global economic crisis deepens, the United Nations is expecting women and children in developing countries to bear the brunt of the impact. The crisis gives more urgency to the implementation of measures that will promote education and health care for women and children. This is the message of the United Nations Population Fund as the 20th World Population Day is marked today. The UNFPA points out that investments in education and health of women and girls have been linked to higher national productivity, agricultural yield and income, all of which contribute to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals.” Read in English: Philippine Star
The Manila Bulletin on 10 July printed an editorial, “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services” is the theme of this year’s celebration of World Population Day, in support of the attainment of the 5th Millennium Development Goal (MDG) which is to improve maternal health. Despite progress in this area, there is still much to be done to realize the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) vision of “a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.”” Read in English: Manila Bulletin
The Gulf Times on 12 July published that, “Jonalyn Corpuz struggled to hold on to her three-month-old son throwing a tantrum as she waited in line for free contraceptive implants in Manila’s slum district of Tondo. Corpuz was among hundreds of mothers who signed up for free implants and injections, ligation, birth control pills and other reproductive health services at a family planning fair in Baseco, the largest slum village in Tondo. The fair was organised by the Manila-based Likhaan Centre for Women’s Health in partnership with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the European Union and other local groups to mark World Population Day yesterday.” Read in English: Gulf Times
Negros Daily Bulletin on 12 July reported that, “Dr. Eden Divinagracia, Executive Director of the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare, Inc. (PNGOC) cited the recent statistics, that the unmet needs for Family Planning increased from 15.7% in 2006 to 19.3% in 2011 at the World Population Day event with the theme, Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services. The objective of the celebration was to raise awareness among stakeholders the importance of addressing population issues and their relationship to health and development.” Read in English: Negros Daily Bulletin
The Inquirer on 11 July reported that, “Senator Pia Cayetano on Wednesday renewed her call for the passing of the Reproductive Health Bill in time with the commemoration of World Population Day. “On World Population Day, let’s prioritize the plight and burden of Filipino mothers. They are the ones who risk their life to bear new life, carry the primary burden of ensuring the health, education and welfare of their children, and balance the family’s meager resources to survive from day-to-day,” said Cayetano.” Read in English: The Inquirer and InterAksyon.com
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SIERRA LEONE: AWOKO and New Vision reported on 12 July that at a press conference to commemorate World Population Day in Freetown on 11 July, the Acting Director of UNFPA sub-regional office in Dakar, Idrissa Ouedraogo, said that family planning is a basic human right. Giving birth, he said, is typically the most joyful moment in a woman’s life, yet this very process takes the life of so many women worldwide.
Mr. Ouedraogo further stated that for every woman who dies, around 20 more suffer debilitating childbirth conditions such as fistula, and that working for the survival and the well-being of women and girls is a human rights imperative. He said that as we commemorate World Population Day, it is time to re-energize our commitment to universal access to reproductive health services, especially voluntary family planning.
The Component Manager for Population and Development at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mohamed Lebbie, observed that the theme for this year’s celebration: Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services, is clearly an important one and the timing is opportune particularly when government is now committed to formulating a comprehensive national population policy within socio-economic planning.
SRI LANKA: The Daily Mirror, Daily News, Sinhala 'Ada', Daily Lankadeepa Sinhala and Veerakesari Tamil on 11 July reported on World Population Day and UNFPA. The Daily Mirror did a three-page spread on the topic.
SUDAN: Sudan Vision Daily published on 12 July the message by Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, on World Population Day 2012. In the message Dr. Osotimehin reaffirmed UNFPA’s human rights approach to reproductive health by affirming that working for the survival and well-being of women and girls is a human rights imperative. In order to take advantage of women’s full potential in the development of their nations, they must be able to plan their lives and families. This is why the international community is determined to making universal access to reproductive health a priority. Read in English: Sudan Vision Daily
Al Sahafa Daily reported on 10 July about the planned celebrations of World Population Day on 16 July at Genaina, West Darfur. The events are organized by the Reproductive Health Directorate of the Federal Ministry of Health, West Darfur Ministry of Health and UNFPA Sudan. Dr. Sawsan Eltahir of the Federal Ministry of Health was quoted as saying this year’s celebrations advocate for efforts to provide quality integrated reproductive health services that include midwifery, emergency maternal services in addition to information and services on spacing children. Read in Arabic: Al Sahafa Daily
TAJIKISTAN: Khovar reported on 13 July on the UNFPA-conducted press conference on World Population Day. Mr. Alexander Zuev, UNFPA Representative in Tajikistan spoke on the occasion. Read in Russian: Khovar
TIMOR-LESTE: The Timor-Post on 11 July reported that UNFPA celebrated World Population Day with government representatives, development partners, and students at Canossa School in Dili. UNFPA has been working the Ministry of Health and International Agencies in Timor-Leste for the past 10 years to strengthen education and capacity on reproductive health and progress is being made. This year’s global theme ‘Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services’ is of particular relevance to Timor-Leste, a country with a high fertility rate and a high maternal mortality ratio. A Timorese woman will have, on average, 5.7 births during her lifetime with one in 44 women likely to die as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth, according to the Demographic Health Survey 2009-2010. Through the celebration of World Population Day, UNFPA hopes to raise awareness among young people on key reproductive health issues, so they can make informed decisions concerning their health and their future. UNFPA Representative Pornchai Suchitta pledged UNFPA’s commitment to work with all of its partners to ensure that universal access to reproductive health, especially voluntary family planning, is a key element of the international development agenda and poverty reduction policies. Mr. Pornchai said that, “only then would countries be able to reduce poverty and social and economic inequality, improve the well-being of their people and safeguard the health and rights of women, men, and young people.”
The Independente on 12 July reported that the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon called on United Nations member states to highlight the key role of access to reproductive health care. “I call for urgent concerted action by the member states to bridge the gap between demand and supply for reproductive health care,” said Ban. The paper also quoted the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, who stated that reproductive health problems remain the leading cause of ill health and death for women of childbearing age worldwide.
The Timor Post on 12 July published a photo of the First Lady of Timor-Leste, Mrs. Isabel Ferreira, ribbon cutting at the UNFPA exhibition on the celebration of World Population Day with UNFPA Representative Mr. Pornchai at Canossa Community School.
TOGO: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 and 12 July on the country’s World Population Day celebrations. The Minister in Charge of the Planning of Development and Regional Planning, Dédé Ahouéfa EKOUE, launched World Population Day on 10 July in the Medico-social Center of Tokoin Doumasséssé at Lome. She had by her side, the Ministers of Health, Security and Civil Protection, the representative of the Office of the UNFPA in Togo, Cécile MUKARUBUGA, the representatives of other agencies such as the United Nations’ representative Khardiata Lo Ndiaye, the resident Coordinator of the United Nations System and resident Representative of the UNDP in Togo, members of the diplomatic corps, high personalities in charge of the engineering departments and a crowd made up of women who came to listen.
The celebration was also an opportunity for the UNFPA Togo to offer five motorbikes to the medical districts of the maritime area through the Ministry of Health. In collaboration with the Management of Family Health, services for family planning were offered free on the site of the demonstration to surrounding populations. Parallel to the celebration, the media diffused and published the message of the Executive Director in their columns and on the airwaves.
A day before this celebration, a press conference, hosted by the Togolese Government and the Office of the UNFPA in Togo, enlightened journalists on World Population Day, the current efforts of the government regarding reproductive health, and the importance of demography and development. Read in French: Togo En Vogue, Togo En Vogue, Pa-L'Union, Pa-L'Union, Savoir News, Sante Education and Afriscoop
TURKMENISTAN: Neutral Turkmenistan reported on 11 July on the celebration by the international community of World Population Day. In the article, the author shared the history of World Population Day and extensively described the cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNFPA since 1992, particularly in the area of reproductive health, given the theme of the 2012 World Population Day. Quoting the Secretary-General’s World Population Day message on the importance of mainstreaming reproductive health and rights into all development plans, the article highlights the achievements of Turkmenistan in the area of reproductive health with the support of UNFPA, including the adoption, among the first in the region to do so, of national development programmes and strategies on reproductive health, safe motherhood and others.
Neutral Turkmenistan, Dashoguz Habarlary, and Maru-Shahu-Jahan newspapers reported on 12, 13 and 14 July that UNFPA jointly with the National Clinical Center for Mother and Child Health (NCCMC) held a series of roundtables dedicated to the World Population Day theme in the capital city and in two cities in the regions. The roundtables served as a platform to recognize the medical specialists working in the field of reproductive health, and to create a dialogue between the service providers and users on the existing reproductive health services, safe motherhood, adolescent reproductive health and reproductive rights of women, including those living with disabilities, and young people. Medical specialists, representatives of the non-governmental organizations and mass media, as well as couples, women of fertile age and young people participated at the round-tables.
UGANDA: New Vision on 11 July reported on a dialogue organized by the UNFPA country office in preparation for World Population Day. With the theme: “Make Access to Reproductive Health Services a Priority: Address Key Challenges,” the dialogue attracted youths from across Kampala city and beyond. Read in English: New Vision
New Vision on 11 July published an interview with UNFPA Country Representative Janet Jackson about World Population, family planning and other key issues affecting the population. Read in English: New Vision
The Daily Monitor on 12 July published an article about the London Family Planning Summit. UNFPA Country Representative Janet Jackson is mentioned in the article saying, making access to reproductive health services shoul dbe a priority. Read in English: Daily Monitor
URUGUAY: Several media outlets reported from 11-14 July on different aspects of the celebration of World Population Day. El País reported that Uruguayan authorities were to announce that the country would host the first meeting of the Regional Conference on Population in August 2013. That Conference would focus on the Programme of Action of the International Conference for Population and Development (ICPD) advancements. La diaria and Radio Uruguay highlighted that the Uruguayan model to eliminate maternal mortality for unsafe abortions, which follows the commitments signed in the ICPD, will be shared with other Latin American countries. La Republica focused on growing inequalities as the world population rises. Trends on sexual and reproductive health, including maternal mortality, were presented and debated by several media. Read more in Spanish: El País, La Diaria, La República, UNI Radio, Radio Uruguay, Radio Universal, Montevideo.com, Presidencia, Fray Bentina Digital, El Pueblo de Salto, El País de los Niños, Prensa Latina
UZBEKISTAN: UzDaily, Gazeta.uz and numerous other outlets reported on 12 July that on 11 July, the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan and UNFPA (UN Population Fund) together celebrated World Population Day 2012. The day, which was held under the motto “Healthy Families – Healthy Societies,” was celebrated with an open-air event at Gofur Gulom Park in Tashkent. The celebration featured a family marathon, as well as a kids’ chalk drawing contest on the theme of “Healthy Families.” Winners and participants of the contest were awarded with souvenirs. Participants of the event and guests also enjoyed the performance of amateur folk dance and song groups. Read in Russian: UzDaily, Gazeta.uz, and ca-news Read in English: UzDaily
e-Tashkent reported on 12 July that on 13 July, the UN Information Centre (UNIC) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) planned to co-host a traditional UN Friday to highlight one of UN’s flagship observances, World Population Day. The programme featured Feruza Fazilova, National Programme Officer on Reproductive Health at UNFPA, Diloram Melikova, family physician at Tashkent International Clinic, Davron Mirsagatov, and representative of the youth education network Y-PEER, Vojtech Hledik, UNAIDS Country Office in Uzbekistan. Read in Russian: e-Tashkent
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2011 REPORT
BRAZIL: Multiple TV news programs covered the launch of SWOP and the day of 7 billion between 26 and 31 October. View in Spanish: Jornal Hoje, Jornal da Globo, Bom Dia Brasil and Jornal Globo News, Jornal Nacional and Jornal Hoje
CAMBODIA: The Phnom Penh Post reported on 1 November that as the world’s population hits seven billion, the latest statistics from the UN Population Fund’s State of the Population report show the number of Cambodians decreased by five per cent in the past year. The report puts the total population of Cambodia at 14.3 million compared with 15.1 million in 2010.
COMOROS: La Gazette on 2 November reported that At the current pace of growth, 78 million people are added annually to the world's population. "This population is recorded for a large part in the least developed countries, some of which are already struggling to meet the needs of their populations," said the Resident Coordinator System UN Comoros, at the launch of report on the State of World Population 2011
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Tele-Pointe-Noire, Radio-Pointe-Noire Agence d'Information Congolaise, and Africa No. 1 reported on 2 November on a press conference by UNFPA Representative David Lawson in Pointe-Noire, to present the UNFPA 2011 State of the World Population, the 7 billion people milestone and its implications for Congo. Mr. Lawson talked on some global challenges, the fight against poverty and hunger through economic growth and investments in agriculture, environmental protection, urbanization, youth employment and social policies to address ageing and support vulnerable populations, development aid, and combating inequalities, including among women and men, valid and disabled.
La Semaine africaine reported on 2 November on the UNFPA SWOP launch in Brazzaville by UNFPA Representative David Lawson, in the presence of the State Economy Minister Pierre Moussa, Youth Minister, Health Minister, Small and Middle Enterprises Minister, Vice Economy Minister, parliamentarians, ambassadors, UN agency heads, civil society leaders and the media in the context of the 7 billion world. Mr. Lawson outlined the challenges and opportunities at such a milestone for the world and Congo. He thus focused on urbanization, youth, ageing, agriculture, health and education and financing for development. The State Economy Minister outlined the Government policies implemented to address the challenges of global demographic growth. Read in French: La Semaine africaine
CUBA: Between 31 October and 6 November, Cuban media reported activities related to the arrival of the planet to the 7 billion people and the launching of The State of World Population 2011, pointing out some of its most important aspects. Read and View in Spanish: Cuba TV, Sitio Web del Sistema Informativo de la TV Cubana, Cuba TV, Sitio Web del Sistema Informativo de la TV Cubana, Mujeres, Publicación semanal, Cuba Sí (Tomado de la Agencia de Información Nacional), Radio Surco (Tomado de la Agencia de Información Nacional), La Demajagua digital, Prensa Latina, GIS XXI, Radio Reloj, Solvisión, Cuba Vision, Juventud Rebelde, Radio Rebelde, IPS, IPS, Granma, Periódico 26, Asociación Cubana de las Naciones (ACNU).
DPR OF KOREA: The Korean Central News Agency on 1 November and Pyongyang Times on 5 November reported on the UNFPA country office advocacy event celebrating the day of 7 billion and the release of the State of World Population report. The event was held at Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang. Participants viewed the video, “United World.”
FINLAND: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. Local partners including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN Associations, who participated in organizing the launch events, also published information about the SWOP launch events. Read, view and listen in Finnish: Helsingin Sanomat, Helsingin Sanomat, Maailma, Hufvudstadsbladet, YLE, Finnish Broadcasting Services, MTV3, Nelonen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Global Finland portal, UNA-Finland, Väestöliitto-Finnish Family Planning Association
GUATEMALA: Prensa Libre on 31 October published an op-ed by Carolina Vasquez Araya which quoted figures provided by the UNFPA during the launch of The State of World Population 2011 which revealed that of the 14,713,000 people in Guatemala, 7.4 million are poor, and of these, 2.2 million people survive in abject poverty. 75 percent of the Maya, Garifuna and Xinca are living in poverty, and most women are excluded from the benefits of development. Read in Spanish Prensa Libre
GUYANA: The Guyana Chronicle on 1 November reported on the launch of the SWOP report at the Georgetown Club. Ms. La Fleur was a featured speaker at the event. Read in English: Guyana Chronicle
JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets reported on 31 October to 5 November on the State of World Population report launch in Jamaica. Read in English: Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Observer, The Gleaner and TV Jamaica
LEBANON: The Daily Star reported on 31 October on the 7 billion Campaign. The article adopts a global approach and describes UNFPA’s campaign and its main themes. The article provides global statistics illustrating population trends and quotes UN Secretary general and UNFPA Executive Director and mentions the 2011 State of World Population Report. Read in English: Daily Star.
MONGOLIA: Multiple media outlets from 26 October to 31 October reported on the release of the State of World Population 2011. The UB Post, Mongol Messenger and Unuudur printed the statement of UNFPA Mongolia Representative Ms. Argentina Matavel Piccin. The Mongol News Press broadcast the press conference to launch SWOP. Mr. S. Mendsaikhan, Chairman of the National Statistics Office, Ms. Argentina Matavel Piccin, UNFPA Representative, Ms. B. Oyun, UNFPA NPO and Mr. A. Amarbal, Chairman of the Census Bureau participated in the press conference.
NAMBIA: The Nambian on 1 November published an article on the challenges and opportunities facing a world of seven billion. The SWOP report is briefly mentioned in the article saying that the report, “report highlights how the world will face growing problems finding jobs for the new army of young people, especially in poor countries. It also sounds alarms over how climate change and population growth are adding to drought and famine crises; the management of megacities like Tokyo; and ageing populations such as Europe’s.” Read in English: The Namibian
NORWAY: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These stories included quotes from UNFPA Exexutive Director Babatunde Osotimehin and Rep. Mr. Rune Fröseth and citings of UNFPA data. Information about the SWOP launch events was also published by local partners including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN Associations, who participated in organizing the launch events.Read, view and listen in Norwegian: Bistandsaktuelt, Adressa.no, Pd.no, Hadeland, Arbeits rett, Vestby avis,Ringblad.no, Namdalsavisen, Hordaland, Demokraten, FVN.no, Smp.no, Agder posten,Tidens Krav ,Glåm dalen, Dagsavisen, Dagbladet, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, TV2 News, Dagsavisen, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, Dagsavisen, Hegnar online, Dagbladet, TV2 News, NRK Norwegian national TV, NRK, Dagsavisen/TV daily news, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Press release, UNA-Norway
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY: Multiple media outlets reported on 2 November on the press conference, organized by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and UNFPA on the occasion of the launching of the “State of World Population Report 2011” by UNFPA and “The State of Palestinian Population Report” by PCBS. The press conference touched various issues related to population through history and projections until 2025. “UNFPA expects population growth until 2050. The increase is especially noticed in Gaza Strip as 1.7m live in Gaza in a 360 km2 area; the world’s most populated area” said Ms. Barbara Piazza-Georgi, UNFPA Representative. “In the next 20 years, the figure is expected to double in Gaza alone” she continued. The press conference was followed by an exhibition that was organized by Sharek Youth Forum and funded by UNFPA entitled “Palestine in the world of Seven Billion: Faces & Numbers" which was a display of Palestinian faces from different sects of the population, and facts about the Palestinian population on various indicators. Read in Arabic: Wafa News Agency, Maan News, Panet, Al Arab, Al Ayyam Newspaper, Manar Radio, PalToday, Al-Quds Newspaper
RWANDA: Imvaho Nshya and New Times on 1 November reported on the launch of SWOP 2011. UN Resident Coordinator, Aurélien Agbénonci,is quoted in the piece saying “The issue of the ‘World at 7 billion’ entails concerns of poverty and inequality, women and girls, young people, reproductive health and rights, environment, aging and urbanization.”
SIERRA LEONE: New Vision on 4 November reported that the Administrative Manager for Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) disclosed to journalists that the UNFPA Country Representative, Md. Ratidzai Ndhlovu is most outstanding in the fight for women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone. Mr. Ahmed Saybon Kanu agreed with the UNFPA Rep. in her speech on the launch of the World Population Report for women’s protection and empowerment. On the issue of population growth in the world at seven billion, Mr. Kanu said population growth is critical for humanity adding that the population question is one of human equity and opportunity that is evaluated along sustainable development lines.
New Citizen on 3 November reported that the Administrative Manager of Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) has, on behalf of SSL, acclaimed the UNFPA through the Country Representative for being the leading financier of SSL.
Addressing journalists and a cross section of SSL staff at its headquarters on Tuesday 1 November, Mr. Ahmed Saybon Kanu re-echoed the speech of the UNFPA Country Representation during the launch of the World Population Report which among others underscored that the global population reached 7 billion on 31 October. According to Mr. Kanu, the pace of population growth is both a challenge and an opportunity for Sierra Leone to continue and even strengthen its free health care delivery service within the framework of the Agenda for Change with support from UNFPA and other development partners.
SWEDEN: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These included a joint Op-Ed Babatunde Osotimehin and Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Ms. Gunilla Carlsson, an interview with ED Babatunde Osotimehin, an interview with UNFPA demographer Ralph Hakkert, and an interview with Mr. Heimo Laakkonen of UNFPA. Information about the SWOP launch events was also published by local partners including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN Associations, who participated in organizing the launch events. Read, view and listen in Swedish: Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Dagens Nyheter; Svenska Dagbladet, Svenska Dagbladet, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Services, Svenska Dagbladet, Expressen, Sydsvenska Dagbladet, Aftonbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Service, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Sisuradio, Sveriges Radio Klartext, Sveriges Radio Studio Ett, Sveriges Radio P1-Morgon, Swedish National TV: SVT 1 Rapport, TV4 Nyheterna, Ministry for Foreign Affairs: SWOP launch, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Minister Carlsson’s speech, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Joint Op Ed Babatunde Osotimehin and Minister Carlsson, UNA-Sweden: SWOP launch, RFSU-Swedish Family Planning Association: SWOP launch
TAJIKISTAN: Avesta.Tj on 31 October reported that according to The State of World Population 2011 report, published by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, on 31 October the world population reached the 7 billion mark. Read in Russian: Avesta.Tj
Khovar on 31 October reported on the birth of the country’s 7 billion baby and quoted statistics from the State of World Population 2011 report. Read in Russian: Khovar
Asia Plus on 31 October published a quote by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin who said that achieving the seven billion population mark "may be considered a challenge, opportunity and a call for action." The article also used information for the SWOP 2011 report. Read in Russian: AsiaPlus
TIMOR-LESTE: Suara Timor Lorosae on 31 October announced the launch of the 2011 State of World Population Report and welcoming the 7 billionth baby in Timor-Leste at the Auditorium of the Dili National Hospital. The article also quoted the UNFPA ED in his message “The issue of population is a critical one for our humanity and for the earth. But let us be clear: it is not a matter of space. The population question is one of human equity and opportunity.”
The Dilli Weekly on 1 November covered the day of 7 billion as well as the launch of UNFPA’s State of World Population report. The story included a quote from UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin.
TUNISIA: Assabah, TAP Press Agency, MAP Press Agency, Binaa News Agency, Tunisie Numérique and Al Maghrib Al Siyasi, reported on 31 October, and 1 and 3 November that UNFPA launched the State of World Population 2011 report, entitled “People and possibilities in a world of 7 billion.” The articles provide an overview of the seven messages of the report, as well as global trends and population issues and mention the 7 Billion Campaign accompanying the launch of the report. Read in French: TAP, Tunisie Numérique Read in Arabic: Assabah
Hannibal TV, Nessma TV, Al Hiwar Al Tounisi and Télevion Nationale Tunisienne I broadcast on 2 November different statements quoted from the press conference organized in the United Nations Information Center in Tunis. The official presentation of the SWOP report was delivered by Assistant Representative of the UNFPA in Tunisia Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane. Dr. Joudane gave, in her opening speech, a summary presentation of the report components while emphasizing the potential of Tunisian youth. Watch in Arabic: TNT I, Nessma TV and Hannibal TV
Shems FM, Mosaique FM, Express FM, Radio Gafsa, RTCI and Radio Jeunes reported on 2 November the various interviews of Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane, Assistant Representative in Tunisia, who presented the SWOP report and the trends and population dynamics that define a world of 7 billion people advocating for additional investments in youth and increased participation of women and youth in all areas. She emphasized that reinforcing gender equality is essential to the world's future and that we cannot afford to lose the full potential of half the world’s population.
URUGUAY: Several media outlets reported on 31 October and 1 November that UNFPA presented, at the Pereira Rossell Hospital, the State of World Population 2011 analyzing population and demographic trends worldwide. Several media cited Fernando Filgueira, UNFPA’s assistant representative, on national demographic challenges including establishing mechanisms to ensure care services for dependant population groups (children 0-3, older people and people with disabilities) to unleash women’s participation in the workforce. In addition, the role of guaranteeing access to sexual and reproductive rights was reinforced. Read and watch more in Spanish: Canal 10, VTV (1), VTV (2), Oceano FM, Telégrafo
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD OF 7 BILLION
ALBANIA: Top Channel on 31 October published comments on the 7 billion by UNFPA Albania Assistant Representative Manuela Bello who was interviewd for Wake Up. Read in English: Top Channel
ARGENTINA: La Nación on 31 October published an interview with UNFPA Regional Director Marcela Suazo in which they talked about the magnitude and the challenges the new demographic trends imply. Read in Spanish: La Nación
BANGLADESH: The Daily Star on 31 October reported on the birth of the first (symbolic) Bangladeshi newborn.
The Independent on 2 November reported that on 29 October, a youth flash mob was organized to mark the birth of the 7 billionth child in celebration of UNFPA's 7 Billion Actions Campaign.
The Independent on 31 October published an article on the inauguration by UNFPA of 30 buses branded with"7 Billion Actions Campaign." Through this publicity, UNFPA hopes to raise awareness.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 31 October and 1 November about the population reaching 7 billion connecting it to the recently launched State of World Population 2011 report. In addition to print media, Mr. Faris Hadrovic, UNFPA Assistant Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, was interviewed by Al-Jazeera Balkans, TV Sarajevo, TV Liberty and Radio Slobodna Europe where he further explained the meaning of the population reaching 7 billion and issues covered in SoWP2011 focusing on the situation in the world and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Read in Bosnian: Sarajevo-x.com, SlobodnaEuropa.org, Vijesti.ba Watch in Bosnian: TV Liberty
BURKINA FASO: Sidwaya on 1 November pushed an interview with the UNFPA Representative for Burkina Faso Mamadou Kanté. This interview was an opportunity for the Representative of UNFPA/Burkina to highlight the importance of considering the implications and challenges of a growing population. He is quoted saying, "on October 31st, 2011, the world population is going to pass to 7 billion inhabitants. This event is very important. It is not only symbolic, but also it is the real success to see that there are 7 billion inhabitants on the ground, that most are healthy and lively longer. However, it is necessary to remember that these inhabitants face several challenges. That is why this celebration is going to give the opportunity to think about all of these questions at the world, regional and country level." Read in French: Sidwaya
Sidwaya on 2 November reported on the ceremony of the Day of 7 billions entitled "7 billion inhabitants on the earth. Challenges, but also opportunities." Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development Pr. Jean Kouldiaty, representing the Prime Minister, chaired the ceremony which took place on 31 October in Ouagadougou in the presence of the Minister of Economy and Finance, Minister of Health, the Representative of the UNFPA/Burkina and Mrs. Secretary Permanent of the National Council of the Population. At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Mamadou Kanté, Representative of the UNFPA/Burkina supported in his interview that "The proportion of the population exposed to the maternal mortality, to the food insecurity, to the scarcities of waters, to the disasters resultant of the climatic phenomena increases faster than previously " and also that, "At the world level, we live longer and in better health.” Read in French: Sidwaya
L’Observateur Paalga on 3 November reported on the ceremony of the Day of 7 billion under the title "7 billion people, So many problems." The article announced the end of the campaign of "A world of 7 billions" which launched on 11 July at the World Population Day celebration. The ceremony of “the Day of 7 billions “ was held on 31 October in Ouagadougou. Dr. Mamadou Kanté, Representative of the UNFPA/Burkina in his interview said that the world grew rich and the world population is less poor and more educated and in better health today. However enormous disparities persist and redoubtable challenges are to be raised to ensure a better quality of life for women and people in the future. Read in French: L’Observateru Paalga
CAMBODIA: Bayon News Television and Women’s Media Centre Radio reported on 2 November and 4 November that young people from different universities, NGOs and social networks gathered in Sihanoukvill province to mark the world at 7 billion people. It is an auspicious moment in human history as the population reaches 7 billion by 31 October. Mr. May Tum, assistant representative for UNFPA emphasized at the event that the range of population issues that countries have to deal with in the 21st century is much wider than it was 50 years ago – not only population growth, but also ageing, rapid urbanization and migration. A world of seven billion has implications for sustainability, access to health services and youth empowerment.
National Radio of Kampuchea reported on 2 November that the world population reaches 7 billion by the end of October 2011. Mr. Tum May, Assistant Representative of the UN Population Fund, UNFPA said that on 31 October 2011, the world population hit 7 billion and population issues now are different from 50 years ago. He added that population growth brings achievements and challenges that have implications to everyone. “Today is a moment, a milestone of human history that allows us to see achievements and opportunities as population growth affect everyone living in this planet. In addition, it is a chance to call for actions from everybody and inspire increased global commitment to contribute towards the improved well-being and sustainability of a world with 7 billion people,” said Mr. May Tum.
CAMEROON: Journal du Cameroun published on 3 November, an interview with Alain Sibenaler, UNFPA representative. Mr. Sibenaler emphasized the importance of the role of youth -representing 90% of developing countries' population- in taking up the challenges of the world at 7 billion. Read in French: Journal du Cameroun
Ariane Television on 1 November invited UNFPA Representative Alain Sibenaler as a special guest on its midday programme to talk about the challenges and opportunities of a world at 7billion and its implications for Cameroon. Mr. Sibenaler also talked about UNFPA efforts contributing to maternal mortality reduction and youth unemployment in the country.
CAPE VERDE: TCV, A Nacao, Inforpress, Expresso das ilhas, and SA Com Agencias on 31 October reported on an event celebrating the symbolic birth of the 7 billion baby in Praia at the Central Hospital. The event was a joint project of UNFPA, the Ministry of Health and the Journalist Network. The President of the Republic, His Excellence Jorge Carlos Fonseca, was associated with this initiative which calls attention to the responsibility of every individual to collaborate for a better world for this new generation.
Present were Mrs. Cristina Fontes from the Ministry of Health , the UNFPA Representative and UN Coordinator, Mrs. Petra Lantz, the Director of the Hospital Mrs. Ricardina Andrade and the Director of Maternity, Dr. Fatima Sapinho.
COLOMBIA: El Tiempo and El Espectador reported the arrival of the 7 billionth inhabitant Danica, the Philippine baby, on 31 October. "The world and its 7billion people are a complex set of trends and paradoxes", but population growth is part of the "essential truths worldwide," said the representative of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) in the Philippines, Ugochi Daniels. Read in Spanish: El Tiempo, El Espectador and El Espectador
COMOROS: Albalad on 1 November reported on the globally anticipated birth of the 7 billionth human. UN agencies, notably the United Nations Population Fund, planned a number of events around the symbolic birth. In Comoros, a gift was given to the mothers of infants born on the celebrated date.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): The journal de Brazza published on 4 November UNFPA Representative David Lawson's op-ed entitled: "Addressing the challenges of hunger and Poverty in a World at 7 Billion." David Lawson outlines that demographic growth will present unprecedented challenges to mankind. Bearing current massive changes affecting the world, through global and Congo lenses, he focuses on the need to address hunger through massive agricultural investments and poverty through economic growth and massive social investments, including in reproductive health. Read in French: The journal de Brazza
DRTV, MN TV, Top TV, Canal Benedictions and Radio-Congo on 31 October broadcast UNFPA Representative David Lawson’s address to the Congolese population on the occasion of the world reaching the 7 billion people's milestone on 31 October, and its implications for Congo and its populations. In a sober and short address, delivered from UNFPA Representation in Brazzaville, David Lawson drew a portrait of the world today and outlined the urgent actions, responsibilities and solidarities needed to protect its 7 billion inhabitants, and future generations: environment protection, planned urbanization, economic and agriculture growth, youth employment and social policies.
Les Depeches de Brazzaville published on 31 October an exclusive interview of UNFPA Representative David Lawson on the implications for the world and Congo of a world at 7 billion people. Mr. Lawson focused on the linkages between economic and demographic growth and concluded that responsibility, solidarity and action were what would define the world's and Congo's future. He said, "Individual and collective responsibility; solidarity, among rich and poor, women and men, young and older, valid and disabled, and among State and non State actors at the international level; and action by Governments and their 7 billion people can prepare a better world for all." Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Journal de Brazza published an op-ed by UNFPA Representative David Lawson entitled: "Shaping a Better World for All" whereby he outlines some of the key challenges and opportunities confronted by world leaders today and the need for them to act now: youth, ageing, urbanization, economic growth, food and agriculture, development financing and aid. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Journal de Brazza
Tele-Congo broadcast on 31 October a television debate on population ageing, in the context of the world at 7 billion. Invited along with two population ageing experts, UNFPA Rep. David Lawson underlined the challenges and opportunities of an ageing world. He stressed the need for Congo to define a specific ageing population plan, referred to his positive discussion with Senate President on a national law protecting the rights of older persons, the need for social protection and pensions and to integrate ageing in plans for the future.
DPR of KOREA: Pyongyang Times and Korean Central News Agency reported on 1 and 5 November on the day of 7 billion. A number of events were held at Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang. A UNFPA representative was present at the events. Speakers talked about the importance of the 7 Billion Actions Campaign and the SWOP report was presented.
ETHIOPIA: Afro FM 105.3 reported on 31 October on the birth of Ethiopia's 7 billionth baby. "UNFPA Ethiopia country representative Benoit Kalasa (PhD) says the whole purpose of the 7 billion campaign and the recognition of the baby is to encourage people and governments do their best to provide the 7th billion and other babies proper education, health and social services, among others." Read in English: Afro FM 105.3
FINLAND: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. Read, view and listen in Finnish: Helsingin Sanomat, Helsingin Sanomat, Maailma, Hufvudstadsbladet, YLE, Finnish Broadcasting Services, MTV3, Nelonen
GABON: L'Union, Gabon-Matin and Africa No 1 reported on 2 November on the end of the 7 billion Campaign led by UNFPA in Gabon. The Campaign, started on 14 July and punctuated by various social, fun and educational activities, ended on 31 October when the world reached the 7 billion milestone, with a ceremony under the auspices of Health Vice-Minister Nziengui Mihindou and UNDP/UNDPA Representative Hadj Hammou. In presence of youth organizations and UN Representatives, it was recalled that youth (60% in Gabon) was at the forefront of the future of this world and they should be provided the means to be productive. A baby girl named Destinee was the first Gabonese baby born on 31 October.
GEORGIA: Interpressnews reported that on 31 October, in the framework of the 7 billion actions campaign, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) initiated a youth conference. The conference “World of 7 Billion - Vision of Youth” was hosted by the Youth International Relations Department at Tbilisi Youth Palace and was dedicated to the world population of 7 billion.
It has already been a decade that the youth conferences have been held in partnership with the Youth International Relations Department at Tbilisi Youth Palace through the financial support of the UNFPA Georgia Office. The topics of the conference papers, prepared by young people vary every year to reflect the real life issues and concerns for the whole world and particularly for Georgia. This year the topics of the conference reflected the issues related to a world of 7 billion, such as: poverty and population, the reproductive health & rights of women and girls, ageing, urban growth, environment, reproductive health of young people and ecology. “United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is marking this milestone worldwide. The role of young people is of paramount significance in the world of 7 billion, which is full of challenges and opportunities and require immediate actions. The vision and actions of youth will determine future population trends,” said Ms. Tamar Khomasuridze, Assistant Representative, UNFPA/Georgia. Read in English: Interpressnews
Radio Tavisufleba (Radio Liberty) conducted on 31 October an interview with UNFPA Georgia Assistant Representative, Tamar Khomasuridze, Mr. Paata Shavishvili, Head of the Population Census and Demography Division of Geostat and the demographer Gia Suladze marking the day of seven billion. Listen in Georgian: Radio Tavisufleba Read in Georgian: Radio Tavisufleba
GUATEMALA: Nuestro Diario, Siglo 21, Prensa Libre, La Hora y CERIGUA, reported from 31 October to 7 November that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), joined by national authorities, celebrated the arrival of the 7 billionth human in a visit to Roosevelt National Hospital, where they met the Guatemalan "7 billion baby" Madisson Alessandra, who was born on 31 October. Mrs. Leonor Calderon Artieda, the UNFPA Guatemala Representative called for national policy to guarantee rights to all people. Read in Spanish: Nuestro Diario, Siglo21, Prensa Libre La Hora
GUYANA: The Guyana Chronicle on 1 November reported that UNFPA honoured the first six babies born at Georgetown Public Hospital. Assistant Representative for UNFPA Patrice La Fleur announced the launch of the SWOP report in the article and said that UNFPA pledges to work with the Health Ministry to help give the upcoming generation the lives they deserve. Read in English: Guyana Chronicle
INDONESIA: The Jakarta Globe published on 31 October a picture of the UNFPA Indonesia campaign to mark the World at 7 Billion held on Sunday, 30 October on the occasion of the Car Free Day. Similar pictures about the event were published on national newspaper Kompas daily and Antarfoto.co.id. Read in Indonesian: ANTARA and ANTARA
Kompas newspaper published on 31 October an op-ed piece written by a leading Indonesian demographer Mrs. Sri Moertiningsih Adioetomo about the World at 7 Billion and the opportunities it brings economically if the government issues the right policy. She explained that when the country’s economic growth reaches 8 percent it is a big opportunity that we should grab. Indonesian demographic transition in which fertility and mortality rates are relatively low– offers a ‘bonus’ to maximize the economic growth.
The article also highlighted 7 themes in relation to the world at 7 billion that Indonesia also has to consider, which include: reducing poverty and equality can slow population growth, unleashing the power of women and girls can accelerate progress, being energetic and open to new technologies, young people can transform the global politics and culture, ensuring that every child is wanted, and every childbirth is safe can lead to smaller and stronger families, each of us depends on a healthy planet, so we must all help to protect the environment, promoting the health and productivity of older people can mitigate the challenge and anticipating the fact that the next 2 billion people will live in cities.
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN: Islamic Republic News Agency reported on 1 November on the day of 7 billion and quoted UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin that, “We must ensure that, in areas of the world where population is growing fast, we raise the status of women and young girls to be able to access education and make choices for themselves.”
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: KPL News on 2 November reported that on 31 October, the world's seven billionth human being will be born and she/he could be born in the Lao PDR, according to the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA. In Lao PDR, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are organizing an activity to mark the Day of Seven Billion. MPI and MoH Vice Ministers gave a remark and offered welcome gift baskets with health information and a birth certificate to the mothers and the babies born on this important date at the Mahosot Hospital to symbolically represent the 7 Billionth person in the world.
Vientiane Times on 1 November reported that experts have encouraged the Lao government to reduce social and economic inequities and find ways to ensure the well-being of the country's citizens by establishing strong policies regarding population issues. Lao and overseas experts delivered the message yesterday at a ceremony held at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane to mark the day the global population is estimated to have reached 7 billion people. Read in English: Vientiane Times
Xinhua on 31 October and Siam Daily News on 1 November reported that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) collaborated with the Lao government to celebrate the Day of Seven Billion on Monday by offering gifts to mothers and babies born at Mahosot Hospital in Laos' capital of Vientiane on the important date. Read in English: Xinhua and Siam Daily News
Vientiane Times on 31 October published an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin on the Day of 7 Billion.
LEBANON: Al Sharq el Awsat reported on 5 November on the birth of the Lebanese 7 Billion Baby. The article was entitled “World Population Reached 7 billion…Lebanon Welcomes the Event with an Awareness Campaign.” The article describes UNFPA Lebanon’s hospital-based initiative and features a picture of 5 newborn babies from Saida. The article starts by describing UNFPA’s welcome packages distributed to newborns and their mothers in 17 public hospitals throughout the country. The article goes on by extensively elaborating on the 7 themes of the campaign. It provides analysis and UNFPA statistics on Lebanon for each of these subjects. Read in Arabic: Al Sharq El Awsat
Al Moustaqbal published an article on 2 November on the World at 7 Billion Campaign. The article is part of the partnership UNFPA Lebanon is implementing with the media to draw attention to the significance of the event and to increase understanding of the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by this population milestone. Entitled “Lebanon in world of 7 billion,” the article is an op-ed by Dr. Adnan Mroueh, former Minister of Public Health. It addresses a number of themes, namely poverty, women, youth and population ageing from policy-level perspectives. This article follows an earlier one published in October tackling population growth from the global perspective. Read in Arabic: Al Moustaqbal
An Nahar published special corners on 31 October, 1 November and 2 November. These corners are part of the media-UNFPA Lebanon partnership to increase understanding of the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by a world population of 7 billion. The 31 October piece featured a caricatured and four articles addressing fertility and population dynamics, a portrait of the 6 Billion child, an overview of population theories and women and reproduction. The 1 November piece included four articles on specific themes of the campaign including the Lebanese 7 Billion baby, consumption and environmental pollution, and environmental sustainability. The 2 November piece was dedicated to Lebanon’s “suburbs” with three distinct articles addressing population trends and challenges in the Palestinian Camps, the Armenian suburb (Bourj Hammoud) and Beirut’s Southern Suburb (Dahieh). All articles include analysis by renowned national experts and national statistics. Read in Arabic: 31 October Corner Introduction, Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4, Caricature; 1 November Corner: Introduction, Article 1, Article 2, Article 3; 2 November Corner: Article 1, Article 2, Article 3
The Daily Star reported on 1 November on the birth of the Lebanese 7 Billion Baby. The article describes UNFPA Lebanon’s hospital-based initiative and features a picture of 7 newborn babies from Saida as well as quotes from a midwife and a mother. It mentions UNFPA’s welcome packages distributed to newborns and their mothers - including promotional 7B material as well as informative pamphlets providing guidance on neonatal, family planning and sexual and reproductive health. In addition, a birth certificate was given to the newborn pledging his/her commitment to the 7 key messages worded in a baby-friendly way. The article ends by addressing the challenges of a world of 7 Billion and quoting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Read in English: The Daily Star
Multiple media outlets reported on 1 November on the birth of the 7 billionth baby, from a global perspective. Relying on international news agencies, the articles featured pictures of the global 7B baby and addressed the importance of the milestone. The nationality of the iconic baby varied between Filipino, Turkish, Yemeni and Russian. Read in Arabic: Al Sharq El Awsat, An Nahar, An Nahar 2, An Nahar 3, As Safir, Al Balad, Al Joumhouriya, Now Lebanon, El Nashra, Naharnet 1, Naharnet 2
Lorient Le Jour reported on 1 November on the birth of the 7 billionth baby, from a global perspective. Relying on international news agencies, the articles featured pictures of the global 7B baby and addressed the importance of the milestone using UNFPA messages. Read in French: Lorient Le Jour
Lorient le jour reported on November 1 on the world of 7 billion. The report consists of a 3-minute vox pop video in the streets of Beirut, whereby people express their understanding and fears towards the population milestone: food security, health, environment and water scarcity come up as the most cited challenges. The descriptive caption of the video mentions UNFPA’s campaign and quotes UNFPA Executive Director. Watch in French/Arabic: Lorient Le Jour
Noursat reported on 31 October on the initiative UNFPA is conducting to welcome newborns on the day of 7 Billion. This event aims to highlight the symbolic importance of the day of 7 Billion and is carried out jointly with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health and the Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 17 public hospitals throughout the Lebanese regions. On that day, midwives will be distributing welcome packages to newborns and their mothers. The package includes promotional material centred around the 7 billion logo and messages as well as informative pamphlets providing guidance on neonatal, family planning and sexual and reproductive health. The media was invited to cover the event. Read in Arabic: Nour Sat
As Safir published an opinion on 31 October on the 7 Billion milestone. The article adopts a global approach to the population milestone and describes UNFPA’s campaign and its main themes. The article provides global statistics illustrating population trends. Read in Arabic: As Safir
The Daily Star reported on 31 October on the 7 billion Campaign. The article adopts a global approach and describes UNFPA’s campaign and its main themes. The article provides global statistics illustrating population trends, quotes the UN Secretary-General and UNFPA Executive Director and mentions the 2011 Sate of World Population Report. Read in English: Daily Star
Al Balad reported on 31 October about UNFA’s 7 Billion Campaign. This one-page article described the campaign led by UNFPA. Based on UNFPA sources, the article shed light on the challenges facing Lebanon and provided national data. Particular emphasis was given to population ageing. The article also mentioned the UNFPA’s joint initiative with the Ministry of Public Health and the Lebanese Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology consisting of welcoming newborns in 18 Lebanese hospitals on the day of 7 Billion. Read in Arabic: Al Balad
Several Arabic-speaking newspapers on 31 October reserved their daily caricature for the 7 Billion milestone. All caricatures focused on the pressure such population increase is exerting on the globe. See in Arabic: An Nahar, Al Sharq El Awsat, Al Mustaqbal
Multiple media outlets reported between 31 October and 1 November on the birth of Lebanon’s 7 billion baby. Future TV, Future News TV, MTV and NBN reported 31 October on the birth of the Lebanese 7 Billionth Baby. The reports, between 2 to 3 minutes in length, were screened during primetime and focused on UNFPA’s campaign. Al Akhbar kicked off their article by reporting on UNFPA Lebanon’s hospital-based initiative organized jointly by UNFPA with the Ministry of Public Health and the Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The piece then extensively addresses the need for new population policy and provides a historical overview of the governmental position on the issues. Al Mustaqbaland and Saida Online described UNFPA’s campaign and the symbolic initiative in the hospitals, notably the distribution of packages to newborns and their mothers - including the babies’ 7 resolutions for addressing the challenges of a world of 7 billion, as well as informative SRH pamphlets. As Safir quotes UNFPA Lebanon’s Assistant Representative and provides evidence based in-depth analysis of societal trends and changes in fertility trends in Lebanon, as well as the resulting implications on the national level. Read in Arabic: Al Akhbar, Middle East Panorama, Al Mustaqbal, Saida Online, As Safir
Sawt el Mada, Future TV, OTV and Tele Lumiere covered the 7 Billion Campaign on 31 October. The shows addressed UNFPA’s campaign and its main themes. National experts were brought on to provide analysis to national statistics and data. The shows also mentioned the UNFPA’s joint initiative with the ministry of Public Health consisting of welcoming newborns in 18 Lebanese hospitals on the day of 7 Billion.
LIBERIA: The Informer and the Public Agenda both reported on 31 October that the world’s population has reached 7 billion. Read in English: The Informer and Public Agenda
MALDIVES: Fuvahmulah on 2 November reported that “Maldives Cricket became a part of the UNFPA Maldives “7 billion meehun” campaign on the opening the day of the SARC Twenty20 Cup cricket tournament held in Fuvahmulah on 1 October 2011. Thirty-one youth and children accompanied the Sri Lankan and Nepalese team as they lined up for the opening of the exciting Group 2 match of the tournament. The Global “7 billion actions” campaign run by UNFPA aims to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of a 7 billion population. In Maldives the UNFPA is conducting several activities to mark the event in collaboration with government agencies, NGOs and other institutions.” Read in English: Fuvahmulah
MALAWI: The Nation on 6 November reported that that Mayamiko Kachipande, the mother of Malawi’s seven billionth baby, is not yet done with motherhood. Her ambition is to have two more.
UNFPA says controlling the global as well as Malawi’s fertility rate is one of the challenges that have to be reflected as the world surpassed the seven billion population mark. UNFPA Malawi Deputy Representative Gift Malunga observed that while women on average are having fewer children than they used to have in the 1960s, the population continues to rise with Malawi’s population growth standing at 2.8 percent.
“High fertility rates continue to hamper development and perpetuate poverty. We really need to look at ways of reducing the fertility rate if we have to effectively reduce inequities and improve the living standards for our people as well as for generations to follow,” she said. Malunga said the seven billion population presents a challenge, an opportunity and a call to action. One action is to ensure that women are allowed to have fewer children than their mothers and grandmothers did. Read in English: The Nation
The Daily Times reported on 1 November that UNFPA Malawi joined the world in commemorating the 7 billion milestone on 31 October in Mangochi where one of seven babies born after midnight on 31 October at Mangochi District Hospital was identified as the world's 7 billionth baby in Malawi. The baby boy born to Mayamiko Kachipande at 3 a.m. has added to the population of Mangochi district, which currently stands at 881,085 with a growth rate of 3.7 percent, according to the District Commissioner Thomas Chirwa.
Commemorated under the theme '7 billion People, counting on each other', UNFPA Deputy Representative Gift Malunga said the 7 billion mark was a reminder to governments and partners to accelerate education for girls which would result in improved maternal and child health but also an increase in women accessing family planning and reduction in early marriages. She said government and its partners would then have to work hard to provide access to family planning methods and strengthen health care systems. Read in English: The Daily Times
The Nation reported on 1 November that Malawi and UNFPA joined the world in unveiling its seven billionth baby. The unveiling of the baby in Mangochi marked the day when the world reached the 7 billion mark. UNFPA Deputy Country Representative Gift Malunga said with the population boom, the country has seen a rising number of young mothers a situation that has also brought about an increase in obstetric fistula among women. She said UNFPA has put much effort in dealing with maternal problems, including the high maternal mortality. Read in English: The Nation
African Press Agency reported on 31 October that UNFPA in Malawi joined the international community in commemorating the day of 7 billion, a day when the world population has reached a milestone. UNFPA Malawi Deputy Representative Gift Malunga said the issue of population was critical for humanity to address. "Population is not a matter of space but is a question of equitable access to resources, opportunity from the questions we continuously confront from young people and social justice,” she said.
The Malawi government should fully integrate youths in all their development programmes since they form the largest bulk of the country’s population she said. Malawi also celebrated the day with a child born on 31 October at Mangochi District Hospital. Read in English: African Press Agency
MALI: L’independant on 31 October reported that UNFPA-Mali organized several activities to mark the passage of the world population to 7 billion people. The major activity was teaching a model lesson on world population in all high schools in the capital Bamako on 31 October.
UNFPA Representative Makane Kane and the Minister of Education of Mali, followed the lesson model in two high schools. Mr. Kane took the opportunity to submit to Minister Salikou Sanogo 5,000 custom specifications published by UNFPA and carrying the messages of the campaign, to be distributed in high schools in the capital.
MONGOLIA: Numerous media outlets reported on the day of 7 billion. Mongolian National Broadcaster and Education TV broadcast the story. “MM Today” interviewed UNFPA Representative Ms. Argentina Matavel Piccin. MONTSAME News Agency published an interview on the 7B. 7B banners were installed along main streets. Read in Mongolian: MONTSAME
MOZAMBIQUE: Noticias reported on 1 November, that according to professor Ramos Munahoma, poverty eradication is a long-term challenge. The paper says that Prof. Munahoma made the statement during a public lecture jointly organized by the Universty and the National Syndicate of Journalists, with UNFPA support. The theme of the lecture was poverty and social inequities, and was part of the activity planned to celebrate a world of seven billion.
MYANMAR: The New Light of Myanmar on 31 October reported on UNFPA’s 7 billion commemoration activities.
NORWAY: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These stories included quotes from UNFPA Exexutive Director Babatunde Osotimehin and Rep. Mr. Rune Fröseth and citings of UNFPA data. Read, view and listen in Norwegian: Bistandsaktuelt, Adressa.no, Pd.no, Hadeland, Arbeits rett, Vestby avis,Ringblad.no, Namdalsavisen, Hordaland, Demokraten, FVN.no, Smp.no, Agder posten,Tidens Krav ,Glåm dalen, Dagsavisen, Dagbladet, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, TV2 News, Dagsavisen, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, Dagsavisen, Hegnar online]; Dagbladet; TV2 News; NRK Norwegian national TV; NRK, Dagsavisen/TV daily news.
PARAGUAY: ABC reported on 2 November that Fidelis Zama Chi, UNFPA Representative in Kenya, said it is clear that the environment is the home for mankind and that this connection could not be ignored. It was in commemoration of the day when we reached the figure of 7 billion people in the world. Read in Spanish: ABC, edición impresa.
Ultima Hora reported on 2 November that on the day when the population reached 7 billion inhabitants, UNFPA warned of the need to increase food production to meet current needs. Read in Spanish: Última Hora, edición impresa.
ABC on 1 November reported that UNFPA has yesterday urged the international community to redouble efforts to improve the world before the arrival of 7 billion inhabitants. The publication summarizes the statements of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Read in Spanish: ABC, edición impresa.
Ultima Hora on 1 November reported that the world has 7 billion people and from the Philippines to Russia several countries claimed the birth symbolically illustrates the challenges the world with population growth. UNFPA data was cited. Read in Spanish: Última Hora, edición impresa.
Ultima Hora on 1 November reported that UNFPA and PNUMA issued a warning on the devastating effect that the strong growth of world population, which statistically has reached 7 billion people, could have on the environment if not turned into a sustainable economy. Red in Spanish: Última Hora, edición digital.
ABC Colour on 31 October reported that the BBC published on its website in Spanish international an application that allows readers to figure out what your number is not only among the more than seven billion people on planet Earth has, but all who have lived since the beginning of history. It is calculated using data from the UNFPA. Read in Spanish: ABC Colour digital.
ABC Colour and Última Hora reported on 31 October that the world population achieved 7 billion inhabitants. It published the opinions of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon on this topic and quote UNFPA data. Read in Spanish: Diario ABC Colour, edición impresa and Diario Última Hora, edición impresa.
PHILIPPINES: The Inquirer on 1 November reported that five minutes before midnight Sunday, the Philippines welcomed tiny Danica May as the world’s symbolic “seven billionth” baby. Other countries across the globe marked similar milestones with their own newborn infants. Amid the millions of births and deaths around the world each day, it is impossible to pinpoint the arrival of the globe’s seven billionth occupant. But the UN chose Monday to mark the day with a string of festivities worldwide. The Philippines was one of the first countries to declare a seven billionth baby—represented by Danica. According to the UNFPA State of the World Population Report, the Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world, with 94.9 million people. Read in English: The Inquirer
The Philippine Star reported on 1 November that the Philippines welcomed shortly after midnight Sunday the symbolic seven billionth baby – a girl born at the government-run Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Medical Center in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Danica May Galura, the second child of common-law couple Camille Galura and Florante Camacho, weighed 5.5 pounds at birth.The parents and the baby were met by United Nations officials in the Philippines including UN Population Fund Country Representative Ugochi Daniels, who presented the child with a cake. There were also gifts from local benefactors, including a scholarship grant and a livelihood package to enable the parents to open a small retail store. Also on hand to witness the event was 12-year-old Lorrize Mae Guevarra, who the Philippines declared as its own symbolic six billionth baby in 1999 when the world reached that demographic landmark. Read in English: The Philippine Star
The Inquirer on 1 November reported that Asia welcomed the world’s first symbolic “seven billionth” baby on Monday, but celebrations were tempered by worries over the strain that humanity’s population explosion is putting on a fragile planet. The United Nations says that by its best estimates the seven billionth baby will be born somewhere on Oct. 31, and countries around the world have planned events surrounding the demographic milestone. The Philippines was one of the first countries to declare a seven billionth baby, a little girl called Danica May Camacho. Read in English: The Inquirer
The Philippine Star reported on 2 November that the United Nations has called on world leaders to meet the challenges that a growing population poses, from ensuring adequate food and clean water to guaranteeing equal access to security and justice after the world population reached 7 billion recently. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) cited some of the challenges in an expanding global community that include promoting the rights and health of 7 billion women, men and children. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said the DOH and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) just created media hype to give an impression that the world is already overpopulated in a bid to push for the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. Read in English: The Philippine Star
PHILIPPINES/AUSTRALIA: The Herald Sun reported on 31 October that the Philippines welcomed one of the world's symbolic "seven billionth" babies today, after she arrived to a celebratory cheer at a packed government-run hospital. Weighing 2.5 kilos (5.5 pounds), Danica May Camacho was delivered just before midnight amid an explosion of media flash bulbs in the delivery room at Manila's Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. According to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) State of the World Population Report, the Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world with 94.9 million people. Read in English: The Herald Sun
PHILIPPINES/INDIA: Daily Bhaaskar reported on 31 October that one of world’s seven billionth baby was born to a couple in Manila, Philippines today. Baby Danica May Camacho was reportedly delivered just before midnight on Sunday. As the world readied to welcome its seventh billion inhabitant, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for "unity of purpose" among people across nations to address problems of climate change, economic crisis and inequality. The world is "under threat from climate change, economic crisis, joblessness, inequality and intolerance. Around the world, too many people live in fear. Too many people believe their governments and the global economy can no longer deliver for them," he said. Read in English: Daily Bhaaskar
PHILIPPINES/THAILAND: The Nation reported on 31 October that the Philippines on Monday claimed a newborn as the world's symbolic 7 billionth person, as the country struggles to contain its runaway population growth. The 2.5-kilogram baby girl named Danica was born two minutes before midnight Sunday in a state-run maternity hospital in Manila. Health Secretary Enrique Ona and United Nations Population Fund country representative Ugochi Daniels led well-wishers in welcoming Danica at the Jose Fabella Memorial Medical Center. "We just welcomed the 7 billionth human being," Ona said. The birth was a reminder of the right of every person born in the Philippines and elsewhere to have "all the opportunities" to fulfill their potential, he said. Read in English: The Nation
PHILIPPINES/KENYA: Capital FM News reported on 31 October that Asia welcomed the world’s first symbolic “seven billionth” baby on Monday, but celebrations were tempered by worries over the strain that humanity’s population explosion is putting on a fragile planet. The United Nations says that by its best estimates the seven billionth baby will be born somewhere on October 31, and countries around the world have planned events surrounding the demographic milestone. The Philippines was the first country to declare a seven billionth baby, in the form of a little girl called Danica May Camacho. Read in English: Capital FM News
PHILIPPINES/UNITED KINGDOM: The International Business Times reported on 31 October that the day has arrived. On Monday, the global population should reach seven billion people, according to the calculations of the U.N. Population Fund. Though the U.N. made the announcement, it could not pinpoint exactly where the child will be born. According to media reports, both India and the Philippines have welcomed what they claim is the world's seven billionth person. The Philippines have also reported a seven billionth child. The country welcomed Danica May Camacho, who was delivered just before midnight on Sunday, at Manila's Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. Read in English: International Business Times
PHILIPPINES/KUWAIT: The Kuwait News Agency reported on 31 October that the world's seven billionth inhabitant was born late last night at a local hospital in Manila, the Philippines' Department of Health announced on Monday. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of the World Population Report, Philippines' has a population of 94.9 million. The (UNFPA) has announced last week that it will begin countdown and count-up of births and deaths for around seven days starting October 24 until the early hours of October 31 to unveil the world's seven billionth person. Read in English: Kuwait News Agency
PHILIPPINES/JAMAICA: The Gleaner reported on 31 October that the Philippines has welcomed one of the world's symbolic 'seven billionth' baby, after she arrived to a celebratory cheer at a packed government-run hospital. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative Ugochi Daniels said while the Philippine population remains young, with people under 25 making up 54 per cent of the total, they needed to be taught proper life skills and about sexual issues. Daniels said while women were having fewer children globally, the over-all population continued to go up. Read in English: The Gleaner
PHILIPPINES/UNITED STATES: CBS News on 31 October reported that countries around the world marked the world's population reaching 7 billion Monday with lavish ceremonies for newborn infants symbolizing the milestone and warnings that there may be too many humans for the planet's resources. The celebrations began in the Philippines, where baby Danica May Camacho was greeted with cheers and an explosion of photographers' flashbulbs at Manila's Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. She arrived two minutes before midnight Sunday, but doctors say that was close enough to count for a Monday birthday. Read in English: CBS News
PHILIPPINES/UNITED STATES: The Christian Science Monitor reported on 31 October that the world welcomed its 7 billionth inhabitant today when tiny Danica May Camacho made her appearance in a Manila, Philippines, hospital to great fanfare. India also greeted its version of the 7 billionth person on earth: a girl named Nargis, born in the state of Uttar Pradesh. That these two symbols of a major population milestone were girls is only a coincidence, but it is also a reminder that central to global progress in stabilizing population growth has been the empowerment of women and greater gender parity. Given greater opportunities and rights, women make decisions that slow population growth, and this impact is being seen worldwide, says Babatunde Osotimehin, the executive director of the United Nations Population Fund. Read in English: Christian Science Monitor
PHILIPPINES/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Gulf Today reported on 1 November that the Philippines ranked 12th as the world’s most populous nation with close to 95 million Filipinos, most of them young at age 25, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). Significantly, the Philippines also contributed symbolically to the birth of the world’s seven billionth human shortly after midnight on Oct.31, said UNFPA and local officials. Officials identified the infant as Danica Camacho who was born at 5.5 pounds at the crowded government-run Jose Fabella Memorial Medical Center in Manila about 40 kilometres away from their residence in Antipolo City, Rizal province in Southern Luzon. Read in English: Gulf Today
SIERRA LEONE: Concord Times on 3 November reported that the First Lady, Mrs. Sia Koroma celebrated with mothers of babies born on 31 October marking the day the world population reached seven billion. She congratulated mothers who gave birth on 31 October on their successful delivery and urged them to join family planning programmes and plan for their future pregnancies. As she presented gifts to the newly born babies, Mrs. Koroma said that now is the time for women to come forward and take the lead as they need to be strong in whatever they do.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji F.B.L. Mansaray thanked the UN agencies in the country for their assistance to Sierra Leone. He stated that the celebration is a contribution to the global growth of population and that we must be prepared for the threat of population growth in the country. The Minister said that as a result of population growth, the UNFPA should organise debates on demographic dynamics on the ICPD agenda so that the needs and rights of people are protected.
New Vision reported on 1 November that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, on 31 October celebrated the World at 7 Billion with the theme: People and Possibilities in a world at 7 billion, at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown.
Launching the event to mark the world at 7 Billion on 31 October, Alhaji F.B.L. Mansaray, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development said in many parts of developing world where population growth is out pacing economic growth, there is need for promotion of reproductive health services, especially family planning. He called on stakeholders and development partners to do everything in their power to reduce the growing increase in population, noting that government recognises the role played by UNFPA in promoting reproductive health, maternal health, family planning, to name but a few.
The UNFPA Country Representative said that the World at 7 Billion is both a challenge and an opportunity. She stated among other things that globally, people are living longer healthier lives and choosing to have smaller families, but reducing inequalities and finding ways to ensure the well-being of people requires new ways of thinking and unprecedented global corporation.
Other speakers included the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation and the First Lady of Sierra Leone Md. Sia Koroma who presented gifts and baby packs to the 7 billion babies.
SOUTH AFRICA: Multiple media outlets on 31 October and 1 November covered the birth of South Africa’s seven billion baby. UNFPA Representative Mark Schreiner stressed the issue of equity. “Let us be clear, it is not a matter of space. The population question is one of equity, opportunity and social justice for all,” he said. Read in English: The Star, IOL Lifestyle, Times Live, SABC, and Sowetan
Otago Daily Times on 31 October published an editorial on the day of 7 billion. The piece quotes from the 2011 SWOP report. Read in English: Otago Daily Times
SWAZILAND: The Swazi Observer on 31 October published the op-ed of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin where the Director called for UNFPA and the wider United Nations to take steps to ensure that youth populations are healthy and have access to education, including sexuality education, so they may understand how to protect themselves from HIV and have the knowledge to make informed decisions. Read in English: Swazi Observer
The Swazi Observer reported on 31 October that UNFPA facilitated the 2011 National Poster Contest where young people were challenged to develop positive images under the “World at 7 Billion.” Speaking at the awarding ceremony, UNFPA Representative Dr. Hassan Mohtashami posed a challenge to teachers to impart essential information about life to pupils. He said teachers knew how to teach so they should play the role of ensuring that children were taught about essential elements of life. He noted that sometimes it was difficult for parents to convey certain messages to their children. Read in English: Swazi Observer
The Times of Swaziland on 1 November published an article on the impact of the 7 billion. "A United Nations expert warns that the neglect of population dynamics would be detrimental to those nations including Swazi-land. The Technical Adviser on Population and Economic Development at the United Nations Population Fund, Michael Herrmann says such countries need to urgently address the challenges of high fertility and formulate policies on population." Read in English: Times of Swaziland
The Times of Swaziland on 1 November published an article on the world population reaching 7 billion. UNFPA Representative Dr. Hassan Mohtashami stated that it is also up to the policymakers of the country to make laws and allocate funds to protect women and mothers. He pointed out that the government currently has an opportunity to change the circumstances for women. Read in English: Times of Swaziland
The Swazi Observer published on 1 November an article on the world population reaching 7 billion. UNFPA Representative Dr. Hassan Mohtashami said the campaign was aimed at having all stakeholders appreciate the need to address population issues on a daily basis. Read in English: Swazi Observer
SWEDEN: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These included a joint Op-Ed Babatunde Osotimehin and Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Ms. Gunilla Carlsson, an interview with ED Babatunde Osotimehin, an interview with UNFPA demographer Ralph Hakkert, and an interview with Mr. Heimo Laakkonen of UNFPA. Read, view and listen in Swedish: Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Dagens Nyheter; Svenska Dagbladet, Svenska Dagbladet, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Services, Svenska Dagbladet, Expressen, Sydsvenska Dagbladet, Aftonbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Service, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Sisuradio, Sveriges Radio Klartext, Sveriges Radio Studio Ett, Sveriges Radio P1-Morgon, Swedish National TV: SVT 1 Rapport, TV4 Nyheterna
TANZANIA: The Citizen on 1 November reported that Tanzania joined the rest of the world in welcoming the arrival of the seven billionth person after a baby girl was born at Temeke Municipal Hospital in Dar es Salaam on Monday, seven minutes after midnight. “Today, in country after country, city after city, there will be various events to commemorate the seven billionth landmark. It will be remembered in Tanzania that when the world’s population reached seven billion on 31 October, it was Temeke Municipal Hospital that symbolized the day.” UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Julitta Onabanjo commented as well.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Multiple media outlets on 1 and 2 November covered the seven billion campaign and the UNFPA office’s 7B Knowledge Fair. Read in English: The Guardian, The Guardian, Newsday, Trinidad Express, Trinidad Express
TURKEY/UNITED STATES: The Seattle Post Intelligencer on 31 October published the photo released by the United Nations Population Fund of newly born Turkish baby boy Yusuf Efe who was born at the Zekai Tahir Burak maternity hospital in Ankara, Turkey, early on 31 October. According to the U.N. Population Fund, Yusuf Efe, son of an unemployed mother and a worker father, will be one of 7 billion people sharing Earth's land and resources. View at Seattle Post Intelligencer
UGANDA: New Vision on 31 October published an article entitled “World has 7 billion people today,” quoting UNFPA’s estimated growth rate for Uganda and talking about the 7 Billion actions campaign. The piece used one of the pictures from the UNFPA site.
The Daily Monitor published on 31 October a piece on the 7 billion quoted UNFPA ED Babatunde Osotimehin. “We are living 30 per cent longer. More of our children survive. We are now more urban and we are more interconnected and interdependent than ever,” he said in his speech titled “Invest in the seven billion as human capital.” Read in English: The Daily Monitor
The Daily Monitor on 31 October published a piece entitled "33 Million and Counting: What Does it Mean for Us?" and sites a UNFPA factsheet. Read in English: The Daily Monitor
NTV Uganda on 31 October included an interview with UNFPA Representative Janet Jackson and our Assistant Representative Dr. Wilfred Ochan in their coverage of the 7 billion. View in English: NTV Uganda
NTV Uganda on 31 October ran a story on population growth, again with our Assistant Rep. Dr. Wilfred Ochan being interviewed. View in English: NTV Uganda
WBS-TV and several other outlets on 1 November broadcast an interview with UNFPA Population Officer Nelly Badaru. Read and view in English: WBS-TV
URUGUAY: Several media outlets reported on 31 October and 1 November that Uruguay made a symbolic welcoming act to the Uruguayan 7 billionth inhabitant. His name is Leonel Ezequiel. The event took place at the Hospital Pereira Rossell, the largest maternity in the country, where on average around 25 newborns are born every day. Hospital authorities gave to all 31 October newborns letters written by school students from around the country in which they had sent their wishes to the world inhabitant number 7 billion. Most media outlets took the opportunity to reflect on world demographic challenges. El Observador for instance highlighted, using UNFPA sources, that a world of 7 billion is moving at two different speeds as a result of inequalities. Read and watch more in Spanish: TNU, Canal 10, Canal 4, El País, El Observador (1), El Observador (2) El País, La República
UNITED STATES: The New York Times on 31 October published an article on the world of 7 billion and the importance of population control. "We see reluctance and fear to deal with this [the population] issue," said UNFPA Representative Jose Miguel Guzman. Read in English: The New York Times
VENEZUELA: Venezolana de Television broadcast a program on 1 November on the World of 7 Billion, featuring UNFPA LAC Regional Director Marcela Suazo, and Assistant Rep Jorge Gonzalez. View in Spanish: VTV and VTV
VIET NAM: Viet Nam News reported on 4 November that the world population reached 7 billion on 31 October. This milestone gives rise to opportunities as well as great challenges. Data from the 2009 census and other surveys showed that Viet Nam has made very impressive progress towards achieving the MDGs and has been successful in meeting most of them. However, wide disparities between urban and rural areas, geographical areas and vulnerable groups, especially ethnic minority people still exist. Viet Nam now faces a period known as the Demographic Bonus, which provides a “golden” opportunity to use the abundant and young labour force for the next phase of economic growth. However, this “bonus” could also pose employment and social security challenges in the future if the young labor force is not provided with high quality education and training opportunities as well as job opportunities now that, in turn, will ensure the improved well-being of the whole population. “Young people are our future. They are our present, too. It is today, and not tomorrow, that we must invest in young people and include them in solving the great challenges of our times,” said Bruce Campbell, UNFPA representative in Viet Nam. Read in English: Viet Nam News
ZAMBIA: The Zambian Post, Zambia Daily Mail and the Times of Zambia reported on 1 November reported on the gift presentation to the 7 billionth baby/babies at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. The First Lady of Zambia with the UNFPA Representative did the presentation.
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD POPULATION DAY, YEAR OF SEVEN BILLION
Al Jazeera reported on 11 July that the United Nations commemorates World Population Day against the backdrop of an upcoming landmark event: global population hitting the seven billion mark by late October this year. According to current projections, and with some of the world's poorest nations doubling their populations in the next decade, the second milestone will be in 2025 when the global population will reach eight billion. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, said seven billion represents a challenge, an opportunity and a call to action. On World Population Day, 11 July, he launches a campaign called "7 Billion Actions". "It will engage people on what it means to live in a world with seven billion people and encourage action on issues that affect all of us," he said. Together, he said, "we can forge the future with young people, advance rights for girls and women, and safeguard the natural resources on which we all depend." Read: Al Jazeera
UN News Centre reported on 11 July on World Population Day and statements by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. “We now have unprecedented capacity to share information and ideas, and engage communities across the globe to solve common problems. Reducing inequities and improving living standards for people alive today – as well as for generations to follow – will require new ways of thinking and unparalleled global cooperation. The moment to act is now,” said Dr. Osotimehin. Read: UN News Centre
ALGERIA: Horizons, El Moudjahid, Dans les Débats, El Watan and Afrique Hebdo reported on 11 and 12 July on events marking World Population Day in Algeria. Horizons featured an interview with Lindsay Edouard, UNFPA Representative in Algeria on the Fund's work and related population issues.
ANGOLA: Angola Press Agency reported on 11 July on World Population Day and its history. UNFPA began observing this day in 1989 as a means to create awareness on the importance of family planning, maternal health, gender equality, poverty, and human rights. Read: Angola Press Agency
ARMENIA: Public Radio of Armenia reported on 11 July that as the world population is expected to surpass seven billion, UNFPA and partners are launching a campaign called “7 Billion Actions.” It aims to engage people, spur commitment and spark actions related to the opportunities and challenges presented by a world of seven billion people. According to Garik Hayrapetyan, head of the UN Population Fund in Armenia, the population of the Earth totaled one billion in the year 1800, while in 200 years the number has increased to seven times that. Read: Public Radio of Armenia
AUSTRALIA: ABC Radio Australia published on 11 July an interview with UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin to mark World Population Day. Dr. Osotimehin said, “There are parts of the world where the population is growing faster than their economies can cope. And so there is a threat to security, there is threat to food security, there is unemployment and poverty and I think that that's something that we need to address. On the other hand, there are also parts of the world where the population is shrinking and in some developed countries and economies; there is an effort to rejuvenate those economies to be able to establish a productive base of young people to be able to carry through. So you have this balance, and I think that the policy initiatives in both circumstances differ. Whereas in the developing world, we are talking to member states to look after the education of young people, particularly young adults and girls, we're also talking about empowerment and ensuring that they have access to reproductive health, particularly family planning and so that they can make choices in their lives.” Read: ABC
BANGLADESH: The Daily Star published an op-ed by Md. Asadullah Khan on 16 July arguing “With the world population currently at 7 billion and UNFPA and its partners launching a campaign called "7 billion people -- 7 billion actions," it might be an achievement for the developed countries, but definitely a cause for worries for a land-starved and disaster-ridden country like Bangladesh. While observing the World Population Day this year with the slogan "Planned family, our pledges," stalwarts in administration and experts in population science cautioned that this unplanned growth of population would further complicate the process of meeting the demand for food, basic health requirements and educational facilities --triggering unemployment and social unrest.” Read: The Daily Star
BELARUS: TUT.BY reported on 11 July on Belarus’s celebration of World Population Day, which included an interview with UNFPA Programme Analyst Tatyana Haplichnik. Coverage also addressed the global youth population, which is the largest ever, and presentations on projects initiated and led by young people, as well as a performance by the musical group Open Space of the song “How Many People,” which was written to mark World Population Day. Read in Russian: Tut.by.
BOLIVIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 and 12 July on World Population Day and population dynamics in Bolivia. Coverage included interviews and statements by UNFPA Representative Jaime Nadal, who discussed global population growth and Bolivia’s ongoing economic development, as well as the importance of centreing young people in development planning. Read in Spanish: Cambio, Eju Tv, ERBOL, Prensa Grafica, Prensa Latina. Read in Portuguese: Prensa Latina
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on the Seven Billion Actions Campaign and World Population Day. However, as 11 July also marked the 16th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre, most World Population Day activities in the country had been postponed for a later date. Read more in Bosnian: Sarajevo-x
BURKINA FASO: Sidwaya and Le Pays reported on 12 and 14 July on the commemorative ceremony of the World Population Day. In Burkina Faso World Population Day was celebrated under the theme "Challenges and opportunities of population growth in the Burkina Faso." The ceremony was chaired by the General Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Finances representing his Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the National Council of Population and the Representative of UNFPA in Burkina Faso. During the ceremony, UNFPA Representative Mamadou Kanté presented remarks from UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. Read in French: Sidwaya
Le Pays reported on 13 July on a day of free consultation on reproductive health and family planning services that was held as part of the commemorative activities of World Population Day. The free consultation day was introduced by the ABBEF. The medical services which were offered were: HIV/AIDS screening, screenings of breast cancer and cervix cancer, and family planning methods. The landmark of this day was the participation and the implication of men. Adama Congo was interviewed and declared: it is a good initiative that the ABBEF decided to offer free consultation for men “. . . the consultation helps preventing diseases." Read in French: Le Pays
Le Quotidien published on 11 July an interview with Kaboré Saïdou, National Programme Officer on Population and Development and Gender. Mr. Saidou discussed World Population Day and of the launch of the World at Seven Billion campaign. He said, "A world of seven billion inhabitants arouses simultaneously a feeling of satisfaction, even success, but also anxiety in front of formidable challenges.”
CAMBODIA: Phnom Penh Post reported on 12 July that student volunteers were out in force on the streets of Phnom Penh, wearing T-shirts spelling out the message "7 billion.” Their aim was to mark the world reaching an official population of seven billion people this year, which will be marked by UNFPA with a series of worldwide events on 31 October. "The United Nations declaration that the world's population has increased to seven billion will be made on 31 October, but various campaigns have been prepared before that date,” said Pen Sophanara, a communications associate of UNFPA. Read: Phnom Penh Post
CAMEROON: Cameroon Tribune, reported on 12 July that World Population Day was celebrated on the theme "The World at Seven Billion,” related to fact that the World Population will reach seven billion on 31 October. Cameroon has chosen to commemorate this day under the theme "Poverty and inequality," one of the seven sub-themes developed in conjunction with the main theme at Akonolinga, in the Centre Region. This theme highlights the relationship between population growth, economic and distribution of the fruits of growth. The rural exodus, the extreme youth of the population are among the main themes addressed by the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (Minepat), Louis Paul Motaze. He was speaking at Akonolinga, during a ceremony which was attended by UNFPA Representative Alain Sibenaler and several other members of the government. The Cameroonian Government has already taken actions to improve the living conditions of populations. Structuring projects that aim to generate wealth and redistribute it through the creation of many jobs are ongoing.Read: Cameroon Tribune
CANADA: Canwest reported on 12 July that a slim majority of Canadians thinks the country's population of about 34 million is just right, according to a new survey that also shows a significant minority - about one-third of all respondents - would prefer a bigger population, while just eight per cent think there's too many people living here already. . . UNFPA announced that the total number of people on Earth will reach seven billion this year, probably in late October. Canada, which encompasses nearly seven per cent of the world's land area, is home to less than one-half of one per cent of the planet's population. Read: Canwest
CAPE VERDE: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on events related to World Population Day. In addition to coverage on the global theme, "A World of Seven Billion, Counting on Each Other," the media highlighted the fact that Cape Verde’s population has nearly doubled in the past 50 years, and led to new challenges related to adolescent reproductive health and gender issues. The main event marking the day in Cape Verde was a day of reflection held at the National Assembly, which aimed to promote a debate on population issues both nationally and globally. At that event, UNFPA Representative Petra Lantz said that in this world of seven billion we need to ensure that there is proper planning, greater access to water and sanitation, particularly in cities, since the trend is for the world populations to be more urban in character. Along with "a world of possibilities" for increasing human potential, it is also necessary is to pay attention to linkages between population growth and access to food, natural resources, housing, and other commodities. Coverage included interviews with the UNPA representative and a special edition of a weekly programme in order to highlight the day’s events. Ms. Lantz said, "We must be alert, because when we talk about gender issues we have to take into account issues affecting both girls and boys." Watch in Portuguese: RTC (a), RTC (b), RTC (c), RTC (d). Read in Portuguese: Expresso das Ilhas and A Nacao
CHAD: Info Chad reported on 15 July on World Population Day. In a speech, UNFPA Officer in Charge, Thomas Zoungrana noted that the World Population Day this year is of paramount importance as it marks the launch of the campaign of seven billion. The campaign reaches its apotheosis on 31 October, when the world population is expected to reach seven billion.
COLOMBIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on World Population Day as UNFPA launched a global initiative to highlight the challenges, opportunities and actions that face a world of seven billion people. Articles also highlighted remarks by UNFPA Representative Tania Patriota, who discussed the need to develop policies to reform the health and pension systems and address the needs of older people. Read in Spanish: Semana, CMI, Radio Santa Fe, El Colombiano, Caracol, Mision Pyme
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): DRTV reported on 15 July on the visit by UNFPA Representative David Lawson to the country largest hospital in Brazzaville. Mr. Lawson visited the maternity and delivered baby kits to mothers whose babies were born on 11 and 12 July, in the context of the World Population Day 2011. The gesture was aimed at highlighting the importance of midwives to reduce maternal mortality.
Tele-Congo, MN TV, DRTV, Radio-Congo, les Depeches de Brazzaville and Congo-site reported on 12 and 13 July on a high-level round table organized by UNFPA and the Economy and Planning Ministry at the Central African States Bank in Brazzaville on "The World at Seven Billion: Implications for Congo" The round table gathered ministers, parliamentarians, ambassadors, diplomats, UN agencies and civil society actors. UNFPA Representative David Lawson said, "Youth is the future of humanity and must be provided with health, education and jobs.” In addition, he noted, women should have access to policy decision-making positions; young girls should be protected from early pregnancy and should have access education and health; urbanization be addressed through policies on transportation, housing, energy and sanitation. “It is only by planning now for the decades ahead that we will build a better world,” he concluded. Read in French: Congo-site, Les Depeches de Brazzaville. Watch in French: Congo-site
Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Tele-Radio Pointe Noire reported on 12 July on the visit by UNFPA Representative David Lawson to the rural Kouilou Province in Southern Congo on the occasion of a round table jointly organized by UNFPA, Provincial Governor Fidele Dimou and civil society organizations on "Living in a World at Seven Billion." Mr. Lawson said, "We have chosen to launch the World Population Day activities in Congo in a rural province as the consequences of a world at seven billion and increasing urbanization are being felt in rural areas. Investment must also be made in these areas to boost agricultural and economic activities, offer opportunities for young people, preserve the environment and avoid a rural exodus." Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
DRTV, Tele-Congo, Tele-pointe Noire, MN TV, and Top TV broadcaston 11 July UNFPA Executive Director's message on World Population Day, delivered in Brazzaville by UNFPA Representative David Lawson. The message called for reducing poverty, enhancing reproductive health and rights and investing in youth and women. Young people constitute nearly half of the world population and need to be actively involved in building a better world for all.
Tele Pointe-noire broadcast on 11 July a special TV programme on the occasion of World Population Day on the theme “Living in a World of Seven Billion People." UNFPA Representative David Lawson and Kouilou Provincial Governor Fidele Dimou were guest speakers in a one-hour debate held in the economic capital city of Pointe-Noire with representatives from civil society and ministerial departments working on health, women, HIV/AIDS and youth.
COSTA RICA: Multiple media outlets reported and published op-eds on 11 July on World Population Day and UNFPA’s launch of the "7 Billion Actions" campaign. Listen in Spanish: ADN. Read in Spanish: La Nacion and La Republica
CUBA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11-16 July on events in Cuba and around the world marking World Population Day. In Cuba, UNFPA officials and others took the opportunity to reflect on the current and long-term demographic dynamics in Cub, where fertility is low and the challenges of an ageing population are becoming more prominent. A workshop coordinated by the Cuban Youth Studies Centre and UNFPA highlighted the fact that the future of Cuba brought together all generations and has in the new generations an essential locomotive force. Read: Granma International, Juventud Tecnica, Prensa Latina (a), Prensa Latina (b) Trabajadores, La Demajuaga, Giron, Cuba Ahora, La Tribuna de la Habana
DENMARK: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on events marking World Population Day and the launch of the “7 Billion Actions” campaign, as well as ongoing population issues, including the high global unmet need for family planning.
EL SALVADOR: La Prensa Grafica and El Mundo reported on 12 and 15 July on events marking World Population Day, including statements from UNFPA Representative Elena Zúñiga, as she launched the “7 Billion Actions” campaign in the country. Read in Spanish: La Prensa Grafica and El Mundo
FIJI: The Fiji Times reported on 11 July on World Population Day and the upcoming arrival of the world’s seven billionth inhabitant. Dirk Jena, the director of UNFPA Pacific, said, "This is a global milestone that presents challenges and opportunities, it calls for actions for a just and sustainable world." He said that each year 78 million people were added to the global population, increasing demands for natural resources and putting pressure on the planet. To mark World Population Day, UNFPA signed a memorandum of understanding with International Planned Parenthood Federation. The MOU will see an increase of programmes for political advocacy on population and development; adolescent and sexual reproductive health; work with faith-based organisations and traditional leadership; health commodity security and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Read: The Fiji Times
GABON: L'Union and Gabon Matin reported on 12 July on the deferral of World Population Day celebration. Normally celebrated on 11 July each year since 1989, a press conference with UN representatives and Youth Ministry delegate held a press conference to present World Population Day activities scheduled on 15 July.
GEORGIA: Georgia Today reported on 14 July that according to UN projections, the world’s population will reach a milestone this year with the population expected to surpass 7 billion people by 31 October. To engage the public in the lead-up to that day, UNFPA’s Georgia country office officially launched the “7 Billion Actions” campaign, an advocacy effort at the global level on World Population Day. UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin said “With the right policies, investments and social support, young people can enjoy healthier lives free of poverty and enhance the prospects for peace and stability”. The article also discussed achievements and endeavors of the UNFPA country office over the last decade. Read: Georgia Today
GHANA: GBC reported on 13 July that a representative of UNFPA, Dr. Bernard Coquelin, at a forum to commemorate World Population Day in Accra advised Ghana to channel more resources into reducing poverty, empowering the youth and developing resources to match the increase in population. Read: GBC
GUATEMALA: Nuestro Diario and Prensa Libre reported on 11 and 12 July on World Population Day. Coverage included an interview with UNFPA Representative Leonor Calderon, who called the young population a “time bonus or a time bomb” and also noted that UNFPA organized a forum to hear the views of young people about the growth of young people from different sectors, during which it was proposed that girls and women should receive more education, but also that their decisions need to be heard and respected. Read in Spanish: Prensa Libre (a) and Prensa Libre (b)
HAITI: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on the celebration by UNFPA and the National Association of Specialists in Population and Development (ANASPOD) on World Population Day. UNFPA technical adviser Gabriel Bidegain discussed population issues in Haiti and stressed the need to make decisions aimed at providing the people with basic social services.
INDIA: The Times of India reported on 14 July that the Nagaland department of health and family welfare observed the World Population Day by organizing a programme - Small Family Overall Development - at the State Academy Hall in Kohima. The state's minister for urban development and higher education said that the United Nation had authorized the event as a vehicle to spread awareness on population issues as they have a huge impact on development and environment. Since then, with UNFPA for encouragement, the government and non-government organizations, institutions and individuals organized various educational activities to celebrate this annual event.
The Times of India reported on 12 July that World Population Day saw UNFPA kick start “7 Billion,” a campaign launched to commemorate the imminent milestone of the world population touching seven billion later this year. It aims to promote proactive and positive discussion on the issue among the youth. UNFPA Senior advocacy and communications officer Rajat Ray said, "Before we hope to make an impact globally, we need the movement to gain momentum at the national level. We are targeting the youth and we wish to view the expansion of the world population to seven billion in a positive light. It should no longer have any negative association; we want to encourage the youth to actively engage in the opportunities and challenges that this number throws up." Read: Times of India
INDONESIA: The Jakarta Post reported on 14 July on a seminar marking World Population Day and co-sponsored by UNFPA and BKKBN. “As young people below 25 years old constitute the majority of the world’s population, countries should give them more access to reproductive health services,” said Jose Ferraris, the UNFPA’s Indonesian representative. Read: The Jakarta Post
IRAN: Multiple media outlets reported and published UNFPA statements on 11 July on World Population Day. UNFPA launched a global initiative to highlight challenges, opportunities and actions that would shape our common future as the world population approaches seven billion. Read: IRNA
IRAQ: Al-Sumaria and Al Shafeed reported on 11 July on an event organized by the Iraqi Ministry of Planning and the Census Higher Commission to release the Census Buildings and Establishment data. At the event, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) announced on 11 July the world is approaching seven billion in October, but knowledge of Iraq’s exact population is still missing due to postponement of the national census. UNAMI emphasized the importance of the census to the economic and social development of the country and encouraged all parties to agree on the disputed areas that are delaying the census. Ad Melkert, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, commented on UNFPA's support for census-taking in the country since 2005 and its efforts to bring all disputed parties together to the discussions on the importance of bringing the census into realty in the country. Read in Arabic: Al Sumaria and Al Shafeeq
JAMAICA: The Jamaica Gleaner and Jamaica Observer reported on 11 July on World Population Day. Director for the UNFPA sub-regional office for the Caribbean, Geeta Sethi warned that the elderly in the country can no longer be ignored, especially given projections that older people will outnumber children under 15 years old by 2050. "We have an opportunity and a responsibility to invest in meeting the needs of older people so that the quality of their life is enhanced, their rights protected and they can live in dignity. This includes investments in infrastructure such as housing and transportation; social security and basic social services including affordable, accessible health care," she said. Read: Jamaica Gleaner and Jamaica Observer
JORDAN: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 and 12 July on World Population Day. Articles highlighted the importance of this year’s milestone and announced the launch of the Seven Billion Actions Campaign by UNFPA, as well as messages and statements by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. Coverage noted that Jordan’s main event to mark World Population Day will be held on 25 July, along with the launch of Jordan’s Population Report 2010, under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal, UNFPA Jordan Goodwill Ambassador. Thie report is considered to be the first comprehensive report that sheds light the structure, characteristics and historical development of the status of the Jordanian population. Read in Arabic: Al Rai, Ad Dustour, Jordan Times and Al Arab Al Yawm
KAZAKHSTAN: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July that UNFPA announced that world population will reach seven billion on 31 October. The announcement was made during a press briefing on the occasion of World Population Day and a seminar on mortality in Central Asia. The seminar, organized in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania and the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, brought together prominent international demographers and experts from national statistical offices in Central Asia. They reviewed the situation in the region, with an emphasis on topics such as data quality, infant and child mortality, adult mortality, maternal mortality, life expectancy, and causes of death. Read in Russian: Kaz Inform, Kaz Inform, Kaz Inform, Kaz Inform, Khabar and KTK
KENYA: Nairobi Star reported on 12 July on celebrations to mark this year's World Population Day at the Naivasha AP grounds. During the ceremony, UNFPA country director Zama Chi said the use of contraceptives has contributed to infertility. "Evidence from a number of surveys indicates that unmet needs for family planning especially for young women is high with accompanying high maternal deaths," he said
The Nairobi Star reported on 11 July on the day’s observation of world population day, noting that the world's population is increasing at an alarming rate. This, according to UNFPA, will see the world hit the seven billion mark on 31 October this year. Though it has been cited to bring a considerable amount of strain on the world's ever diminishing resources, there is also the aspect that many experts have brought forward, of the increase in population amounting to an increase in opportunities and especially with regards to manpower.
LAO PDR: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on World Population Day as the new Minister of Planning and Investment, Somdy Duangdy, spoke to the media. "Population growth has resulted in a significant demographic change. One in every three Lao people is aged 10 to 24, providing a large workforce that is the key driver of economic development. The working-age population accounts for 57 per cent of the total population,” said Mr. Somdy. UNFPA Representative Mieko Yabuta said, “I am very pleased that the Lao government has recognized its demographic window of opportunity and is placing a high priority on improving its human capital.” Read: Lao Voices, KPL. Read in French: KPL
LEBANON: Multiple media outlets reported on 13 -15 July on a roundtable organized by the Lebanon Family Planning Association for Development and Family Empowerment (LFPADE) in collaboration with UNFPA and the Ministry of Social Affairs on July 14. The roundtable discussed population policies in Lebanon and on the launch of the “7 Billion Actions” campaign by UNFPA, its main themes and milestones and published the message of UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. Read in Arabic: Al Mustaqbal, Lebanon Files (a), Lebanon Files (b) and National News Agency
LIBERIA: The New Dawn reported on 11 July that United States Ambassador to Liberia, Linda Thomas Greenfield, has cautioned Liberia on the observance of World Population Day to exert effort in developing the capacity of Liberian women. “We know that illiteracy is a huge problem here in Liberia,” Ambassador Greenfield pointed out. She also pointed to the country’s idle youthful population, stressing the need for more investments to mold these young people into better future leaders. The Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs and the Liberia Institute of Statistics & Geo Information Services, in collaboration with UNFPA were involved in the celebration of World Population Day. Read: The New Dawn
MACEDONIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July that expecting that the population on the planet will soon grow to more than 7 billion, the United Nations with the “7 Billion Actions” campaign marked 11 July – World Population Day. Each young person deserves education, including sexual education, as well as access to extensive health services, appeals the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, Babatunde Osotimehin. According to him, real policies and investments would provide to the youth healthier life without poverty. Protection of reproductive health and rights is the foundation for our collective future and sustainable development, UN representatives reckon. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s written message is in the same line – take determined actions in order to provide better life to the generations to come. Read in Macedonian: Sitel, Tocka, Netpress and Kajgana
MAURITANIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 and 12 July on the celebration in Mauritania of World Population Day under the theme "the world at seven billions of people." The official launch of the commemorative events of the day brought together the representatives of the UN system, the ministers of key sectors in charge of the implementation of the country programme, parliamentarians, journalists, media, NGOs and civil society associations. The Minister of Economic Affairs who chaired the ceremony, praised the cooperation between UNFPA and Mauritania and focused on the issues, challenges and opportunities that a world of seven billion people can offer and the need for solidarity of all to draw maximum benefits for the country and for the entire humanity.
MEXICO: Multiple media outlet reported on 11-15 July on activities marking on World Population Day in Mexico. UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios Jaramillo pointed out the need to address the rights of young people. This group, totaling 1.2 billion people, and more than 20 million in Mexico, should be a priority for the Mexican Government and for the international community as a whole. The current number of young-people between 15 and 24 years is the highest in history, forcing governments to think how to cover their present and future needs in education, sexual and reproductive health and access to employment, Mr. Palacios said at a conference. Read in Spanish: UN Radio, CNN Mexico (a), CNN Mexico (b), CIMAC, EFE, La Jornada, Quadratin, Once TV, Agencia Reforma, Radio Formula, El Sol de Mexico, Notiese, Periodico Sintesis, News Hidalgo, ADN Sureste, Cambio de Michoacan, Diario Despertar de Oaxaca, MVT, Pulso San Luis Potosi, EHUI
MOZAMBIQUE: O País, Rádio Moçambique, RTO-África, TVM, Diário de Moçambique and Domingo reported on 12-17 July on World Population Day. UNFPA Representative, Patricia Guzman was quoted in all reports saying that the growing population challenges governments to create employment opportunities, provide education and health, particularly for women and young people. Read in Portuguese: O Pais and Diario Mozambique
NAMIBIA: The Namibian Sun on 14 July reported on World Population Day. UNFPA Representative Dr. Lawrence Mgbangson is quoted in the article saying, “Reducing inequalities and improving living standards for people alive today as well as for generations to follow will require new ways of thinking and unparalleled global cooperation and the moment to act is now.” Read in English: The Namibian Sun
NEPAL: Xinhua (China) reported on 11 July that World Population Day was marked with a special programme organized by the Ministry of Health and Population in the capital Kathmandu. UNFPA Representative Ian McFarlane said that not only economic activities but also health and education should be equally prioritized in the nation.
NIGER: Le Sahel reported on 12 July that the ceremony of commemoration of World Population Day and the launch of the "7 Billion Actions" campaign took place under the chairmanship of the Minister of Population, Women promote and Child Protection Maikibi Kadidiatou Dandobi. In a speech on this occasion, UNFPA Representative Yacine Diallo pointed out that in a “world of 7 billion, we have to invest in youth because their choices will determine our common future. When rights of young people to health, including sexual and reproductive health and education are guaranteed, they represent a strong power in the service of the our world social and economic transformation.”
NIGERIA: ThisDay reported on 14 July that Nigeria and other member countries of the United Nations have been told that ending global poverty and inequality is the key to unleashing the great human potential for prosperity and peaceful coexistence, while protecting the planet and safeguarding the natural resources that sustain humanity. The call was made by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, in a message to mark World Population Day, observed annually on 11 July. UNFPA launched the "7 Billion Actions" campaign to promote dialogue on the challenges, opportunities and actions that will be needed to ensure a better future for humanity. "While poverty, inequality and increased stress on resources represent major challenges, the world is more interconnected than ever before, creating enormous possibilities," said UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin, in his message to mark the day.
The Nigerian Tribune reported on 12 July that as Nigeria’s population hits 162 million on 31 October this year, the National Population Commission (NPC) has said that the country’s population is too large for comfort. To manage the rapidly growing population, UNFPA stated that Nigeria and other donor organizations had made available $42 million to procure family planning commodities. Read: Nigerian Tribune
The Guardian reported on 12 July that Nigeria’s population is expected to hit 166 million mark just as the world population is projected to rise to seven billion from six billion. With this figure, Nigeria will be contributing about 2.4 per cent of the world population and at the same time, about five million people are added to Nigeria’s population on a yearly basis. On the global scale, however, additional 78 million people are added to the world population yearly. The chairman of the National Population Commission, Chief Samu’ila Danko Makama, gave the figures at an event to mark World Population Day. Meanwhile, UNFPA has revealed plans to spend N6.6 billion or $42 million for reproductive and maternal health in the next five years. The agency’s country representative, Agathe Lawson, said the funds were received from the Department for International Development, United States Agency for International Development and Nigerian government for commodities services. Read: The Guardian
The Nigerian Observer reported on 11 July on a debate sponsorted by the National Population Commission (NPC) and UNFPA. The debate between Government Secondary School, Jiwa, and Government Secondary School, Lugbe, was part of the build up to the World Population Day. Read: Nigerian Observer
DPR of KOREA: KCNA reported on 11 July that a seminar on "The World Population Day 2011 - The World at 7 Billion," the theme provided by UNFPA, was held at the Grand People's Study House in Pyongyang.
OMAN: The Oman Daily Observer published an op-ed on 12 July by Rajan Philips on World Population Day. Dr. Philips noted that UNFPA plays a crucial role in educating the public on population issues by creating awareness programmes globally. Read: Oman Daily Observer
PAKISTAN: Plus News reported on 13 July that UNFPA launched a national campaign to highlight the critical role of young population to play in shaping the destiny of the country. UNFPA Pakistan organized a seminar on World Population Day: the key objective of the seminar was to engage all stakeholders together in raising awareness about seven key themes which were critical to country's socio-economic development.
Right Vision News reported on 12 July that NATPOW, the National Trust for Population Welfare led a celebration of World Population Day. The article noted that, in addition to events on 11 July, in Lahore, the celebration was take place on the July 12 where NATPOW in collaboration with WPD, UNFPA and other partners will arrange media conference to send our message of population day to a vast audience through print and electronic media.
PARAGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on World Population Day and UNFPA’s launch of the Seven Billion Actions Campaign. Articles noted that that on 31 October, the world population will reach 7 billion people. Articles noted statements by UNFPA officials, including Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. UNFPA’s Aldo Natalizia called for equity in policy and planning, particularly in urban areas in order to address challenges including poverty and early pregnancy. Read in Spanish: Ultima Hora, IP Paraguay, La Nacion (a) and La Nacion (b)
ROMANIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on a press conference held by UNFPA Representative for Romania and Country Director for Moldova, Macedonia and Serbia, Francois Farah, and Vergil Voineagu, President of the National Institute of Statistics (NIS). The press conference took place at the NIS, attended by media and NIS representatives invited to celebrate World Population Day, as well as 152 years of official statistics in Romania/Statisticians’ Day. The two themes joined at the same press conference are a result of a partnership between UNFPA and NIS in Romania, and also offered an opportunity for reflection on a major common interest and effort: the upcoming 2011 Population and Housing Census. Both speakers talked about the importance of Romania’s full participation in this complex nation-wide exercise which will yield essential data for the development of proper public policies, measures and services in support of various priority population needs. The UN System in Romania, under UNFPA leadership, is providing a consolidated support to NIS to carry out the census as part of a joint project that gives special attention to Roma minority participation in the census. Read in Romanian: Mediafax, Amos News, EVZ, Jurnalul, Romania Libera, Romania Actualitati, Radio Romania, Radio Romania Antena Satelor and Adevarul
SIERRA LEONE: New Citizen reported on 12 July that hundreds of school children, representatives of line Ministries, UN agencies and the media on joined the simultaneous commemoration of this year’s World Population Day spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in collaboration with UNFPA. The UNFPA Country Representative re-echoed the statement of the UNFPA Executive Director, Babatunde Osotimehin and the Secretary-General of the United Nations which focused on youth and adolescents in a world with a population of seven billion, saying, “let us take this opportunity as development planners and policy makers to plan for our future generations.” The Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Foday Mansaray asserted that concerns about over-population are re-emerging and that it is very important that UNFPA is engaged in the population debate to protect and promote the human rights vision of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Agenda to ensure that individuals have right to decide freely and responsibly on the number, spacing and timing of their children.
SOUTH AFRICA: BuaNews reported on 11 July that Mark Schreiner, who is the officer in charge at the United Nations Population Fund, said investing in young people is a smart decision the country could make and called on youth serving organisations to take advantage of the opportunities that exists and educate themselves as tomorrow's leaders.
SUDAN: Sudan Vision Daily and Al Sahafa reported and published op-eds on 11-17 July on World Population Day. In an op-ed, UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin marking World Population Day wrote, “Today on World Population Day, I am launching a campaign called Seven Billion Actions. It will engage people on what it means to live in a world with seven billion people and encourage action on issues that affect all of us.” The National Population Council in collaboration with UNFPA, organized a consultation forum for reviewing and updating the national population policy, considering new developments in Sudan. The forum was addressed by the minister of social security and welfare, chairperson of the national population council and UNFPA acting representative. Read: Sudan Visioni Daily, Sudan Vision Daily, Sudan Vision Daily and Al Sahafa
SURINAME: Starnieuws reported on 12 July on UNFPA-led World Population Day events in the country. Read in Dutch: Star Nieuws
SWAZILAND: The Times of Swaziland and The Swazi Observer reported on 11 and 12 July on World Population Day. The Swazi Observer noted that UNFPA Representative Hassan Mohtashami explained that Swaziland was using this opportunity to raise national awareness on imperative population issues that are critical to the development of the country. Dr. Mohtashami stated that the recent and rapid growth of the population was intricately linked to many of the developmental, environmental and social trends of the present society. He explained that the milestone represented a challenge, an opportunity and a call for action. Read: The Swazi Observer
TAJIKISTAN: Khovar, Ozodagon and RFE/RL reported on 11 and 12 July that that UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund marked World Population Day with a motto “7 billion actions.” Articles also highlighted population issues in Tajikistan, which UNFPA officials noted, has a rapidly growing population, which has expanded by 23 per cent since 2000. Read in Russian: Ozodagon and RFE/RL
TANZANIA: The Citizen and The Daily News reported on 11 July on celebrations of World Population Day and the launch of UNFPA’s “7 Billion Actions” campaign, noting that UNFPA Representative Julitta Onabanjo highlighted the importance of young people’s participation in development in her statement marking the day.
THAILAND: The Nation TV, NBT Channel 11 and Radio Thailand reported on World Population Day on 11-14 July. Coverage included interviews with Wassana Im-em, Officer-in-Charge a.i., of UNFPA Country Office in Thailand and William Ryan, Regional Communications Adviser of UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Office, have been included in the scoop. In addition to the global situation and trends, Ms Wassana analysed the demographic change in Thailand while Mr Ryan highlighted the regional issues.
TOGO: Togo Presse reported on 11 July on World Population Day celebrations and World at 7Billion activities by the Ministry of Plan & Territorial Administration in collaboration with UNFPA Togo. The importance of this year’s theme of “The world at 7 Billion: counting on each other” could not be over-emphasized. Minister Dédé Ahoéfa Ekoué, in her speech raised awareness on the challenges and opportunities that a world of seven billion inhabitants presented. She called upon all key players and policy-makers to come up with strategies that will capitalize on the opportunities and seek to mobilize more resources and favorable conditions in order to make the World at 7 Billion a better place to live in. UNFPA Representative Cécile Mukarubuga, congratulated the government on its 3.5 per cent economic growth rate in 2010. She also encouraged the government to double the social infrastructures available given the growth rate of 2.58 per cent per year and underscored the need to promote family planning services. The representative nevertheless promised UNFPA’s unwavering support and co-operation to the Togolese government in the search of better ways and means aiming at ameliorating the livelihood of the population.
TUNISIA: La Presse de Tunisie and Agence Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) reported on 12 July on the conference “Youth, Women and participation” organized by the Byrsa Citizenship Movement with the support of the UNFPA CO organised within the celebration of the World Population Day and related to the theme of youth, women and civic commitment. Read in French La Presse de Tunisie and Agence Tunis Afrique
Télévion Nationale Tunisenne (TNT), Hannibal TV, Nessma TV and Canal 2 broadcast on 12 July interviews with Leila Saiji Joudane, assistant representative of the UNFPA in Tunisia, related to the work of the UNFPA CO in the field of human rights and support given to civil society to strengthen and promote youth and women commitment in public life. Watch in Arabic: Hannibal TV and TNT
TURKEY: Hurriyet Daily News reported on 11 July on World Population Day, noting that the world population is nearing seven billion. "The number sounds high, but it is not something that we should be scared of," said UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director Thea Fierens. "Instead we should really concentrate on how to build better opportunities for that many [7 billion] people to live in." According to Ms. Fierens, even though having more children is promoted, Turkey's population is in decline "People are more educated and they have children when they are ready," she said. Read: Hurriyet Daily News
TURKMENISTAN: Neutral Turkmenistan reported 11 July on Turkmenistan and UNFPA cooperation on the occasion of the World Population Day. The article described UNFPA’s work with the national partners in Turkmenistan in the area of reproductive health and rights, population and development, gender equality and youth. UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin was quoted on opportunity and responsibility to invest in the world’s 1.8 billion adolescents and youth aged 10 to 24, as they constitute more than a quarter of the world's population. A better future can be built for all generation if a country more actively engages women and young people.
UGANDA: New Vision reported on 13 July on remarks by President Yoweri Museveni that were presented by third Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali at, "Uganda at 33 million; time to act,” an event organised by the Population Secretariat and UNFPA. Uganda'S high fertility rate is affecting women's contribution to national development, President Yoweri Museveni has said. "An average of seven children per woman in the reproductive age bracket is high. Our mothers and sisters need ample time to engage in income-generating activities," said President Museveni in the statement.
The Observer on 11 July published an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. “On October 31, 2011, the world population will reach seven billion, according to the United Nations Population Division. This global milestone presents a challenge, an opportunity, and a call to action. Whether we can live together on a healthy planet will depend on the choices that we make now. Therefore, today, on World Population Day, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is launching a global campaign called 7 Billion Actions to create a more just and sustainable world.”Read in English: The Observer
UNITED STATES: Ms. reported on 11 July that in honor of World Population Day, UNFPA, together with National Geographic, IBM, and SAP, launched the 7 Billion Actions Campaign, which will run through 31 October, when the world population is expected to exceed seven billion. The campaign seeks to educate people concerns related to the growing population. Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of UNFPA stated, "Whether we can live together on a healthy planet will depend on the decisions we make now. The date we reach the next billion-and the ones after that-depends on policy and funding decisions made now about maternal and child health care, access to voluntary family planning, girls' education, and expanded opportunities for women and young people." Read: Ms.
The Huffington Post published a blog on 12 July by Ashley Judd to mark World Population Day. She wrote, on World Population Day, the United Nations Population Fund officially launched 7 Billion Actions -- a campaign to raise awareness and action around our planet's growing population, which is set to reach 7 billion later this year. The campaign is a wake-up call to the health, environmental, and social challenges associated with rapid population growth. It is also a wake-up call to the importance of voluntary family planning.” Read: The Huffington Post
UZBEKISTAN: Multiple news outlets reported on 11 July on the celebration of World Population Day in Uzbekistan. On 8 July, UNFPA and the Women’s Committee held an outdoor event at one of Tashkent’s parks. The event featured a marathon among women-activists and charitable chalk drawing contest among orphan kids. Participants were awarded with souvenirs. The event was aimed at highlighting the launch of a global campaign “The World at Seven Billion,” and once again drawing public attention around the issues of population and development and, in particular, UNFPA’s cooperation with the government of Uzbekistan in the areas of advancing sexual and reproductive health. Read: UzReport, UzDaily. Read in Russian: UzReport and UzDaily
VIET NAM: Multiple media outlets reported on 11-12 July that at a press conference organized in Hanoi on 11 July to commemorate the 2011 World Population Day, the Ministry of Health and the UNFPA in Viet Nam launched a national campaign called "7 Billion Actions" to draw attention throughout the year to the significance of the world population reaching seven billion by the end of October. Data from the 2009 Census shows that Viet Nam has entered a ‘demographic dividend’ period, recording the highest proportional level of young people in Viet Nam’s history. "As a middle-income country increasingly integrated into the world economy, Viet Nam will be able to take advantage of new opportunities, while at the same time having to deal with a range of emerging challenges. The sex ratio at birth imbalance, population ageing and access to sexual and reproductive health services for young people are some of the emerging population issues that need to be addressed now and in the coming years. The ICPD Programme of Action to which Viet Nam is committed offers an ideal framework to address these challenges," said Mandeep Janeja, Acting UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam. Read in English: VOV, Viet Nam News 1, Viet Nam News 2, Viet Nam Plus. Read in Vietnamese: Gia Dinh va Xa Hoi, Bao Dien tu Chinh Phu, Tien Phong, Lao Dong, Nguoi Lao Dong, Thanh Tra, Dang Cong San, VTV, Dan Tri, Lao Dong Thu Do, Viet Nam net, Quan Doi Nhan Dan
YEMEN: Multiple media outlets reported on 11-4 July on World Population Day. Coverage highlighted an event organized by the National Population Council and UNFPA, as well as the “7 million Actions” campaign. UNFPA officials, including Representative Marc Vandenberghe, and Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin were widely quoted. Read: Yemen Times. Read in Arabic: Saba and Al Thawra
ZAMBIA: The Post reported on 12 July that UNFPA said investing in young people would ensure that they are equipped to be a powerful force for Zambia’s future economic growth and prosperity. UNFPA representative Dual Owusu-Sarfo said each and every adolescent deserved to grow up healthy, free of hunger, with access to education and prospects for employment. “Investments and improvements in health, especially sexual and reproductive health, as well as education education and tertiary will ensure that youths are equipped to be powerful force for Zambia’s future economic growth and prosperity,” Sarfo said. Read: The Post
The Lusaka Times reported on 11 July that UNFPA says Zambia needs to work hard to ensure that the country’s population growth tallies with the growth of the economy. UNFPA country representative Duah Owusu- Sarfo said that the economy is expected to triple more than the growth of the population as this is key in fighting poverty but that this has not been the case for Zambia which has its annual economic growth standing at about 6 per cent per year. He made the remark at a press conference marking World Population Day in Zambia. Read: The Lusaka Times
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON WORLD POPULATION DAY AND YEAR OF SEVEN BILLION
Multiple media outlets published a blog post on 6 and 10 July by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin on the launch of the Seven Billion Actions Campaign on 11 July. He wrote, “UNFPA is launching a global campaign called Seven Billion Actions to create a more just and sustainable world. Currently about 78 million people are added to global population each year, increasing demand for natural resources and putting increased pressure on our planet. While poverty, inequality and increased stress on resources represent major challenges, the world is more interconnected than ever before, creating enormous possibilities. We now have new and unprecedented capacity to share information and ideas, and engage communities across the globe to solve problems that affect us.” Read: The Independent (UK) and The Observer (Uganda)
IPS reported on 7 July that the United Nations commemorates World Population Day next week against the backdrop of an upcoming landmark event: global population hitting the seven billion mark by late October this year. According to current projections, and with some of the world's poorest nations doubling their populations in the next decade, the second milestone will be in 2025: an eight billion population over the next 14 years. Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of UNFPA, said that seven billion represents a challenge, an opportunity and a call to action. On World Population Day, he will be launching a campaign called “Seven Billion Actions.” "It will engage people on what it means to live in a world with seven billion people and encourage action on issues that affect all of us," he added. Read: IPS and in Spanish: IPS
BRAZIL: Multiple media outlets reported on 9 and 10 July on UNFPA’s Seven Billion Actions campaign and World Population Day. The initiative aims to highlight the role of each person and institution in building a better world, sharing stories and individual or collective actions to respond to current challenges such as overcoming poverty and to discuss the role of youth in building the future, among other goals. The campaign refers to the world population of seven billion people to be reached in October. UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin, is quoted saying that in order to reduce inequalities and improve the quality of life a new, unprecedented global cooperation must be established. "The time to act is now. The individual actions, multiplied many times, can make a world of difference. Together we are seven billion people counting on each other." Read in Portuguese: Agencia Brasil and Jornal a Cidade
CANADA: CBC reported on 10 July that "Whether we can live together on a healthy planet will depend on the decisions we make now," Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of UNFPA, said in a news release. Dr. Osotimehin adds that 215 million women in developing countries don't have access to effective family planning. That's part of the message for World Population Day. UNFPA and its partners are kicking off a campaign to raise awareness of the seven key issues they've identified as the most important as the world's population hits seven billion. Read: CBC
COLOMBIA: Colprensa reported on 9 July on preparations for World Population Day, including an interview with Paulo Javier Lara, UNFPA Population and Development Advisor, who discussed steps to take advantage of the global demographic situation. Read in Spanish: Colprensa
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 9 July on a call by UNFPA to national leaders to reflect on the theme of World Population Day 2011, “A World at 7 Billion inhabitants.” UNFPA announced a series of activities from 11-14 July in four provincial capitals of the country: Brazzaville, Ewo, Loango and Pointe-Noire. Activities were to include high-level debates, television and media sensitization programmes; and health and vulnerable populations-focused activities. UNFPA also pointed out that that youth was the largest segment of the world population and its future. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
CUBA: Multiple media outlets reported on 6-10 July on preparations for World Population Day and statements by UNFPA officials in Cuba. The international coordinator of UNFPA in Cuba, Jesus Robles, extolled Cuba’s social policy in terms of the well-being of the population and their rights, and coverage also noted the youth focus of this year’s World Population Day. Read: Radio Cadena Agramonte, Cuba News, Juventud Rebelde, AIN, Prensa Latina, Trabajadores, Xinhua, Tiempo 21, Prensa Latina, Juventud Rebelde (a), Juventud Rebelde (b), Radio Rebelde and Radio Reloj
Multiple media reported between 3-10 July that Cuban singer David Torrens was to hold a concert on 10 July to mark the World Population Day in a downtown facility. The “troubadour” gave his image and music "to help UNFPA in whatever it needed" and transmit the messages "about family planning, women's equality, the promotion of humanistic values in young people and care for the environment." Read in Spanish: Tribuna de la Habana
GEORGIA: Interpress news, and Georgia Today reported on 7 and 8 July on World Population Day and published statements by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. Read: Georgia Today and Interpressnews
GUYANA: Guyana Chronicle reported on 10 July that the world´s population is projected to reach seven billion on 31 October this year. To raise awareness and engage the public, UNFPA launched “7 Billion Actions,” a global movement geared to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by a world of seven billion people, and mobilize individuals to take action in their community. Read: Guyana Chronicle
HONDURAS: La Prensa, La Tribuna reported on 8 July on UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s statement marking World Population Day and other UNFPA activities marking the year of seven billion. Read in Spanish: La Prensa and La Tribuna
INDONESIA: The Jakarta Globe reported on 7 July that with the United Nations warning of rapid world population growth, experts are calling on the government to increase people’s awareness of and access to family planning services. “The government should be able to guarantee that every family has access to birth control and that people from every region get the same service at facilities,” said Sonny Harmadi, director of the University of Indonesia’s Demographic Institute. UNFPA said that the world’s population would reach seven billion by the end of October. Indonesia ranked fifth in population growth rate after India, China, Nigeria and Pakistan, with four million babies born every year and approximately 700,000 deaths a year. Read: The Jakarta Globe
JORDAN: Al Ghad reported on 7 July on preparations for World Population Day. Read in Arabic: Al Ghad
LEBANON: Multiple media outlets reported on 7-10 July on World Population Day. Articles highlighted the importance of this year’s milestone and announced the launch of the Seven Billion Actions Campaign by UNFPA, as well as messages and statements by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. Coverage also included an interview with UNFPA Assistant Representative Asma Kurdahi, who discussed population and development issues in Lebanon. Read in Arabic: Al Mustaqbal, Houna Loubnan, 3poli, Al Mustaqbal, Al Balad (page 11), National News Agency, Lebanon Chat, El Nashra, UPI, Dar Al Hayat, Reuters and Al Balad
MOZAMBIQUE: TVM (Cabo Delgado) and Notícias reported on 8 July that World Population Day in Mozambique will be celebrated in the district of Montepuez, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Both reports noted that the World Population Day celebration is jointly organized by the Ministry of Planning and Development and UNFPA. TVM mentioned that Eliseu Machava, the provincial governor, will be joined in the event by the deputy minister of planning and development, Amélia Nakhare, and UNFPA Representative Patricia Guzman.
PAKISTAN: The News International reported on 8 July on the upcoming celebration of World Population Day, noting that in 1968 world leaders proclaimed that individuals had a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and timing of their children. About 40 years later modern contraception remains out of reach for millions of women, men and young people. The UN authorized the event as a vehicle to build an awareness of population issues and the impact they have on development and the environment. Since then, with UNFPA’s encouragement, governments, non-governmental organizations, institutions and individuals organize various educational activities to celebrate the annual event. Read: The News International
PARAGUAY: Radio Nanduti featured an interview on 10 July with UNFPA Population and Development Officer, Aldo Natalizia on World Population Day. Among the issues discussed were poverty, water and food shortages, urban planning, as well as the high rate of maternal mortality and teenage pregnancy. Watch in Spanish: Radio Nanduti (Part 1) and Radio Nanduti (Part 2)
Multiple media outlets reported on 9 of July that this year the number of people in the world will reach 7 billion and this will present new challenges for sustainable development. In commemoration of World Population Day, on Monday, 11 July, Aldo Natalizia Officer of Population and Development, UNFPA Paraguay reflected on how this process affects the world population and in particular the country, “where 1 in 3 people are poor”. Read in Spanish: IP Paraguay
QATAR: QNA reported on 10 July that UNFPA is preparing for the launch of a global campaign called Seven Billion Actions to create a more just and sustainable world. World population is estimated to hit seven billion by late October this year, says a UN report. The report suggests a fertility and population growth rate decline in most countries in contrast to least developed countries where the trend is opposite.
SRI LANKA: The Sunday Observer reported on 10 July that if you ask the question 'How many people inhabit Planet Earth?' the standard answer is 'six billion people'. But from 31 October, the answer would be seven billion. Yes, the world will be having one billion extra mouths to feed after October. (Around 80 million are added to the world population every year). This is especially interesting to us here in Sri Lanka, which will be conducting a census this year. This year's World Population Day, which falls on 11 July is even more significant in the light of this global milestone. UNFPA, the lead agency of the UN for World Population Day calls it a challenge as well as an opportunity. The UNFPA is launching a global campaign called Seven Billion Actions to create a more sustainable world with the tagline "We are seven billion people counting on each other." Incidentally, 1.8 billion of them are aged 10-24. Just 25 years ago, the world population was five billion. In fact, World Population Day is an outgrowth of the Day of Five Billion, which was observed on 11 July, 1987. The Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme later recommended that 11 July, be observed as World Population Day.
TAJIKISTAN: Asia-Plus reported on 9 July that on the occasion of World Population Day, the UNFPA country office in Tajikistan was to hold a news conference in cooperation with the Agency for Statistics under the President of Tajikistan. Read: Asia-Plus
TANZANIA: The Guardian and The Sunday News reported on 9 and 10 July on the projected timeline for the global population to reach seven billion as well as events n World Population Day. Events to be held in Tanzania included a youth forum, and articles also reported on remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s statement marking World Population Day and recent remarks calling for more engagement of men in family planning and reproductive health issues.
UGANDA: The Observer and the New Vision published on 10 July UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin's statement on World Population Day. He wrote, “This year’s World Population Day falls during a milestone year, when we anticipate the birth of the earth’s seven billionth inhabitant. This is an opportunity to celebrate our common humanity and our diversity. It is also a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for each other and our planet. Reaching a global population of seven billion is a numerical landmark, but our focus should always be on people. That is why I am pleased that the United Nations Population Fund is giving meaning to the number by launching its campaign for “Seven Billion Actions” to contribute to a better world. More than ever, individuals can make a difference by uniting together through social networks and working for change. We have seen many examples this year of the immense power of people to embrace hope over despair, to seek fair treatment where they are suffering discrimination, and to demand justice over tyranny.” Read: New Vision
The Observer reported on 10 July that to mark this year’s World Population Day, UNFPA and the Population Secretariat in Kampala have highlighted seven key population issues they say countries with high population growth rates such as Uganda must give serious consideration. These include involving youth in planning and decision-making; keeping girls in schools; involving males in family planning; and ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted and safe. Others are focusing on youth skills and development; ensuring a healthy environment for the people and their environment; and planning for urbanization. Read: The Observer
The New Vision reported on 7 July that Kayunga district will host this year's national celebrations to mark World Population Day on 11 July. Uganda will commemorate the day under the theme "Uganda at 33 million: Time to act." The event, organised by the Population Secretariat and UNFPA, will take place at Ndeeba Church of Uganda Primary School. Uganda's population currently stands at 33 million.
UNITED STATES: The Huffington Post published a blog by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Ostomehin on 7 July arguing for greater investment in adolescents and young people as the world population reaches seven billion. He wrote, “In a few days' time, world leaders and policy makers will convene at the United Nations for a special summit on young people. Given recent developments in many parts of the world, such a meeting is timely. . . Overall, people are living longer, healthier lives, and many couples are choosing to have fewer children. But we are faced with the largest ever group of potential parents. And great disparities exist between countries. While many wealthy and middle-income nations are concerned with low fertility rates and ageing citizens, the world's poorest nations struggle to meet the needs of young and rapidly growing populations. I am particularly concerned about the future of adolescents and youth: how can we ensure that younger generations inherit a world worth living in? The world's 1.8 billion young people aged 10 to 24 constitute more than a quarter of the world's population. Just below 90 percent live in developing countries. As parents of the next generation, their choices will help determine future population trends.” Read: The Huffington Post
URUGUAY: El País, La República, La Republiva and Causa Abierta reported on 8-10 July that on the upcoming World Population Day and launch of the Seven Billion Actions campaign, as well as issues related to census and other population statistics in Uruguay. Read in Spanish: El Pais (a), El Pais (b), La Republica and Causa Abierta
VENEZUELA: VTV reported on 8 July on UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s statement marking World Population Day on 11 July. Dr. Osotimehin said that to reduce inequities and improve the living standards of people living today and for generations to come, it will be necessary to adopt new ways of thinking and establish an unprecedented global partnership. Read in Spanish: VTV
YEMEN: Al-Thawra reported on 7 and 10 July on World Population Day, focusing on the preparation of Yemen, represented in the National Population Council, to mark World Population Day and the UNFPA campaign “Seven Billion Actions” and what it means to live in a world of seven billion. Read in Arabic: Al Thawra (10 July) and Al Thawra (7 July)
GUYANA: UNFPA Donates $26M In Equipment To Ministry
Starbroek News reported on 15 June that UNFPA donated equipment valued at $26 million to the Ministry of Health to strengthen maternal health initiatives. Read: Starbroek News
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE
UN News Centre reported on 5 May that United Nations officials hailed the significant impact of midwives on the health of women and newborns, and called for greater investments to ensure their life-saving services are available to all who need them around the world. “Midwives deliver – and not only babies,” said Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA. “They save lives and promote good health in societies as a whole. They are an essential workforce in an effective health-care system.”
In a statement to mark the day, Dr. Osotimehin noted that more than one in three women in developing countries give birth alone, and in some of the poorest countries, as few as 13 per cent of all deliveries are assisted by a midwife or a health worker with midwifery skills. Read: UN News Centre
AFGHANISTAN: Xinhua reported on 5 May on the International Day of the Midwife in a story focusing on midwifery in Afghanistan. "Nearly 70 per cent of women dying from pregnancy related problems in my province due to the limited access to health centres and professional midwives," Afghan midwife Fatima Hamdard said. The article continued to cover UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s statement marking the day. "More than one in three women in developing countries give birth alone -- or with only relatives to oversee what is one of the most dangerous passage they will ever undergo," said Babatunde Osotimehin. Read: Xinhua
BANGLADESH: BDNews24 reported on 5 and 7 May on an effort to increase the number of trained midwives in the country. UNFPA Bangladesh representative Arthur Erken said midwives were an essential workforce in an effectively functioning health care system and the best way forward to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. UNFPA is supporting the pilot programme in three districts – Munshiganj, Mymensingh and Chittagong – in the country. Read: BDNews24 and BDNews24
The Daily Star reported on 5 May that Bangladesh observed International Day of the Midwife and that Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, gave a statement marking the day. The statement said more than one in three women in developing countries gives birth alone or with only relatives. Read: The Daily Star
The New Age reported on 5 May that, with the country still heavily relying on community skilled birth attendants who lack the skill and the authority to perform complicated deliveries, and with one in 500 women dying during childbirth, Bangladesh, like other countries of the world, will today observe International Day of the Midwife. In Bangladesh, where more than 75 per cent of deliveries take place at home, it is imperative to improve the situation through the training of more midwives, according to UNFPA.
Although the number of women giving birth in medical facilities in Bangladesh has more than doubled, from 9 per cent in 2001 to 23 per cent in 2010, more than 75 per cent of deliveries still take place at home. Read: The New Age
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Multiple media outlets published on 4 and 5 May the full statement by Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, on the occasion of the International Day of the Midwife. Read in Bosnian: Sutra and Ljiljan
CHAD: Radio Chad reported on 5 May on a conference panel organized by the Chadian Association of Midwives, with the support of UNFPA, to mark the International Day of the Midwife and on UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotomehin’s statement on the day. During the conference, presentations followed by discussions were made on the role of midwives in reducing maternal death, the analysis of their situation in Chad and the need for their redeployment in the light of their uneven distribution in the territory.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Tele-Congo, les Depeches de Brazzaville and Radio Pointe Noire reported on 7 May on the celebration of the International Day of the Midwife in Pointe Noire, which was organized jointly by the Inter-provincial Midwives Order and UNFPA. UNFPA Representative David Lawson called on the government to take the necessary measures and budget to enhance the professional standards and training for midwifery. He also indicated that UNFPA would support the participation of Congolese midwives at the upcoming Durban Conference of midwives. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
Congo-site, DRTV, TV-Congo, Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 6 May on the celebration in Brazzaville of the International Midwives Day by the National Midwives Order, the Health Ministry, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO on the role of midwives in achieving MDG 4, 5 and 6. CARMMA Ambassador Senator Philomene Fouty-Soungou and UNFPA Representative David Lawson led a march of midwives. Read in French: Congo-Site and Les Depeches de Brazzaville
DRTV, TV Congo, Radio Congo, TV+, Canal Benediction broadcasted on 5 May the message of UNFPA Executive Director, Babatunde Osotimehin, delivered by UNFPA Resident Representative, David Lawson, on the occasion of International Midwife Day.
COSTA RICA: La Teja reported on May 5 on a celebration held to mark the International Day of the Midwife. UNFPA recognized the work of the midwives as it noted that many women continue to give birth without the skilled assistance they provide.
GUINEA-CONAKRY: Guinee24 reported on 5 May that UNFPA-Guinea, through the foundation of the First Lady of the Republic, Conde Djen, offered over 30 million Guinean francs worth of medical equipment for delivery to the Health Centre Yimbaya and the premium midwives who have contributed more to save lives of women and babies. Read in French: Guinee 24
GUYANA: Kaieteur News reported on 5 May that, with a firm commitment to ensure the safety of both women and children during pregnancy and delivery, midwives drawn from across the country gathered at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, on 4 May to celebrate International Day of the Midwife, one day ahead of the designated day. The event was held under the theme, “The world needs midwives now…more than ever.” The local observance was preceded by a march which commenced at the Ministry of Health’s Brickdam Office and culminated at the Umana Yana where the health workers gathered to reflect on the work of midwives. Yesterday’s event also featured addresses by Director of Maternal and Child Health within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Janice Woolford, and UNFPA Technical Specialist, Derven Patrick. The commemorative activities were later taken to the Aracari Resort at Versailles, West Bank Demerara, for a forum which saw the role of the midwife being highlighted in-depth by UNFPA Midwife Adviser Mandy La Fleur. Read: Kaieteur News
IRAN: Tehran Times featured an interview on 7 May with Mehmet Hulki Uz, the UNFPA representative in Tehran, who said that Iran has succeeded in reducing maternal death by 80 per cent within 18 years. In addition, “Now in Iran 97 per cent of deliveries are being achieved safely,” he said. The interview was published as the Iranian Health Ministry marked the International Day of the Midwife. Read: Tehran Times
Etelaat News, Salamat and Fars reported on 4 and 5 May on International Day of the Midwife, noting that reducing maternal mortality and boosting maternal health are among the chief concerns of the country’s health system today. Iran succeeded in reducing its maternal mortality rate by 80 per cent over the course of 18 years, from 1990-2008. According to Mehmet Hulki Uz, UNFPA Representative in Iran, the country has made some momentous progress in maternal health, but 420 women still die each year because of pregnancy related causes – that’s more than one Iranian woman a day. UNFPA is working with the Ministry of Health to help reduce the country’s maternal mortality rate further: 80-90 per cent of maternal deaths can be avoided by strengthening the role of midwives. Midwives help make the health system more efficient because they can consult at a community level and detect possible complications arising from pregnancy – at a third (on average) of the cost for a physician to do so, generating significant savings for the government. UNFPA advocates for doctors and midwives to form part of a “family practice” team in which midwives can offer community-level family planning and maternal health services and refer any issue beyond their sphere of competency to a doctor.
KENYA: The Nation reported on 4 May on the International Day of the Midwife, noting that UNFPA in its latest statistics notes that every day, 1,000 women die and 5,500 newborns die in the first week of life for lack of adequate medical care. Thirteen per cent of all deliveries are attended by a health worker with midwifery skills in poor countries, and UNFPA and the Kenya Medical Association say there is need to invest in building these skills. Read: The Nation
The Nairobi Star reported on 2 May that there is a global shortage of some 350,000 professional midwives, according to UNFPA. UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin said as a result of the shortage, women and their newborn babies die from complications that would be prevented by a health worker with skills, the right equipment and support. He noted that more than one in three women in developing countries give birth alone or with the help of relatives. This, he said, is dangerous for women. Dr. Osotimehin said that in the poorest countries, as few as 13 per cent of all deliveries are assisted by a midwife or a health worker with skills. "Midwives are the unsung heroes of maternal and newborn health," said Dr. Osotimehin in a statement released ahead of the International Day of the Midwife to be marked on 5 May. He underscored the need for countries to invest in human resources for health. He added that 1,000 women die daily and 5,500 newborns die in the first week of life for lack of adequate medical care. Read: The Nairobi Star
PAKISTAN: The Nation reported on 6 May that Parliamentary Health Secretary Saeed Elahi has said that the uplifting of the health sector and welfare of the people associated with it was the top priority of the government. Addressing a seminar arranged with the cooperation of the Punjab Health Department, UNICEF and UNFPA on the occasion of International Midwives Day, he said that the government was paying special attention to the health of women and children. Read: The Nation
PARAGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 4-6 May on International Day of the Midwife. Articles highlighted the fact that, in Paraguay three out of ten births are attended by midwives. They also reported on the message from the Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, who said, “Midwives, not only offer services, but are also who attend births, save lives and promote the health of women and societies as a whole. They are an essential part of any personal health system.” Read in Spanish: ABC, Vanguardia and La Nacion
SRI LANKA: Ceylon Daily News reported on 5 May on International Day of the Midwife, noting that in Sri Lanka, public health midwives have been a cornerstone in reducing maternal deaths and improving the health of mothers and their newborns. "Sri Lanka's investments in improving maternal health are exemplary. By applying the right policies and making the right investments to increase skilled attendance at birth along with increased access to family planning and emergency obstetric care, Sri Lanka has shown that maternal deaths can be reduced even prior to attaining high levels of economic development. UNFPA is also proud to be part of these achievements" said UNFPA Representative Lene Christiansen. Read: Ceylon Daily News
SUDAN: Sudan Vision and Al Sahafa reported on 5 May on the International Day of the Midwife. In a fullpage of coverage, Sudan Vision included the message of UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA messages on the event and an article on midwifery and maternal health highlighting the support of UNFPA to the national efforts of reducing maternal mortalities and improving women’s health. Read: Al Sahafa, Sudan Vision Daily (a) and Sudan Vision Daily (b)
Multiple media outlets also reported on 3-7 May on events marking the International Day of the Midwife in Juba, beginning with the establishment of the first Nurses and Midwives Association of Southern Sudan, which brought together nurses and midwives from all ten states in South Sudan. Coverage also marked the launch of the Month of the Midwife, which began on the day. Events included a march and rally in support of midwives on 5 May, the broadcast of a UNFPA-produced documentary on midwifery in Southern Sudan and interviews, panel discussions and statements featuring multiple UNFPA officials. A South Sudan TV talkshow featured UNFPA Head of Office Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, along with Janet Michael of the Ministry of Health of GOSS and Petronella Wawa, Principal of the UNFPA-supported Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery. Read: Gurtong and Sudan Tribune
SWAZILAND: The Swazi Observer reported on 6 May that UNFPA Country Director Dr. Hassan Mohtashami said the current number of midwives in the country should be increased in each local hospital. Currently there are slightly over 1,200 midwives in Swaziland, disclosed chief nursing officer Thembsile Khumalo. Dr. Mohtashami said midwives were a critical attribute of human resources for maternal health because they simply could make a difference between life and death. “Even though recent reports by the UN show a decline in deaths during pregnancy and childbirth of 34 per cent, the annual rate of decline is less than half of what is required to achieve the MDGs,” he said. Read: The Swazi Observer
The Swazi Observer reported on 6 May on the International Day of the Midwife, as UNFPA country Director Dr. Hassan Mohtashami said the current number of midwives in the country should be increased in each local hospital. Currently there are slightly over 1,200 midwives in Swaziland, disclosed chief nursing officer Thembsile Khumalo. Read: The Swazi Observer
The Times of Swaziland reported on 6 May that the frequency of pregnancy within a short space of time is a major concern to midwives in the country. According to the midwives, this has greatly contributed to the high maternal mortality rate. They attributed this to the lack of access to family planning services, as the level of contraceptive use for married women in the country currently stands at 51 per cent. The midwives revealed this during the commemoration of the International Day of the Midwife, which was held at the Royal Villas on 5 May. They said there was a need to consider health education as a key for behaviour change. UNFPA Representative Hassan Mohtashami said midwives were a critical human resource for maternal health because they are skilled birth attendants. He said the country needs to train skilled attendants who can make a substantive contribution to the reduction of maternal mortality. "Rural women may be illiterate, but can be trained as skilled attendants," Dr. Mohtashami said. Read: The Times of Swaziland
The Swazi Observer reported on 4 May that Swaziland, with the support of UNFPA, was to join the world in the celebration of International Day of the Midwife. One of the critical elements for the attainment of the health outcomes, especially the MDG 5 target of 75 per cent reduction of maternal mortality, is human resources for health. That is why there has been increasing attention accorded to this component as part of the effort to strengthen health systems in developing countries. Sexual Reproductive Health Programme Manager Phumzile Mabuza said that improving maternal health calls for the expansion of the specific functions and or categories of midwifery personnel. “Midwives need to be equipped with knowledge and skills to improve the quality of care rendered to clients. This would ensure joyful childbirth prospect rather than misery for millions of women in the world,” she said. Read: The Swazi Observer
TANZANIA: The Citizen reported on 4 and 5 May on events commemorating International Day of the Midwife, including a march to celebrate the work of midwives, a statement by UNFPA on the day, profiles of UNFPA officials and midwives in the country, and calls for improved training for midwives in the country. “The World Health Organisation and other UN agencies as well as some global partners recognize the fact that midwives are key to achieving the goal to reduce in maternal and newborn deaths and disabilities globally,” said Rita Noronha, UNFPA health system programme specialist. Read: The Citizen
TIMOR-LESTE: Timor Post and Suara Timor Lorosae reported on 5- 6 May on the two-day, UNFPA-led celebration of the International Day of the Midwife. The event opened with an address from the President of Timor-Leste, Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, who spoke on the important work of midwives in saving women’s and children’s lives, and called on men to be more engaged in family planning in order to preserve women’s health.
UGANDA: The Monitor reported on 6 May and published a statement by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Ostomehin marking the International Day of the Midwife. The growing shortage of midwives is contributing to Uganda's failure to end maternal and child deaths, the government has said. At least 2,000 additional midwives are required to provide skilled care during antenatal, delivery and postnatal care including providing family planning and immunisation services. Addressing journalists as part of yesterday's International Day of the Midwife, Health Minister Stephen Mallinga in a statement read for him by Assistant Commissioner for Health Promotion Paul Kagwa, explained that the shortage of midwives is affecting the quality of maternal and newborn care. Read: The Monitor and The Monitor
URUGUAY: Sociedad Uruguaya reported on 5 May on the celebration of the International Day of the Midwife. Read in Spanish: Sociedad Uruguaya
VIET NAM: Gia Dinh va Xa Hoi (Family and Society) reported on 5 May that on the occasion of the International Day of Midwife, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA Executive Director, commended the important work of midwives. “Midwives deliver – and not only babies. They save lives and promote good health in societies as a whole. They are an essential workforce in an effective healthcare system,” said Dr. Osotimehin. Read in Vietnamese: Gia Dinh va Xa Hoi
YEMEN: Naba news, Sahafanews and Bawabat al-Yemen published on 4 May the statement by Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of UNFPA, on the occasion of theInternational Day of the Midwife. Read in Arabic: Naba News, Sahafa News and Bawabat al-Yemen
ZIMBABWE: The Standard reported on 8 May on statements by the International Confederation of Midwives marking the International Day of the Midwife, as well as calls by UNFPA and others to improve training and availability of midwives around the world.
GUYANA: Intemperate Behaviour
Starbroek News published an article on 10 February arguing that just over a week ago, totally in keeping with the intemperate behaviour that has come to characterise this current administration, Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy chose a public forum to angrily inform the representatives of international organizations based here that they had used wrong data which was not tabulated locally, and which “disrespected” the country and undermined the efforts of local health workers. Dr. Ramsammy, almost shouting, during an address to open a two-day meeting on maternal and child health at the Regency Hotel, let the agencies know just how unfair and disrespectful they were. He was on a roll. Of course, the Minister had the media to play up to. He was sure his ‘speech,’ which no doubt would have embarrassed the agencies he specifically referred to – PAHO/WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF – would get out there. It must not have occurred to him that he, too, was being not just unfair and disrespectful, but downright ‘ornery’ over a matter which he could have addressed from his desk, using his telephone. Read: Starbroek News
GUYANA: Ramsammy Lambasts International Agencies Over Health Data
Starbroek News reported on 28 January that Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy took international agencies to task for using incorrect data to compile reports on Guyana, while saying that the practice disrespected the country and undermined the efforts of local health workers. Dr. Ramsammy, who cited PAHO/WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF, said he would not accept reports in the future if the organizations do not use the data tabulated locally. In a fiery address at the opening of a two-day caucus on maternal and child health at the Regency Hotel, Dr. Ramsammy said while the organizations have been good partners, they have been “absolutely unfair” to the country. “It is one thing to say to health workers that we have a formula and it is the formula that we would follow, to hell with the data that you have!” an angry sounding Dr. Ramsammy said. Read: Starbroek News
GUYANA: Workshop on Family Planning, Development and Rights
GINA reported on 2 June that the importance of sexual reproductive health was underscored at the opening session of a three-day workshop which focuses on repositioning family planning as a development and rights issue in Guyana.The workshop is a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Health, UNFPA and PAHO/WHO. Read: GINA