ETHIOPIA: Host Country Has Made Strides in Family Planning
Addis Fortune on 3 February reported that Addis Abeba is hosting the International Conference on Family Planning in November. Ethiopia was picked to host the conference due to its achievements in increasing the number of family planning service beneficiaries and successful health extension activities. According to a study by UNFPA, Ethiopia has made commendable progress in its family planning program through the use of contraceptives. Use of contraceptives has grown from 35.8 percent to 52.5 percent in the last ten years.
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,
ETHIOPIA: Mortality of Mothers, Children Getting Reduced: Ministry
The Ethiopian News Agency on 18 September reported that, the Ministry of Health said the mortality of mothers and children is reducing in Ethiopia due to the prime attention given to increasing access to nursing and midwifery in the country. Speaking at the opening of Annual Africa/Asia/ Caribbean Midwifery Programme Mid-Year Review and Technical Capacity building Workshop, Health State Minister Kebede Worku said the current mortality of mothers and children is now reduced to 40 per cent from 64 per cent in 1990. Dr. Kebede said the government has established 15 health science colleges, which have the capacity to train 4,800 midwives every three year as part of the efforts to increase the accessibility of nursing and midwifery in the country. UNFPA Representative for Ethiopia, Dr. Benoit Kalasa, on the occasion, said the number of midwives has now increased to 4,669 from 1,275 in 2008.
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
ETHIOPIA: UNFPA Holds Advocacy Workshop
CAPITAL on 8 July reported that a high-level advocacy workshop was held on 4 July, involving the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, UNFPA and other stakeholders. The advocacy workshop on universal access to reproductive health services and family planning was held as a run-up event to World Population Day and the London Summit on Family Planning taking place on 11 July. The workshop deliberated on such issues as achievements made so far and existing challenges in improving access to family planning, addressing the very high unmet need in the country, and ensuring universal access to reproductive health services.
ETHIOPIA: UNFPA Launches Condomize Campaign in Addis Ababa
The Ethiopian News Agency reported on 13 December that a high-level advocacy meeting on child marriage was conducted in the Assosa Town in Western Ethiopia. The National Coalition of Women Against AIDS (NCWH), in collaboration with UNFPA, organized the half-day high level advocacy meeting on stopping child marriage on December 12. The advocacy meeting was organized with the intention of looking at the achievements of the NCWH in its interventions on stopping early marriage over the last three years and discussing what could be done to address this harmful practice in a more effective and coordinated manner at the national level. UNFPA has been providing support to the NCWH to implement the “Stopping Early Marriage” initiative in the Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz and Tigray Regional States.
The high level advocacy meeting was attended by H.E. Woizero Azeb Mesfin- First Lady Ethiopia and Board chairperson of NCWH – Members of Parliament, officials from the aforementioned three regions, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from UN Agencies and the African Union Commission and other partners working on stopping child marriage.
ETHIOPIA: Condomize Campaign Discusses Female Condoms
Walta Information Center (WIC) on 9 December reported that participants of the 16th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) shared experiences on the significance of female condoms in protecting themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
According to a press release, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sent to WIC, the discussion and experience sharing on the use of female condoms that took place among ICASA participants who attended UNFPA’s Condomize Campaign.
Women from different countries indicated that they felt uncomfortable when they used it for the first time, but came familiar with it after frequently using it, according to the press release. Read in English: Walta Information Center
ETHIOPIA: Maternal Health
Radio France International on 5 December produced a programme on the issue of maternal health in Ethiopia. UNFPA’s Benoit Kalasa was mentioned in the piece. Read and listen in French: Radio France International
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD OF 7 BILLION
BOLIVIA: Los Tiempos on 7 November dedicated a three-page report on the world of 7 billion. The report used UNFPA and UN data. Read in Spanish: Los Tiempos
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Les Depeches de Brazzaville, DRTV, Tele-Congo, MN TV, Congo-site reported on 11 November on an exhibit jointly organized by UNFPA, the Education Ministry, and the UNESCO Congolese Commission of 1,000 drawings and thoughts of 5-11 years old children on a better world for 7 billion inhabitants, as part of UNFPA 7 Billion Campaign. UNFPA Representative David Lawson proposed a 4-point initiative to the national authorities to institute sustainable development as an integral part of primary and secondary education. Mr. Lawson also said, "Children’s thoughts are imaginative and creative and should inspire adults. We are pleased that children contribute to a debate too often limited to adults. Everyone has a voice to shape your future world." Sponsors included the private sector and the US Embassy. Watch in French: Daily Motion Read in French: Congo-site, Congo-site, Brazzaville
Le Souverain published on 11 November the message by UNFPA Representative David Lawson to Congolese populations through an audio-video communication on 31 October on the occasion of the world reaching 7 billion inhabitants. In his message Mr. Lawson calls on populations to be responsibility and take action, including youth, and to act in favour of the most vulnerable.
ETHIOPIA: Fana Broadcasting Corporate on 9 November reported that a ceremony organized today at Mekele Hospital here in Mekele marked the world population reaching 7 billion. The baby born at the hospital on 31 October, the day the world population supposedly hit the 7 billion mark, was given a special prize of a gold necklace with the inscription of ‘7 billion,’ an Ethiopian Government bond, and baby wear.
Making a remark on the occasion Mr. Benoit Kalasa, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund, said that the special event marked the end of the campaign his organization had been undertaking together with various stakeholders since July 11 to “highlight the challenges, opportunities and actions that will shape our common future in the context of the world population reaching 7 billion on October 31.”
Globally, the population has doubled since 1968 and grown by almost 40 per cent since reaching 5 billion in 1987. Growth will continue at least until mid-century despite dramatic declines in the average number of children per woman, according to the UN Population Division. Nearly all of this population growth–97 of every 100 people–is occurring in less developed countries. Gaps between rich and poor are growing. And more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity, water shortages and weather-related disasters. Meanwhile, many rich and middle-income countries are concerned about low fertility, declining populations and ageing.
The World at 7 Billion Campaign promoted seven key messages namely reducing poverty and inequality; unleashing the power of women and girls; investing in young people; ensuring reproductive health and rights; environmental sustainability; aging populations; and urban growth. The campaign has been undertaken with a number of media and advocacy activities.
It was disclosed that the prize giving ceremony today to the first baby born at Mekele Hospital represents a symbolic gesture of recognizing one of the 7th billion babies in Ethiopia born at health institutions. A similar ceremony was organized in Addis Ababa last week and ceremonies will also be held in Afar, Amhara, and SNNPR regions to recognize and give prize to the 7th billion babies born first in each region.
MADAGASCAR: La Vérité on 7 November reported that the UNFPA Tuléar sub-office organised a 7 billion campaign activity which involved a conference and open day regarding the reproductive health, social and economic development of young people. An estimate of 150 people attended the conference and 70 percent of them were young people. The aim of the open day was to inform the public about UNFPA’s mission and goals. The event also involved a film sensitizing young people about obstetric fistula and causes for example early marriages and pregnancies. The audience was very interested and asked many questions.
L’Express on 8 November reported that Madagascar must invest more in young women in the world of 7 billion. Jozef Maerien, UNFPA Madagascar Deputy Representative talked about the challenges facing young women in a world of seven billion people. He highlighted that the development of health services and education in Madagascar must be is a priority. Madagascar should improve its efforts to facilitate access to these services especially for young women. Read in French: L’Express
MEXICO: Reforma, Foro TV, NSS Oaxaca, El Universal, Canal Once TV, Farmacia Especializadas, Puebla On Line, Mi Morelia, and Enfoque Radio Noticias from 31 October to 7 November reported that the world reached the 7 billion population milestone and also highlighted the implications for the world, the region and also for México. In all cases the media reported on the content of the State of the State of World Population Report for 2011 “People and possibilities in a world of 7 billion.” Read in Spanish: Reforma, Foro TV, NSS Oaxaca, El Universal, Canal Once TV, Farmacia Especializadas, Puebla On Line, Mi Morelia, and Enfoque Radio Noticias
CNN en Español on 1 November broadcast an interview with well-known journalist Carmen Aristegui from CNN and Mr. Diego Palacios Jaramillo, UNFPA Mexico Representative, discussing the implications of having reached the 7 billion mark. Mr. Palacios emphasized that reaching this milestone offers unprecedented challenges and opportunities to humanity. Palacios mentioned that the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) provides a clear framework to address the issues resulting from the global, regional and national population trends. Palacios emphasized the need to adopt public policies to empower women and girls allowing them the possibility to participate in their societies and economies on equal footing with men and to invest in young people to enhance their quality of life, allowing opportunities for their integral development and facilitating their decision regarding the timing and spacing of pregnancies and births. He mentioned that these are key cost effective measures to deal with the growing population and to ensure development is based on justice, human rights, equal opportunities and better quality of life for all. Palacios reiterated that the current number of young-people is the highest in history and therefore their present and future needs in education, sexual and reproductive health and access to employment, must be met as a matter of priority by all countries but especially by the developing ones. He also mentioned that the UN Population Division projection (medium variant) that estimates a world population of 9.3 billion people by 2050 has implicit the assumption of continued support to countries in which unmet demand for family planning is highest such as in the Sub-Saharan Africa. View in Spanish: CNN en Espanol
PARAGUAY: The journalist César González Páez wrote in his weekly column, published in the newspaper Ultima Hora, on 7 November on the impact of the 7 billion. He noted that the estimate has been made by the UNFPA and thanks to the tool shared by the BBC, he has found that he is the world’s 2,556,323,657 inhabitant. Read in Spanish: Última Hora - edición impresa.
We Magazine, and ABC Colour, published on 6 November a brief note on the birth of the child Nargis, born at the hospital in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh region of India, who is considered the seven billionth inhabitant, according to Plan International. It also published remarks that the world has arrived, on 31 October at this number, as calculated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Read in Spanish: Revista Nosotras
TOGO: Togo Presse on 3 November covered the celebrations of the arrival of the symbolic 7 billionth baby of Togo as the world celebrated the milestone of reaching 7 billion inhabitants on 31 October. The welcoming ceremony of the symbolic Togolese 7B baby, a girl, born at 4:34am in the early hours of 31 October, took place in the 3rd largest health center in Lomé. Present at the ceremony were the Minister of Health, Prof. Kondi Charles Agba, accompanied by his colleague from the Ministry of Planning, Development and Territorial Administrative, Mme. Dédé Ahoéfa Ekoué as well as the Representative of UNFPA Togo, Mme. Cécile Mukarubuga. The baby girl, born to proud parents, Mr. Rémi Lagbaj and Mrs. Adja Oukpane, weighing 3.26kg at birth, received financial donations from Minister Ekoué and Ms. Mukarubuga and a symbolic gift from Minister Agba.
Minister Ekoué, while wishing that Little Oukpane grows up to be a leader and development actor, as she symbolizes female dynamism, expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the hospital for their participation and enthusiasm in giving this event the special connotation.
Minister Agba in his welcoming remarks emphasized that “only through important investments in the health and education sectors and especially in favour of women and young girls can the vicious cycles (of discrimination and violence) be broken”. The Minister concluded by expressing appreciation to UNFPA for “the unrelenting efforts in seeking to ameliorate the conditions of the vulnerable population.”
UGANDA: The Independent on 7 November published an article on the 7 billion and quoted UNFPA, "There’s nothing unique about an unplanned baby “surprising” her unprepared parents, especially in Uganda where pregnancy among young unmarried girls in a school is something of a norm. But Aheebwa is unique in one way. She shares her birthday with the world’s seven billionth baby, according to the United Nations Population Agency (UNFPA), a global milestone that has drawn attention to the rapid growth of the world’s population, and concern about the earth’s capacity to provide a decent living for all of them." Read in English: The Independent
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.
ETHIOPIA: Two Day Forum Explores Contributions of Faith-Based Organizations
Addis Zemen reported on 20 September on a two day-national consultation forum with faith-based organizations, organized by the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund and the Norwegian Church, kicked off yesterday. Making an opening remark on the occasion Dr. Shifraw Teklemariam, minister of federal affairs, noted that in their bid to serve their laities, faith-based organizations are promoting the values of peace, mutual trust, respectfulness and tolerance which the country is known for thereby mobilizing the people for development. The Minister added that the activities of faith-based organizations is critical in ensuring peace which would be vital in the effort to realize the Growth and Transformation Plan and other development endeavors.
The two-day national consultation forum deals with issues of maternal health, harmful traditional practices, adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. Making remarks at the consultation forum, the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia Pastor Zerihun Degu, said that in addition to the theological teachings they provide to their laities, faith-based organizations were making remarkable contributions in the country’s development endeavors. During the course of the two-day consultation presentations will be made on the contributions of faith-based organizations on interventions relating to maternal health, adolescent reproductive health, harmful traditional practices, and HIV/AIDS.
ETHIOPIA: UNFPA Present Vital Tools to Central Statistical Agency
Multiple media outlets reported on 18 August on the delivery by UNFPA of over 21 field vehicles, IT supplies and networking equipment to the Central Statistical Agency in a ceremony held on 18 August at the premises of the agency. The support is targeted at building the institutional and technical capacity of the agency. According to Mr. Benoit Kalasa, UNFPA country representative, the vehicles, worth around 13.6 million birr, were purchased with funds secured from the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom. The representative said DFID also provided 2.5 million dollars for the procurement of the IT and networking equipment. Deputy Director General of the Central Statistical Agency, Ato Yacob Mudesir, said on the occasion that the vehicles and equipment are vital tools for the implementation of various programs of the agency. Read in English: AFRO FM
EAST AFRICA: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON FOOD CRISIS
UPI reported on 8 August that Bunmi Makinwa, the United Nations Population Fund regional director for Africa, expressed the agency's worries during a visit to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. "UNFPA is working with partners to offer lifesaving psychosocial assistance to women who have survived sexual violence. Indeed, UNFPA was informed by partners that many women had been subjected to rape and sexual harassment during their long journey to the camp," Makinwa told Capital FM news of Nairobi. Read: UPI
Reuters reported on 8 August that Henia Dakkak, a Somalia researcher for UNFPA believes drought-stricken regions could boost crop production 20 per cent if women had more authority of land use because “women are often guardians of traditional knowledge of seed varieties and crops that can be grown in less than ideal climatic conditions.” More effort needs to be put into consulting women and using their specific environmental knowledge to improve agricultural and nutrition programmes, Dakkak said. Women’s views are key to making policies work, gender specialists say. But while women are needed in decision making, many are reluctant to enter the public sphere without community support. Read: Reuters
KENYA: Capital FM reported on 8 August that UNFPA Regional Director for Africa Bunmi Makinwa has expressed concern that women and young girls are being subjected to rape and other forms of sexual harassment when fleeing from Somalia to camps in Kenya. Mr. Makinwa, who visited the Dadaab Camp to assess the condition on Friday, urged aid partners to also focus on helping victims and survivors of sexual abuse since they require medical attention and psychosocial assistance. Read: Capital FM
EAST AFRICA: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON HORN OF AFRICA FOOD CRISIS
Reuters reported on 2 August that according to the head of UNFPA, the Horn of Africa food crisis shows the need to provide the world's poor with better access to family planning as part of efforts to prevent future tragedies. The United Nations has declared a famine in two regions of southern Somalia, where 3.7 million are going hungry, with over 12 million people now in need of urgent aid throughout areas including northern Kenya, Djibouti and Ethiopia. Despite regular food shortages and high infant mortality, the region's population has more than doubled since it was hit by major droughts in 1974, spurred by factors such as limited contraception use and a tradition of large families. While stressing the root cause of the crisis was the recent rain failures, UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin said it highlighted the plight of those living in parts of the world where the land struggles to support human life. "We need to improve food production . . . and to work with member states to ensure women and particularly young girls have access to education, including sexual education, and access to health services and reproductive health services including family planning," Dr. Osotimehin told Reuters in a telephone interview. Read: Reuters. Read in Spanish: Reuters
Ms. (United States) reported on 2 August that in an effort to save the lives of pregnant women and women with newborns in the drought-stricken areas of Somalia and some parts of Ethiopia and Kenya, UNFPA is distributing reproductive healthcare kits. The health kits include sanitary pads, soap, underwear and other hygiene items. Headscarves are also included so women can walk to food distribution centres without being harassed by Islamic extremists. Over 3,500 kits have already been distributed to Kenyan women. UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin said, "We are deeply concerned by the gravity of the situation in the region. We call upon the international community to urgently look after the unique needs of pregnant women and mothers whose families' survival are particularly at risk." Read: Ms.
EAST AFRICA: UNFPA Intensifies Assistance to Famine Victims
IPS reported on 27 July that the U.N. said that famine can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth and increases the risk of maternal deaths and infant illnesses. "Experts estimate that eliminating malnutrition among mothers can reduce disabilities in their infants by almost one third. UNFPA country offices in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti are carrying out emergency measures to distribute reproductive health care supplies, medical equipment and dignity kits to affected populations. This will ensure life saving treatment for mothers and their children, while also facilitating safe deliveries of newborns," the statement said. Read: IPS
IRAN: IRNA published on 25 July UNFPA’s press release announcing that it was scaling up its response to the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa. “We are deeply concerned by the gravity of the situation in the region,” said UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. “We call upon the international community to urgently look after the unique needs of pregnant women and mothers whose families’ survival are particularly at risk.” Read: IRNA
KENYA: The East African reported on 31 July that UNFPA is distributing reproductive healthcare kits as part of efforts to save the lives of pregnant women and those with newborns as the humanitarian crisis caused by the drought and ensuing famine takes its toll on communities in Somalia, some parts of Ethiopia and Kenya. The kits include hygiene items like sanitary pads, underwear and soap. Because of the strict dress codes for women in Somalia, headscarves are also included in these kits to ensure women’s mobility so that they can walk to food distribution centres without fear of being attacked by Islamic extremists. Read: The East African
ETHIOPIA: UNFPA to Produce Report on Ethiopian Population
Business Ethiopia reported on 26 July that UNFPA is set to launch Ethiopia’s population report, focusing on the state and trend of the Ethiopian population. According to the UNFPA Deputy Representative, Ibrahim Sambuli, the reason is to showcase to the rest of the world Ethiopia’s experiences in health extension programmes, women initiatives and the like. “We are given green light from Ethiopian government to prepare a separate report that assesses Ethiopia’s population status,” he said this morning (July 26, 2011) briefing journalists gathered in Adama town, a hundred kilometers from the capital, for a workshop that deals with population issues. Read: Business Ethiopia
ETHIOPIA: Ethiopia Hosts Global Conference on Reproductive Health Commodity Security
Walta Information Centre reported on 21 and 22 June that the Reproductive Health Commodity Security (RHCS) Coalition, together with the Ministry of Health and UNFPA, held a global conference in Addis Ababa under the theme “Access for All: Supplying a new decade for reproductive health.” One article noted that UNFPA has provided a total of $25 million between 2008 and 2010 in support of family planning programme in Ethiopia. Read: Walta Information Centre and Walta Information Centre
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON UN COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT
IPS reported on 13 April that in his 18-page report to the U.N. Commission on Population and Development (CPD), the secretary-general blames low funding on the global financial crisis. Given the uncertainty of how long the effects of the crisis will last, he predicts "the final figures for 2010 and 2011 may well be below those estimates." As a result, the Programme of Action adopted at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), held in Cairo, is in jeopardy, the secretary-general cautioned. Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, the new executive director of UNFPA, told IPS that "investing in the health and rights of women and young people is not an expenditure, it is an investment in our future.” He said far too many people continue to face discrimination, coercion and violence in making decisions about reproduction. Read: IPS
UN News Centre reported on 11 April that the head of UNFPA urged Member States and development partners to take quick action to facilitate universal access to reproductive health, the empowerment of women and poverty alleviation. “We need to keep pushing to make universal access to reproductive health a reality,” said Babatunde Osotimehin, the Executive Director of UNFPA. Read: UN News Centre
IPS reported on 11 April that U.N. members and all development actors should take urgent action and show stronger political will to make a final push to achieve universal access to reproductive health, empower women and reduce poverty, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA said. One of the most urgent actions they should take is close the $24-billion gap in funding to implement the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), said Dr. Osotimehin, making his first address to the Commission on Population and Development, in his capacity as UNFPA Executive Director. The funds would be invested to meet the needs of today’s 1.8 billion young people and 1.8 billion women of childbearing age. Read: IPS
IPS published an op-ed on 11 April by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. Dr. Osotimehin wrote, “World population will soon reach seven billion, and the decisions taken now will have a major impact on life in the 21st century. Our greatest challenge is meeting the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.” Read: IPS
UN Radio reported on 11 April that the empowerment of women has advanced significantly in the past 20 years, says the new Executive Director of the UNFPA. But more needs to be done. Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin became the fourth Executive Director of the Population Fund in January of this year and told Gerry Adams he hopes to focus on improving the condition of young women around the world. Read and listen: UN Radio
ETHIOPIA: Walta Information Centre reported on 12 April that the head of UNFPA urged Member States and development partners to take quick action to facilitate universal access to reproductive health, the empowerment of women and poverty alleviation. “We need to keep pushing to make universal access to reproductive health a reality,” said Babatunde Osotimehin, the Executive Director of UNFPA. “Investing in the health and rights of women and young people is not an expenditure; it is an investment in our future,” he said at the opening of a five-day session of the UN Commission on Population and Development. One of the most urgent actions required is the closing of the $24-billion gap in funding required to finance programmes to meet the needs of 1.8 billion young people and 1.8 billion women of childbearing age globally. Read: Walta Information Centre
INDONESIA: Indonesia Attends UN Population and Development Meeting
Antara News reported on 16 April that an Indonesian delegation attended the 44th Session of the Commission on Population and Development in New York. This year’s session, on the theme "Fertility, reproductive health and development,” was participated in by 47 countries, joining Partners Population Development (PPD) and UNFPA. Read: Antara News
IRAN: Press TV reported on 12 April that “We need to keep pushing to make universal access to reproductive health a reality,” said Babatunde Osotimehin, the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) calling for the empowerment of women and poverty alleviation. “Investing in the health and rights of women and young people is not an expenditure; it is an investment in our future,” he said at the opening of a five-day session of the UN Commission on Population and Development at the UN Headquarters in New York. Read: Rress TV
THE PHILIPPINES: Philippine Inquirer reported on 13 April that UNFPA urged member states and development partners to support access to reproductive health for women. UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin asked member states and development partners to take quick action to facilitate universal access to reproductive health, the empowerment of women and poverty alleviation. “We need to keep pushing to make universal access to reproductive health a reality,” Dr. Osotimehin said. He said that investing in the health and rights of women and young people is not expenditure but rather an investment for the future. Read: Philippine Inquirer
UZBEKISTAN: UzReport reported on 12 April on UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s call for increased investment in reproductive health at the Commission on Population and Development. Read: UzReport
AFRICA: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON THE UNFPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MISSION TO AFRICA
PANA reported on 30 March that the Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, asked for more investment in the health sector, for a sustainable development of Africa in the coming years. "Investing in health should be a priority for the next decade in Africa," said Osotimehin, before the fourth annual meeting of the Ministers of Economy and Finance of the AU and ECA in the Ethiopian capital. According to him, "It helps to bring us closer to each of the three key objectives, including the governance of Africa's development, green economies and viability of the global environment and allows us to maximize prospective opportunities and policies for the next decade." Read: PANA
ETHIOPIA: ENA reported on 30 March on UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s recent visit, which included a meeting with UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Dr. Osotimehin called on African countries to give attention to reproductive health services and youth. Read: ENA and ENA
NIGERIA: Vanguard reported on 28 March that UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin urged African countries to ensure adequate funding for health care facilities aimed at reducing the risk of losing the continent’s work force. Dr. Osotimehin said that investing in youth would bring positive returns to the continent for current and future generations. “When young people, particularly girls, stay in school, healthy and free from unwanted pregnancies and HIV, they enter the labour market with skills and contribute to national savings,” he said. Read: Vanguard
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
IPS reported on 7 March that in a statement marking the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, said the international community must promote the rights of women "to unleash the full potential of half the world’s population." Read: IPS
BANGLADESH: BDNews24 reported on 7 March that UNFPA has renewed its commitment to work with governments and civil society to achieve universal access to education and reproductive health by 2015. On the occasion of International Women's Day, UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin said, "As the world approaches a population of seven billion, it's high time to unleash the full potential of half the world's population — women.” Read: BDNews24
The News Today reported on 9 March that speakers at a discussion in Dhaka have urged civil society, NGOs and the government to help provide equal opportunity to women in the interest of national progress and development. They also called upon the government to put women and children’s rights and health issues high on its agenda. The local NGO “Amra Kuri,” in collaboration with UNFPA, organized the programme on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2011 at the Shishu Academy. Read: The News Today
BELARUS: Naviny.by and Open.by reported on 8 March on International Women’s Day. To mark the day, the National Statistic Committee compiled a portrait of a modern Belarusian Woman, and famous people shared their image of that figure. Census data and other statistical information were used to prepare the portrait. According to the Statistical Committee, the modern Belarusian woman is 42 years old, married with children, has higher or specialized secondary education, Belarusian nationality, considers Belarusian her native language and uses Russian in her everyday life. UNFPA Progamme Analyst Tatyana Haplichnik said, “The modern Belarusian woman is a mother and wife, and is an expert in her profession. Regardless of this working load, she manages to look so perfect that even women’s, not only men’s, heads are spinning from the number of beautiful women outside. By 21 she knows several foreign languages, has a higher education degree and a profession, and after 60 she starts mastering her computer skills and yoga, often combining this with work and grandchildren.” Read in Russian: Naviny.by and Open.by
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Congo-site reported on 13 March on a donation made by the UN female workers in Congo to midwives in two major hospitals in Brazzaville on the occasion of International Women's Day. Led by the UNICEF Representative, a UN delegation donated medical equipment to facilitate the midwives work. A member of the delegation, UNFPA’s Dr. Jeannette Biboussi, said, "Midwives are central to our fight against maternal mortality and we hope that this donation will enhance their work in our collective goal to achieve MDG5." Read in French: Congo-site
DRTV and Canal Benediction broadcast on 8 March the UNFPA Executive Director's message delivered by Congo Resident Representative David Lawson on the occasion of International Women's Day. Les Depeches de Brazzaville also reported on the celebrations of World Women's Day in Brazzaville. While most celebrations were decentralized to the countryside, the capital city hosted a number of festivities focused on women, where the message by Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA Executive Director for the occasion was delivered. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
Tele-Congo, DRTV and Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 8 March on the annual march by Congolese women in support of women's rights in Ewo, the capital city of the Cuvette Ouest Province in Western Congo. The march was led by First Lady Antoinette Sassou Nguesso, Women's Affairs Minister Jeanne Leckoumba Loumeto Pombo, and UNFPA Representative David Lawson. The theme of the march was "Investing in women and girls" Watch in French: Tele-Congo
EL SALVADOR: Diario Co-Latino reported on 8 March on the message of UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin on International Women's Day 2011. Read in Spanish: Diario Co-Latino
ETHIOPIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 8 March on events marking International Women’s Day in Ethiopia and around the world, noting that Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to work with governments and civil society organizations to achieve universal access to education and reproductive health by 2015. Read: Walta Information Centre
GHANA: GNA reported on 9 March that UNFPA Gender Officer Miriam R. Iddrisu called for an end to inhuman cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, widowhood rites and forceful marriages in Ghana. She said the country's laws did not favour such practices and that there is a need to prosecute those who engage in such acts to serve as a deterrent. Ms. Iddrisu said this in Tamale during the International Women's Day celebration. Read: GNA
GUINEA: Guinee 24 reported on 9 March that UNFPA and other development partners contributed to the festivities on International Women's Day. The Ministry of Social Affairs organized, in collaboration with UNFPA, an awareness day on defense forces and security on resolutions 1325 and 1820. In Guinea, UNFPA works alongside the Government for the right to health and equal opportunity for every man, woman and child. It conducts advocacy and technical support to the Guinean Government to ensure that all girls and all Guinean women are treated with dignity and respect. Watch in French: Guinee 24
JORDAN: Al–Rai featured an interview on 10 March with Muna Idris, UNFPA Jordan Assistant Representative. She reinforced the continuous commitment of UNFPA to support women’s rights in general and reproductive rights and health in particular. Ms. Idris stated that Jordan is one of the few countries which showed fundamental progress on reproductive health indicators, and on achieving a balance between population growth and natural and economic resources. Despite the tangible achievements in women’s reproductive health, there remain a number of areas that require increased attention like post-natal care, enhancing the role of health workers in addressing gender-based violence, focusing on the unmet needs for family planning, and improving the quality of services and existing system for reporting on maternal mortalities. All of these issues are highlighted in UNFPA Jordan’s current and future programmes of cooperation. Read in Arabic: Al-Rai
IRAN: IRNA reported on 7 March that UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin called for the use of women’s full potential in his message on International Women’s Day. “While the world approaches a population of seven billion, it’s high time to unleash the full potential of half the world’s population,” Dr. Osotimehin said in a press release. Read: IRNA
MADAGASCAR: La Verite, Madatimes, Midi-Madagasikara and Les Nouvelles reported on 8-10 March that to celebrate International Women’s Day, public debates were organized in Madagascar on the following issues: girls’ access to education; sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights; and equal rights for women and men. The reports quoted the Executive Director’s message on IWD and mentioned some data collected from UNFPA reports.
MALDIVES: Minivan News and Haveeru reported on 8 March that the Maldives celebrated the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. Celebrations included a function jointly organized by UNFPA and the NGO Thirees Nuvaeh. Speakers included the country’s first female MP and former Health Minister Aneesa Ahmed, serving MP Eva Abdulla, Sheikh Mohamed Qubadh Abubakru and Savithri Goonesekara, Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka. Read: Minivan News and Haveeru
MOZAMBIQUE: Rádio Cidade reported on 12 March that UNFPA supported an event led by peer educators to celebrate International Women’s Day, in the suburb of Laulane, in Maputo. The event, named “Show Biz” consisted of a public lecture on the importance of promoting access to education for girls, sensitization to HIV testing and live music performances by local popular artists such as Band Soweto and Mr. Bow. Jossias Chitive, a member of the Núcleo de Mavalane contra Drogras e HIV (youth association against drugs and HIV), who coordinated the event, said that live music helped to attract youngsters to participate.
NIGERIA: The Nigerian Tribune published a letter on 8 March from Zonta International on highlighting its service programme for this biennium (2010 - 2012) valued at $1,500,000; $500,000 to the prevention of Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV and gender-based violence in Rwanda, a project in collaboration with UNICEF; $500,000 to the elimination of Obstetric Fistula and the reduction of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity in Liberia, a project in co-operation with UNFPA; $500,000 to the Safe Cities For Women project in Guatemala City, Guatemala and San Salvador, El Salvador, a project in cooperation with UNIFEM.
OMAN: The Times of Oman reported on 8 March on the commemoration of International Women’s Day, noting that since the launch of the UNFPA GCC office in 2006, collaboration began with the Ministry of Social Development in all aspects of concern to women’s issues and gender. Read: The Times of Oman
PAKISTAN: The News reported on 9 March that recent trends in the health sector indicate that Pakistan has begun to significantly lag behind many regional countries in South Asia in terms of obtaining a reduction in the child and maternal mortality rates. This concern was flagged during the course of a recent focus group discussion on “Overcoming barriers in Reproductive Health.” The event was arranged by Leadership for Environment and Development (Lead) Pakistan in connection with International Women’s Day. The event was attended by a group of senior government officials, media personnel, civil society representatives, health experts, corporate figures and academic professionals. These included the Lady Health Worker Program, Ministry of Health, UNFPA, Rutgers World Population Foundation, Marie Stopes Society, National Trust for Population Welfare, Rozan, Sachet, Shifa College of Medicine and Heartfile. Read: The News
PARAGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 7-8 March that International Women’s Day was marked in Paraguay and around the world. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, called for fundamental human rights, the equal rights of men and women, and noted that as the world approaches a population of seven billion, it’s high time to unleash the full potential of half the world’s population. Read in Spanish: Agencia Jakueke, La Nacion, La Nacion
SUDAN: Sudan Vision Daily reported on 9 March that the United Nations and African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) celebrated International Women's Day in al Naqa'a Square in El Fashir under slogan of equality, training and education for women. The celebration was organized by UNAMID in cooperation with the Government of North Darfur, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNDP. Read: Sudan Vision Daily
Al Sahafa, Khartoum Monitor and Sudan Vision Daily published UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s statement marking International Women’s Day on 8 March. He said, “Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day and once again declare our faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal rights of men and women. As the world approaches a population of seven billion, it’s high time to unleash the full potential of half the world’s population.” Read: Sudan Vision Daily and in Arabic: Al Sahafa
Dagens Nyheter (Sweden) marke International Women’s Day on 8 March with a story that focused in particular on Ulrika Rehnström, a Swedish midwife who works for UNFPA training local midwifes with the Health Department in Juba in Southern Sudan. There are currently only about 110 midwives in the whole region. According to Ms. Rehnström, one of the biggest challenges is to get the Health Department to employ the newly trained midwives. In Southern Sudan, only 10 per cent of all pregnant women deliver in hospitals due to the lack of trained midwives and high cost of medical equipment. The maternal mortality ratio in Sudan is one of the highest in the world: 2,054 of 100,000 Sudanese women die from pregnancy-related causes. Read in Swedish: Dagens Nyheter
TURKEY: Multiple media outlets reported on 7-8 March on events marking International Women’s Day in Turkey and around the world, including UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s statement on the day. Coverage focusing on Turkey noted that every day, a woman is killed in the country in the name of “honour,” something that should be stopped immediately, UNFPA said in a statement for International Women’s Day. “Four out of 10 women are facing violence ... and this should be stopped urgently,” said the statement, which was issued by Zahidul Huque, the UNFPA Representative in Turkey. In addition, UNFPA sponsored a photography exhibit to raise awareness of gender-based violence in Turkey. Read: Hurriyet and Today’s Zaman. Read in Turkish: Birgun, CNN-Turkish, DHA, Milliyet, NTVMSNBC, Sabah, Super Online,
UGANDA: New Vision reported on 10 March that First Lady Janet Museveni has said the struggle to save the lives of women and newborns must continue. She noted that the maternal mortality ratio in Uganda had changed minimally over the last 10 years and that 16 women still lost their lives daily and 45,000 newborns die every year as a result of preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. “We must resolve to act now and change this unacceptable situation,” she said. Mrs. Museveni was officiating at the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood Uganda Chapter dinner in celebration of the 100th International Women’s Day. UNFPA Assistant Representative Dr. Ochan Wilfred called upon the Government to make maternal health a priority by increasing investment in midwifery training and health infrastructure.
UNITED STATES: Associated Press reported on 8 March on the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day, noting that Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, said equal rights are advanced when girls can avoid child marriage and enjoy equal access to education, both men and women can plan their families, and pregnant women no longer fear losing their jobs. Read: Associated Press
The Huffington Post published a blog on 8 March on coordinated efforts by NGOs, along with larger organizations like the WHO, to help combat this massive public health issue. Fistula is not a disease, stressed Dr. Gert Morren, of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), but a "handicap" that is "perfectly preventable," through skilled OB care, which the UNFPA says is not an option for many women because their husbands or mothers-in-law force them to stay home to give birth. (The UNFPA reports that another kind of fistula can be caused when the vaginal canal is ruptured in a violent rape, which happened so often in Congo in 2003 that doctors considered it a crime of combat.) Treatment for fistula is done via surgery and subsequent physiological work. Read: The Huffington Post
ZIMBABWE: The Herald reported on 7 March on the status of women in the country, noting that in a statement, UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin said that as the world approaches a population of seven billion, it's high time to unleash the full potential of half the world's population. International Women's Day is the platform to declare women's faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal rights of men and women. Read: The Herald
ETHIOPIA: Messeret Defar Renews Goodwill Ambassadorship
Multiple media outlets reported on 11 March that the National Honorary Goodwill Ambassador of UNFPA, Athlete Messeret Defar, renewed her agreement of ambassadorship. The two-year agreement was signed between the athlete and Benoit Kalasa, country representative of UNFPA. Ms. Messeret was appointed as UNFPA Ethiopia National Honorary Goodwill Ambassador to champion the causes of women, youth, and the prevention of HIV/AIDS after her return from the Athens Olympics in 2004, where she won a gold medal. Read: Walta Information Centre
ETHIOPIA: Five-Year Plan to Halve New HIV Infections
IRIN reported on 10 March that Ethiopia's Government has come up with an ambitious plan to halve new HIV infections, quadruple its annual condom distribution and put 85 per cent of people who need life-prolonging HIV medication on treatment within five years. While the country's progress is impressive, analysts say there is still much to be done. A recently released survey by research group Population Council and UNFPA found that stigma and ignorance were still common among young people. "A considerable per centage of young people had never heard of condoms or had no exposure to them," the study found. "One third of young people [aged 12-24] felt that moral people do not use condoms; 48 per cent of young people felt that condoms should not be used within marriage; and roughly half felt that condoms are used by promiscuous people." Read: IRIN
ETHIOPIA: Ministry, Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition Sign Cooperation Agreement
ENA reported on 16 February that the Ministry of Health and the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, based in Brussels, Belgium, signed an agreement to work together as partners in the efforts to ensure access to and use of affordable and high-quality reproductive health supplies. The coalition brings together diverse agencies and groups including UNFPA, which plays a critical role in providing contraceptives and other reproductive health supplies. Read: ENA
ETHIOPIA: Five-Year Plan to Halve New HIV Infections
IRIN reported on 23 December that Ethiopia's Government has come up with an ambitious plan to halve new HIV infections, quadruple its annual condom distribution and put 85 per cent of people who need life-prolonging HIV medication on treatment within five years. While the country's progress is impressive, analysts say there is still much to be done. A recent survey by UNFPA and the Population Council found that stigma and ignorance were still common among young people. "A considerable per centage of young people had never heard of condoms or had no exposure to them," the study found. "One third of young people [aged 12-24] felt that moral people do not use condoms; 48 per cent of young people felt that condoms should not be used within marriage; and roughly half felt that condoms are used by promiscuous people." The authors recommended increased attention to marital transmission of HIV/AIDS and the use of condoms within marriage. Read: IRIN
ETHIOPIA: Maternal, Child Death On Decline In Amhara, Says UNFPA
ENA reported on 6 December that UNFPA Africa Region Director Bunmi Makinwa said that maternal and child deaths have declined in Amhara State. Mr. Makinwa said that UNFPA will continue supporting Ethiopia in health, education and social development programmes. State Chief, Ayalew Gobeze, said that UNFPA has provided 160 million Birr for development projects in the state over the last three years. Read: ENA
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD AIDS DAY 2010
LATIN AMERICA: Multiple media outlets reported on 29-30 November that prior to World AIDS Day, HIV experts from the Ministry of Health, the Peru AIDS Network, UNFPA, the Institute for Health Studies, Human Sexuality and Human Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, CONAMUSA, UNAIDS and the Health Education Institute, met to present recommendations from the “International AIDS Conference - Vienna 2010” in order to reach agreements to reduce HIV epidemic in Peru. Read in Spanish: Orbita, Radio Caracol, RCN Radio, El Tiempo, Prensa Latina, Diario Co Latino, CIMAC and El Liberal
ARMENIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 1 December on the message from UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid on the commemoration of World Aids Day. With support from UNFPA Armenia, a forum theatre "Theatre for Changes" and a group of Y-PEERs performed an interactive play titled "Who Would Imagine?" The performance used theatre based peer education techniques to sensitize the issue of stigma in connection with HIV/AIDS. Read in Armenian: Mediainform, Armenpress, Mardik.am, NewsArmenia. Read in Russian: Armeniya.net, Novosti - Armeniya
BANGLADESH: The Financial Express reported on 5 December that East West University and UNFPA organized a rally on World AIDS Day-2010 at the campus on 1 December. The aim of this rally was to raise awareness of HIV in Bangladesh. With a slogan "prevent HIV, protect you, protect others and keep the promise", the rally moved around the Mohakhali campus and ended at the academic building premises. Read: The Financial Express
CHINA: Xinhua reported on 1 December that though estimable progress has been made towards achieving an AIDS-free generation of children, there is still more work to be done, high-level UN officials said at the launch of "Children and AIDS: Fifth Stocktaking Report 2010," an evaluation of progress towards preventing and treating AIDS in children authored by UNICEF in conjunction with other UN agencies. The report stressed that aside from funding and the distribution of HIV/AIDS care to children, another essential aspect of creating an AIDS-free generation would be reducing a knowledge gap among youth about the spread and prevention of the disease.The gap can be closed by providing education on primary and secondary levels to young people, particularly girls, who are usually the most marginalized, according to George Tembo, chief of the HIV and AIDS programme at UNFPA, who also spoke at the launch."When children and young people stay in school, particularly adolescent girls, and receive quality education, including sexuality education they are better able to prevent HIV and build a future for themselves," he said. Read: Xinhua
China Daily and People.com.cn published on 1 December an op-ed by Dr. Bernard Coquelin, Representative of UNFPA China as the chair of the UN Theme Group on HIV in China. The HIV Theme Group in China comprises UNDP, UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, ILO, UNODC, UNIFEM, and the UNAIDS secretariat. In response to HIV, the protection of the rights of those vulnerable to, and living with the infection, is critical. The UN considers that through continued efforts to expand access to HIV prevention and treatment services, efforts to combat stigma and discrimination, and efforts to protect the rights of those affected and infected, China will be able to make significant progress toward Millennium Development Goal 6 (MDG6). Read in Chinese: China Daily and People.com.cn
Netease reported on 1 December that UNFPA, together with UNESCO and UNICEF, sponsored and provided technical support to an activity organized by CHAIN and other NGOs to promote youth participation to communicate HIV prevention and anti-stigma messages from university students. A gathering showcasing the winning communication ideas was organized on 30 November, just before the World AIDS Day. Read in Chinese: Netease
COLOMBIA: Caracol, Asi es Cucuta and Soy Periodista reported on 29 November-1 December on World AIDS Day. After 29 years of the epidemic, noting that the Ministry of Social Protection and UNFPA launched a new communication strategy, “Different people, equal rights.” Read in Spanish: Caracol, Asi es Cucuta, Soy Periodista
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Multiple media outlets reported on 29 November and 2 December on the movie "Une Vie Positive,” Alain Nkodia, which was produced with UNFPA support. The film presents the life of a couple living with AIDS. The first ever Congolese movie on AIDS also presents the first ever couple to come out on their HIV positive status. A call to fight discrimination and stigmatization, UNFPA Representative, David Lawson has established partnership with the movie industry in order to reach out to wide segment of citizens, including young people. The movie will be presented across the country and has been shown on international channel TV5. As UNAIDS theme Group Chair, UNFPA Representative David Lawson presented the movie "Une Vie Positive" to an audience mostly made up of young people, in presence of movie director, Alain Nkodia, and the two main actors, in presence of WFP and the World Bank agency heads, which was followed by a discussion. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville and watch in French: TV 5
DRTV and Tele-Congo reported on 1 December on the celebration of World AIDS Day. In an event marking the day, Health minister George Moyen, UNFPA Representative and UNAIDS Theme Group Chair, David Lawson and UNAIDS Country Coordinator, Louis Ponzio, on the theme linking maternal health, HIV prevention and PMTCT. The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Government to fight maternal mortality and on its linkages to HIV/AIDS. He also committed to eradicating mother-to-child-transmission. UNFPA Resident Representative and UN AIDS Theme Group Chair, David Lawson delivered statements by UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe. Watch: Tele-Congo
ETHIOPIA: Walta Info reported on 1 December that achieving an AIDS-free generation is possible if the world steps up efforts to provide universal access to prevention, treatment and social protection, according to a new United Nations report released to coincide with World AIDS Day. “To achieve an AIDS-free generation we need to do more to reach the hardest hit communities,” UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in New York in launching the report, compiled jointly by UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNESCO, UNFPA and WHO. Read: Walta Info
GEORGIA: 24 Saati and GPB reported on 1 December that UNFPA’s Georgia Country Office marked World AIDS Day by holding a number of informational-educational activities for youth in partnership with the Georgian Youth Development and Education Association (GYDEA), Caucasus Social Marketing Association, Georgian State Pantomime Theatre and Tbilisi Municipality. The celebrities from the famous nation-wide Musical Project “Geostar” joined this initiative. On the same day, Ilia State University hosted the presentation of GYDEA, is a newly established youth organization founded by members of the Georgian Peer Educator’s network with the support of UNFPA’s Georgia Country Office. The event was attended by Gigi Tsereteli, the Deputy Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, partners and representatives from government and non-governmental organizations and youth. Read: 24 Saati and Watch in Georgian: GPB
INDIA: Indo-Asian News Service reported on 1 December that removing deeply-rooted inequities in gender, economic status and education - from which millions of AIDS and HIV positive women and children suffer - is crucial to universal access to knowledge, protection and prevention of mother-to-child transmission, a UN report said. 1 December is observed as World AIDS Day. "Children and AIDS: Fifth Stocktaking Report 2010" by UNICEF, UNAIDS, WHO and UNFPA, said the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be achieved through universal access to anti-retroviral treatment. Read: Indo-Asian News Service
JORDAN: Al Arab Al Yawm, Ad Dustour and Al Rai reported on 2-5 December that the Y-Peer network in Jordan, in coordination and support of UNFPA, marked both National AIDS Day and Human Rights Day in a very distinctive youthful way. Y-Peers are conducting a ten day-long campaign under the theme " a message for AIDS to Human Rights: better reproductive health education for youth.” The campaign aims to encourage the integration of reproductive health issues in schools curricula in order to raise young people's awareness in such issues specially their knowledge in physical and psychological changes during adolescence period. The campaign will include different interactive activities such as: theater play, field visits, concerts, open health day, film screening and participation in some sport activities. Read in Arabic: Al Arab Al Yawm, Ad Dustour, Al Rai
LEBANON: As Safir reported on 1 December on an event organized for World AIDS Day by Y-PEER Lebanon, with the support of UNFPA, on 8 and 9 December. The event aims at raising HIV/AIDS awareness among around 800 high school students through Games, Theatre and Dance. It is placed under the slogan “Our Health, Our Right... Let’s Take a Stand”. Read in Arabic: As Safir
PARAGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 30 November that on the World AIDS Day, the Executive Director of UNFPA, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, called for ensuring universal access to health services and expressed her dream to end discrimination and stigma against people with HIV and AIDS. Read in Spanish: Ñandutí, Cerigua, PPN, Neike, La Nación
SRI LANKA: The Daily News reported on 1 December that World AIDS Day 2010 comes at an important time when we have broken the trajectory of the AIDS epidemic, as we begin to see fewer people being infected with HIV. Among young people, in 16 of the most severely affected countries, the rate of new HIV infections has fallen by more than 25 per cent as a result of young people adopting safer sexual practices. UNFPA, in partnership with Sarvodaya Shanthi Sena and the Regional Director of Health Services Vavuniya is commemorating World AIDS Day in the Vavuniya district to highlight this and engage young people to take the lead in raising awareness on HIV/AIDS. Read: The Daily News
SUDAN: The Juba Post reported on 1 December on preparations for the International AIDS Day in Juba and Sudan Tribune reported (from Bentiu, capital of Unity States of Southern Sudan), on 1 December that the International AIDS Day was celebrated encouraging people to get tested for the sexually transmitted virus. In an address to his troops who participated during the procession in Juba to mark the Day, the Chief of General staff, said that people should get ready to fight the pandemic all the time. He called on youth, who are prone to the deadly virus, to abstain from unsafe sex. The officer praised the southern Sudan Aids Commission for disseminating the message about HIV/AIDS to everyone. Eleven Voluntary Testing Centres in Juba were established to encourage soldiers to take the test. The celebration was organized by the Ministry of Health and the AIDS Commission with support from UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, UNMIS and other development partners. The national theme was “Get Tested for HIV. Stay Alive.” Read: Juba Post, Juba Post and Sudan Tribune
TURKEY: Hurriyet reported on 30 November that Turkey could attain “zero infections, zero deaths and zero discrimination" from AIDS, but it will require a change in societal perceptions and proper sexual education in schools, according to a top United Nations health official. “There is a silence about HIV/AIDS in Turkey,” said UNFPA Representative Dr. Zahidul Huque. Read: Hurriyet
ETHIOPIA: Anibara District of Afar State Declares End to FGM/C
The Reporter reported on 13 November that Amibara district in the Afar Regional State declared the abandonment of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) at a ceremony held to mark the occasion at the town of Werer on 11 November. Awash Fentale, a neighboring district, was scheduled to make a similar declaration on 14 November. In Afar region, women have traditionally been subjected to the most severe form of the practice – infibulations - usually between the ages of seven and nine. The change in the attitude of the districts’ residents was the result of continuous community conversations facilitated by UNFPA and UNICEF, in collaboration with the regional government and local officials. Read: The Reporter
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF UNFPA’S STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2010 REPORT
IRIN reported on 22 October that modern war is often not about soldier against soldier, but a struggle to "break the will of civilians — women, girls, men and boys" by whatever means possible - including rape – according to the UNFPA State of World Population 2010 report published on 20 October. The term “gender-based violence” is often used to refer to violence against women, but, as the UN Guidelines for Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings state, "it is important to note. . . men and boys may also be victims of gender-based violence, especially sexual violence.” Read: IRIN
UN Radio reported on 21 October Safiye Çagar from UNFPA says it's crucial to recognize the role women play in rebuilding broken societies. Discrimination against women and the perpetuation of crimes, such as rape, is a major hindrance to peace, security and development in countries emerging from conflict, according to the State of World Population 2010 report. The report by UNFPA says when women have the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster. "Renewal means creating new opportunities and rectifying entrenched inequalities. Renewals requires empowerment of all members of society who are vulnerable.” Read: UN Radio
IPS reported and published an interview on 20 October with UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid on the State of World Population 2010 report. “The new trend we are trying to bring into the discussion about women is the three R's – Resilience, Renewal, and Redefining roles. Women are always seen as victims. We are saying women are not victims. Women have the resilience, they keep the families together. And with renewal, when we are rebuilding after a crisis, we should not rebuild society as it was before, with all the inequalities and inequities in it, but on a new human rights paradigm that will bring equality.” Read: IPS and IPS
UN News reported on 20 October on the release of The World’s Women 2010: Trends and Statistics, published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the State of World Population 2010, which found that discrimination against women not only exposes them to the worst effects of disaster and war, but also deprives their countries of a prime engine for recovery. “This year’s report is about the three Rs: resilience, renewal and redefining roles between boys and girls and men and women,” UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said at the official launch in London of the report, which uses stories of individuals affected by conflict or catastrophe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Liberia, the occupied Palestinian territory, Timor-Leste and Uganda to bring home its message. Read: UN News
AFRICA: PANA reported on 20 and 22 October that UNFPA said "when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies. UNFPA made the statement in a report entitled, State of World Population 2010, which was released 20 October at the UN headquarters in New York. The release of the report coincided with the tenth anniversary of the UN Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict. Read: PANA and in French: PANA
Afrol News reported on 20 October that the East African region is slowly developing into one of the world's new population blocks, with the region surpassing all of North America in few years and all of Europe by the 2040s. A new, major power may be building up. New data by UNFPA, presented in London, reveal a major global population shift, where the Eastern African region is emerging as one of the world's largest blocks in the coming decades. Read: Afrol News
Jeune Afrique reported on 20 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report. Read in French: Jeune Afrique
LATIN AMERICA: EFE reported on 20 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report. Women and children remain the principle victims of conflicts and, when they are over, can achieve peace. According to the report, the traumas that are suffered by people because of war do not disappear when peace agreements are made, and the impact of conflict is felt differently by everyone in a society. Read in Spanish: EFE
AUSTRALIA / AFGHANISTAN: The Sydney Morning Herald reported on 20 October that it's important for Australia to see through the Afghanistan mission to prevent it again becoming a terrorist haven and also to achieve a better deal for Afghan women. Speaking following the launch of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report, Minister for the Status of Women Kate Ellis said the Taliban banned girls from school, locked away women and allowed them few rights. "It is really important that we see it through so that we can prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorists again; and also that we can empower those women and make sure they are considered as a part of a lasting peace, and we have educated women with rights and responsibilities to play a full role within the civil life of Afghanistan," she said. Read: Sydney Morning Herald
AUSTRALIA: ABC and Radio Australia reported on 20-21 October on Deputy Regional Director Najib Assifi’s radio interview with Louise Maher and Linda Lopresti about UNFPA’s report on the State of World Population. Read: ABC and Radio Australia
AUSTRIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October on the release of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report and quoted Petra Bayr, the Austrian Parliamentarian who launched the report in Vienna together with ÖGF. The articles say that women often are not responsible for starting war but often have to suffer the most from war. Read in German: Nachrichten, Die Standard, OTS, Wiener Zeitung
BANGLADESH: Daily Star reported on 22 October that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is unaware of the statistics of the country's new population figure revealed by UNFPA in Dhaka on 20 October, highly placed sources said yesterday. Neither Health Minister AFM Ruhal Haque nor Secretary Humayun Kabir knew anything about the UN report that claimed Bangladesh's total population rose to 16.44 crore in 2010, from 12.43 crore in 2001. "I have no knowledge about UNFPA claim and I was not consulted before revealing such a report on Bangladesh," said Ruhal Haque in response to a journalist’s request for comments on UNFPA’s report, State of World Population 2010. Read: Daily Star
Financial Express published an editorial on 22 October arguing, “There is no parallel of a small country of about 55,000 square miles only crammed already with a population of 164.4 million which is the size of the Bangladesh population today according to the latest report of UNFPA that was released at a function at a city hotel last 20 October. The occasion was aimed to alert policy-makers in this country to the runway population growth which has already suffered the burden of overpopulation for a long time. UNFPA assessment also showed up the lack of credibility of erstwhile available official figure of the current population size of the country at 140 million. Thus, there are more than 24 million more people whom the earlier official headcount bypassed and who remain outside planned activities on its part. This is a glaring omission in the sphere of population control activities among other vital indicators of slipping performance in what should be a centre point of concern for Bangladesh.” Read: Financial Express
Daily Star, New Nation and Sify reported on 20 and 21 October that Bangladesh's population is now 164.4 million, up from 156 million a decade back. The boom is a matter of concern as it threatens food security, warned Food and Disaster Management Minister Abdur Razzaque who unveiled the State of World Population 2010 report. The UNFPA report also predicted that the population of the country would hit 222.5 million by 2050. Read: Daily Star (21 October), Daily Star (20 October) New Nation and Sify
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October and 21 October on the UNFPA’s exhibition "S.O.S. Sound of Silence" at the BiH National Galery. At the Exhibition’s opening evening the visitors watched the premiere screening of the UN Documentary Film 21st Century - Bosnia: Rape, Legacy of War presented by producer Andi Gitow. The event also served to publicly launch the annual UNFPA State of the World Population Report for 2010. Read in Bosnian: BH Dani, Radio Sarajevo, Ljiljan, MOJ Portal
BOTSWANA: Daily News reported on 22 October that women rarely wage war, but they suffer the worst of its consequences, UNFPA Representative Aisha Camara-Drammeh, has said. Officiating at the launching ceremony of a report on the State of World Population themed, "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change," Ms. Camara-Drammeh said women participation in peacebuilding was a prerequisite to its success.
BRAZIL: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October that rape has become a widespread weapon of war used in many countries during conflicts, according to a new report released by UNFPA. UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid stressed that while conflicts and disasters intensify gender inequities, recovery represents a unique opportunity to correct such inequalities, ensure proper legal protection and create room for positive change. Read in Portuguese: Terra Portal/EFE Brasil, Deutsche Welle-Brasil and Agencia Brasil
Folha de S.Paulo, UOL and BOL reported on 21 October that only 10 per cent of the world’s countries protect women during conflict and disaster situations, according to UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 Report. The article recalls that ten years after the UN Security Council's approval of resolution 1325, the first of its kind addressing women’s issues in armed conflict, only 18 out of 192 nations have implemented measures to follow its guidelines. UNFPA Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Marcela Suazo, is quoted saying that one should not forget that there are other countries following guidelines from UN conferences on women. She also pointed out that despite the fact Brazil has not yet taken action to implement resolution 1325, the country has shown progress in fighting violence against women, but an overall social consciousness that such violence should not be tolerated is still needed. Read in Portuguese: Folha de S. Paulo and BOL
CANADA: Toronto Star reported on 19 October that the 1990s were brutal years for women in war-torn territories. In Bosnia and Kosovo, they were rounded up and systematically assaulted in rape centres. In Rwanda, they were raped, mutilated and slaughtered. In Liberia and Uganda they were tortured and forced into sexual slavery. And in East Timor they were kidnapped and raped as their husbands were executed. Ten years ago, widespread atrocities led to a ground-breaking United Nations Security Council resolution demanding that warring factions protect women and girls from gender-based violence and include them in peace negotiations. UNFPA published a report on the progress made since the resolution was passed. It says there is a growing network of grassroots organizations working with governments and communities to help conflict victims — including men and boys. The UN is marking the anniversary of the resolution with a Global Open Day on Women, Peace and Security highlighting recommendations from women peace advocates from war-affected countries. “What began as a call on governments a decade ago to deal with abuses or neglect of women and girls has steadily grown into a broader movement that encompasses all members of society,” said the population fund’s report. Read: Toronto Star
CHINA: People’s Daily Online reported on 21 October that discrimination against women not only exposes them to the worst effects of disaster and war, including rape, but also deprives their countries of a prime engine for recovery, according to a new United Nations report launched on 20 October. UNFPA State of World Population 2010 report, “From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change” coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Security Council's landmark Resolution 1325, which aimed to end sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by them in peace building initiatives. "This year's report is about the three Rs: resilience, renewal and redefining roles between boys and girls and men and women," UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said on 20 October at the official launch in London of the report, which uses stories of individuals affected by conflict or catastrophe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Liberia, the occupied Palestinian territory, Timor-Leste and Uganda to bring home its message. Read: People’s Daily Online
People’s Daily Online reported on 20 October that the world's population is expected to reach 9.15 billion in 2050 from the current 6.908 billion. According to the State of World Population 2010 report, India will have a population of 1.6138 billion by that time and would become the world's most populous country, replacing China whose population will reach 1.417 billion in 2050. The theme of this year's report was "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change,” UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Mari Simonen said. She said this year's report coincided with the tenth anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes the vulnerability of women and girls to violence during and after armed conflict and the absence of women representation in efforts to prevent war. Read: People’s Daily Online
COLOMBIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 22-25 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report by UNFPA representative Tania Patriota. Ms. Patriota called on Colombia to recognize the fact that sexual violence is a weapon of war, and that much remains to be done, as many cases of sexual and gender-based violence continue to go unreported and un-prosecuted. Read in Spanish: El Colombiano, El Nuevo Siglo, El Tiempo, MSN Colombia, Caracol
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Congo-site reported on 22 October on the launch by UNFPA of the State of World Population report. The report was presented by UNFPA Representative David Lawson who called on the international community to take unprecedented measures to prevent sexual violence against women in armed conflict and humanitarian situations. In her address on the occasion, Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action Minister Emilienne Raoul praised UNFPA for its role in development and humanitarian action and called upon it to support the documentation of the role of the civil wars' consequences on Congolese Women and their role in peacebuilding. On an official visit to Congo, UNFPA Africa Regional Director addressed young people and entertained an innovative and interactive dialogue with them on the themes of the report. He said, "young people are the future of the world and actors of conflict prevention and peace building reconstruction. It is essential that Governments invest in youth now." The event was broadly attended by government officials, ambassadors, UN Representatives, and civil society actors. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Congo-site
COSTA RICA: Teletica reported on 22 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report. Watch in Spanish: Teletica
CUBA: Granma reported on 21 October and Prensa Latina reported on 20 October on the release of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report. UNFPA Regional Director Marcela Suazo explained that the report brings to light the experiences of women in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Jordan, Timor-Leste and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Read in Spanish: Granma and Prensa Latina
DENMARK: U-landsnyt reported on 21 October on UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report. It stated that women are central actors in peacekeeping and in rebuilding societies. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt
ECUADOR: El Tiempo reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report in Ecuador, highlighting the fact that half of the 52,000 Colombian citizens with refugee status in Ecuador are women and 70 per cent of the world’s refugees are women. Read in Spanish: El Tiempo
EL SALVADOR: EFE reported on 21 October on the release of the State of World Population report. UNFPA Representative Elena Zúñiga discussed gender-based violence in El Salvador, urging the government to develop a plan to address violence against women in the country. Read in Spanish: EFE
Diario Co Latino reported on 20 October that according to a report issued every year by UNFPA, in the 1980’s and 1990’s, armed conflict in many countries affected women in particular, given the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
ETHIOPIA: Walta Information Centre reported on 22 October on the Global Open Day on Women and Peace and Security held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The article noted that UNFPA launched a new report that found that discrimination against women not only exposes them to the worst effects of disaster and war, including rape, but also deprives their countries of a prime engine for recovery. The State of World Population 2010 “is about the three Rs: resilience, renewal and redefining roles between boys and girls and men and women,” Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said at the official launch in London of the report, which uses stories of individuals affected by conflict or catastrophe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Liberia, the occupied Palestinian territory, Timor-Leste and Uganda to bring home its message. Read: Walta Information Centre
FINLAND: Global reported on the State of World Population 2010 report, stating that gender roles are turned upside down in conflicts, putting emphasis on women’s vulnerability during war and crisis. Read in Finnish: Global
FRANCE: AFP reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report. Sexual violence as a weapon of war and as an outcome of turmoil and disaster is inflicting a terrifying toll on women, the United Nations said on 20 October. "Women rarely wage war, but they too often suffer the worst of its consequences," UNFPA said in its annual snapshot of the state of the world's population. "Gender-based violence, including rape, is a repugnant and increasingly familiar weapon of war. The immediate toll it takes extends far beyond its direct victims, insidiously tearing apart families and shattering societies for generations to come." Read: AFP and in French: AFP
Radio France Internationale, United Nations Radio, TV5 world service and AITV featured interviews on 20 October with the Chief of UNFPA's Gender, Human Rights and Culture Branch on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report.
La Croix and RFI reported on 20 October that rape and other gender-based violence is increasing and the way to fight it is to empower women, according to a UN report. The State of World Population 2010, produced by UNFPA, has been issued in the run-up to the tenth anniversary of a Security Council resolution which condemns violence against women and girls. Read: RFI and La Croix
GERMANY: Deutsche Press-Agentur reported on 20 October that discrimination against women and girls makes them more vulnerable to the devastating effects of war and natural disasters, according to a new United Nations report. Recovering from catastrophe is also hampered if one gender is denied the chance for equal opportunity. “If we're serious about preventing conflicts, recovering from war and natural disaster and building lasting peace, we need to empower women, as well as the young and the elderly, to become agents of positive change,” said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, the head of UNFPA. Read: DPA
GEORGIA: The Messenger reported on 22 October that UNFPA published The State of World Population 2010. According to the report, when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies. The report’s release coincides with the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by women in peacebuilding initiatives. “When women and girls suffer deep discrimination, they are more vulnerable to the worst effects of disaster or war, including rape, and less likely to contribute to peacebuilding, which threatens long-term recovery,” said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid at the launch of the report.
GUATEMALA: Cerigua reported on 23 October that armed conflicts and natural disasters cause physical and psychological trauma that has a particularly strong impact on women, boys and girls, according to Noemí Espinosa, a UNFPA expert. Ms. Espinosa spoke at the release of the State of World Population 2010 report. Read in Spanish: Cerigua
Prensa Libre reported on 23 October on the release of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report. The report found that life expectancy in Guatemala is 67.3 years for men and 74.4 years for women. Read in Spanish: Prensa Libre
GUINEA-CONAKRY: Radio Soleil, Djigui FM and Espace FM reported on 20 October on UNFPA´s launch of the State of Population 2010 report. UNFPA Representative Marcelle Chevallier, discussed the important role women play in the restoration of peace and the need to use effective ways to protect them.
HAITI: AlterPresse, Expreso Ecuador (Ecuador), The Jamaica Gleaner (Jamaica) and Nation News (Jamaica and Barbados) reported on 18-22 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report, highlighting comments by Igor Bosc, UNFPA Haiti Representative. Mr. Bosc underscored the fact that the earthquake destroyed the vast majority of the health facilities in Port-au-Prince which has caused great concern to his organization as the country’s fertility rate has tripled. "This is why it is troubling for us. We are trying to call attention to the international community and the national players to respond to this crisis," Bosc said. He told journalists that there has been an increase in violence against women. "Only 12 per cent of the population use condoms and the prevalence of HIV is likely to increase," he said. Read: Jamaica Gleaner, Nation News (22 October) and Nation News (18 October), in Spanish: Expreso Ecuador and in French: AlterPresse
IRAN: Hamshahri, Isna and IRNA reported on 20-25 October that the State of World Population 2010 report, published by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, was released. The report’s release coincides with the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by women in peacebuilding initiatives. “When women and girls suffer deep discrimination, they are more vulnerable to the worst effects of disaster or war, including rape, and less likely to contribute to peacebuilding, which threatens long-term recovery,” said UNFPA’s Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid at the launch of the report. Read: IRNA and in Farsi: ISNA
IRELAND: The Irish Times reported on 21 October that governments should seize opportunities arising out of post-conflict or disaster recovery to address gender inequalities, according to UNFPA. The recommendation is made in UNFPA ’s annual State of World Population report, which was launched yesterday. This year’s report examines how “conflict and protracted humanitarian emergencies affect women and girls – and men and boys.” Speaking at the Dublin launch, Seán Hand of UNFPA said that while conflict and disaster can deepen inequalities between men and women, the recovery process presents a “unique opportunity” to “rectify inequalities, ensure equal protection under the law, and create space for positive change.” The Dublin launch was hosted by the Irish Family Planning Association, UNFPA’s partner in Ireland. The event was one of more than 140 such events taking place in as many countries worldwide to mark the report’s release. Read: The Irish Times
ITALY: Multiple media outlets reported on 20-24 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report by Marina Mancielli. Watch in Italian: Radio Radicale and ASCA
JAMAICA: The Jamaica Gleaner reported on 22 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report in London. “This year's report calls attention to the devastating and unacceptable sexual violence in countries affected by conflict. As an international community, we have not been able to prevent this crime and human-rights violation. This report calls for urgent and concerted action to protect women, prevent sexual violence, stop impunity and injustice," said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid. Jamaica Gleaner
JORDAN: The Jordan Times reported on 21 October that public agencies and NGOs have played a key role in assisting the nearly half-a-million displaced Iraqis estimated to reside in the Kingdom, according to a UN report released on 20 October.
UNFPA launched its annual State of World Population report 2010 titled “From Conflict and Crises to Renewal: Generations of Change,” which drew upon the experiences of women and girls, men and boys, living in the wake of conflict and other “catastrophic disruptions.” Read: The Jordan Times
KENYA: Capital FM reported on 21 October that this year's United Nations report on State of World Population 2010 shows that women and children suffer most in conflict and disaster situations which make them most vulnerable to gender-based violence. Speaking during the launch of the report, UNFPA Representative Fidelis Zama Chi asked governments to pay attention to sexual violence especially in countries affected by conflict. "We are also aware of how the African region is torn by conflict. Even if the country is not in a state of crisis, it still has a role to play and the role will be… what can we do to help those in this situation?" he said. Read: Capital FM
Daily Nation reported on 21 October that fresh investigations are needed to expose police officers and militiamen who raped women in the 2007 post-election violence. Key speakers at the function to launch the State of World Population 2010 report expressed fears that ongoing investigations meant to trace key masterminds of the violence may spare people who executed sexual offences, including youths and neighbors. They called for an independent local arrangement, parallel to the International Criminal Court procedures, to deal with culprits of rape and put in place mechanisms of dealing with such vice. UNFPA assistant country representative Cecilia Kimemia called on the government to implement the Waki report on post-election violence’s recommendations on rape. She suggested that the troubled Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission expose men who raped women during the post-election violence and propose a healing process. ‘‘We hope the report’s recommendations will not be ignored,” she said. Read: Daily Nation
REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Korea Times, Chosunilbo and Dong-A Ilbo reported on 21 October that South Korea has the 26th largest population in the world this year. The latest report from UNFPA showed its population hitting 48.5 million this year, up 200,000 from the previous year. But despite the gain in the total number of people, South Korea's average fertility rate covering the past five years is the third lowest among 186 countries surveyed. According to the report, the country’s fertility rate is 1.24, just behind Hong Kong’s 1.01 and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 1.21. Read: Korea Times, Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo
KYRGYZSTAN: Baldar and 24 news agency reported on 21 October on the launch of the SWOP report. Read in Russian: Baldar and 24
LIBERIA: The Inquirer reported on 20 October that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has shown gratitude for UNFPA for what she calls its past and present support to the country, especially in the direction of highlighting the Liberian state of affairs in its 2010 report on conflict and women issues. Gender Minister Varbah Gayflor, who represented President Sirleaf at the first celebrations of World Statistics Day which was concomitantly observed yesterday between the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo Information Services (LISGIS) and UNFPA, as part of the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report, said, “Uion from brutal civil crisis to national renewal is featured in this report.” Read: The Inquirer
MADAGASCAR: La Verite reported on 21 October that the report on the State of World Population 2010 has been presented by UNFPA Representative, Mr. Cheikh Cissé at a press conference.
MEXICO: CIMAC reported on 20 October that when peace comes, the survivors of conflicts and natural disasters, face new realities, including an increase in violence against women, changes in gender roles and economic instability, according to the State of World Population 2010 report, published by UNFPA. Read in Spanish: CIMAC
Notimex reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report by UNFPA. The report, which links peace, security and development with the rights and empowerment of women, presents stories of women affected by conflict and catastrophe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, among other places. Read in Spanish: Notimex
Universia reported on 20 October that Mexico continues to record one of the highest illiteracy rates in Latin America. According to a report by UNFPA, 5.4 per cent of men and 8.5 per cent of women over 15 are illiterate. Read in Spanish: Universia
MOLDOVA: The Times reported on 22 October that the 2010 edition of the State of World Population report released globally on 20 October describes the situation of women and girls in emergencies, wars and natural disasters. UNFPA organized the launch of the event in Hincesti rayon, where, the same day, a three-day seminar for medical workers about medical care in emergencies with a focus on reproductive health started. Read in Romanian: The Times
NEPAL: Kathmandu Post reported on 24 October that Nepal’s total population will reach 40 million by 2050, according to a UNFPA report. The estimate has been made on the basis of the country’s average growth rate of 1.8 per cent between 2005 and 2010.The report also shows that 19 per cent of Nepal’s population lives in urban areas.
Read: Kathmandu Post
NIGERIA: The Daily Independent reported on 23 October that when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies, according to the newly launched State of World Population 2010 report, published by UNFPA. Read: The Daily Independent
APA reported on 21 October that Nigeria’s population is projected to reach 289 million by 2050 making it the fifth most populous country in the world, UNFPA says in a report. The country’s current population, according to the UN, is 158. 3 million. In its yearly report entitled: The State of the World Population 2010, UNFPA says the world's population currently stands at about 6.9 and is projected to increase to 9.1 billion in 2050. Read: APA
NORWAY: ABC Nyheter and Aftenposten reported on 21 October on the State of World Population report. ABC Nyheter stated that, according to the report, sexualized violence is used as a weapon in wars and the result of disasters have devastating consequences for women. Aftenposten covered the Liberian case from the report in an article stressing the need to prosecute sexual criminals, during and also after wartime. Read in Norwegian: ABC Nyheter and Aftenposten
PAKISTAN: Express Tribune reported on 21 October that UNFPA launched the State of World Population 2010 report in Islamabad, focusing on the role of women in dealing with humanitarian crisis and conflicts. The report claims that when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster, and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts. “Many women and young people have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and begun rebuilding their lives and laying the foundation for peace and renewal of their societies,” said Rabbi Royan, Technical Advisor on Population and Development of UNFPA. Read: Express Tribune
PAPUA NEW GUINEA/SOLOMON ISLANDS: Radio Australia (Australia) reported on 20 October that UNFPA has released its latest report on the State of World Population. It finds that while the past ten years has seen falling adolescent population and an increase in the use of contraception, overall progress has slowed on universal access to reproductive health. In the Pacific, geography can be a key obstacle, especially with countries like the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea where there's little improvement made. The report also conicides with the tenth anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325. Read: Radio Australia
PARAGUAY: Neike reported on 20 October that when women have the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient in the face of conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal of societies, according to the 2010 State of the World Population, released on 20 October by UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Neike
THE PHILIPPINES: The Manila Bulletin reported on 21 October that the Aquino administration will be revealing the complete slate of the members of the peace panel for the revival of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). Secretary Teresita Deles, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, said the reconstituted peace panel sends a signal for the resumption of peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF. “With the formation of a peace panel, we will be able to know how we can move forward for the peace negotiations,” Deles said during the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report in Makati. The peace adviser also noted that the government is geared towards the resumption of peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Read: The Manila Bulletin
PORTUGAL: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report by Tania Patriota with the presence of Catarina Furtado, UNFPA Goodwill ambassador. Read in Portuguese: Tvi24, IOL, Sol, Bomdia.eu, Correio do Minho
SENEGAL: Agence de Presse Senegalaise reported on 20 October on UNFPA's State of World Population 2010 report. Read in French: Agence de Presse Senegalaise
SIERRA LEONE: Awoko reported on 26 October that the Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Soccoh Kabia has officially launched the State of World Population 2010 report on the theme, “From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change.” The ceremony was held at the Atlantic Hall of the National Stadium in Freetown. This year’s report focuses on issues that are critical to the development and well-being of human societies everywhere and also highlights the fundamental changes in societies who have staggered out of brutal wars and the new realities they face: changes in gender roles, new power relationships within families, unsettled village communities and traditional cultures influx. Furthermore, the release of the State of World Population report 2010, published by UNFPA, coincides with the tenth anniversary of Resolution 1325, the Security Council’s groundbreaking move against the abuse of women in conflict and the marginalization of them in peacebuilding. Read: Awoko
SPAIN: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report in Madrid. Read in Spanish: Ameco Press, Ecodiario, Expansion.com, Europa Press, Humanista.tv, El Mundo, Periodista Digital and SINC
SOUTH AFRICA: SAPA reported on 20 October that infant mortality rates, a measure of the number of babies that die in the first year of life, are lower in Botswana and Namibia than they are in South Africa. According to a table of indicators contained in UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report, infant mortality in South Africa is 43 per 1,000 live births. The 2010 report also contains a comparison, by country, of reproductive health indicators, including births per 1,000 woman aged 15-19, and contraceptive and HIV prevalence rates. It says that in sub-Saharan Africa, the Southern Africa region has by far the lowest adolescent birth rate - 61 per 1,000 girls - and the highest contraceptive prevalence, at 59% for all methods and 58% for so-called modern methods. Read: SAPA
SUDAN: Sudan Vision Daily and Al Sahafa published a UNFPA statement on 20 October on the State of World Population 2010 report. The “report reflects that while women rarely wage war, they suffer the worst of its consequences, and when they have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies,” said UNFPA-Sudan. Read: Sudan Vision Daily and in Arabic: Al Sahafa
SWEDEN: Sveriges Radio and U-landsnyt reported on the Swedish launch held with the participation of Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Mari Simonen. Sveriges Radio featured an interview with Ms. Simonen and Gunilla Carlsson. Read in Swedish: Moderaterna and Sveriges Radio
Expressen published an op-ed on the UNFPA report on 24 October by Minister Gunilla Carlsson, stating that women’s participation in peace processes is crucial in order to obtain sustainable peace. Read in Swedish: Expressen
SWITZERLAND: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report, quoting UNFPA’s Thoraya Obaid, Bettina Maas and Renate Baehr, Director of the German Foundation for World Population, DSW. They focus on maternal mortality and family planning, saying that each year 80 million women are getting pregnant but don’t want to. The second part of the article is about gender and conflict and the roles that women play in reconstructing societies and that they should not be discriminated against but empowered. Read in German: Sonntag Zeitung and NZZ
TANZANIA: The Citizen reported on 21 October on new life expectancy estimates reported in UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report , noting that the country now leads sub-Saharan Africa in life expectancy. The State of World Population 2010 report says that while a Tanzanian woman is assured of living an average of 57 years and seven months, a man can live up to 56 years and one month. Read: The Citizen
The Guardian and Daily News reported on 21 and 22 October that United Nations Resident Coordinator Alberic Kacou commended the government for such an achievement in hosting refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Burundi. Mr. Kacou, however, said that UNFPA and UNHCR were still assessing the refugee situation. A short film shown at the event which witnessed the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report, under the theme ‘From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change’ provided evidence on the decent life that refugees were living in Nyarugusu Camp in North West Kigoma Region. “To take this theme to the Tanzania context, UNFPA and UNHCR have come together, in a spirit of ‘delivering as one UN’, to focus on Tanzania’s landmark achievements in hosting refugees from neighbouring countries of DRC, Rwanda and Burundi,” he said. Read: The Guardian and Daily News
THAILAND/SRI LANKA: Reuters Alertnet featured an interview on 21 October with Sunila Abeysekera, who received the U.N. Human Rights Prize in 1988 and was named Human Rights Defender of the Year by Human Rights Watch in 2007. Ms. Abeysekera was interviewed at the Bangkok launch of the State of World Population 2010 report, which says rape is being used increasingly as a weapon of war and that the international community has failed to prevent it. Read: Alertnet
THE NETHERLANDS: Radio Netherlands Worldwide reported on 20 October that things are going better for women in former war and crisis regions. They are playing a greater role in the reconstruction of their country. Sexual violence remains a problem, although some good developments have been reported. In the Palestinian territories, for example, the United Nations has helped set up centres where women can access know-how, support and training courses. Jamilah Mahmood of UNFPA summarized the organization's annual report, the State of World Population 2010, which was published around the world on 20 October. The Netherlands is UNFPA's biggest donor. This year's report looks at countries attempting to rebuild after wars and the traumas which continue to affect them long after the war has ended. Read: Radio Netherlands Worldwide
TIMOR LESTE: Timor Post reported on 21 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report. UNFPA Representative, Mr. Pornchai Suchitta remarked that cases from Timor-Leste were also submitted in the 2010 SWOP, with the theme “From conflict and crisis to renewal: generations of change,” as this country is one of the nations that have experienced post conflict and disaster and is now moving into unity recuperation.
Voxy (New Zealand) reported on 18 October that, with a press conference, the UNFPA Country Office in Timor-Leste will launch the State of World Population (SWOP) 2010 report. With the theme "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change," this year the SWOP, for the first time, includes Timor-Leste's case as part of the countries that have experienced conflict or disasters and are on the road to recovery. The release of the State of World Population 2010 coincides with the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325, the Security Council's groundbreaking move against the abuse of women in conflict and the marginalization of them in peace building. Read: Voxy
UGANDA: The Daily Monitor and The New Vision reported and NTV featured interviews with UNFPA staff on 21 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report. Speaking at the launch of the State of the World and Uganda Population reports, Janet Jackson said there is much at stake for societies when there is continued exclusion of women in the process of the post-conflict rebuilding and recovery of their communities. “Women’s participation is central to understanding post-conflict trauma as well as the determination and will to move on. It is critical for efforts to prevent war, build peace and restore devastated societies,” Ms. Jackson said. Read: The Daily Monitor and The New Vision
U.K.: The Guardian reported on 20 October that UNFPA's State of World Population 2010 report, released today, focuses on the effect of conflict and protracted humanitarian emergencies on women and girls, and shows why the development community should be talking, and talking seriously, about conflict. Timed to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the UN security council resolution on women, peace and security, the report tries to answer the question: "Are women in war-torn countries faring any better today than they were a decade ago?" The conclusions are mixed, and the report criticises the over-simplified but well-circulated images of women in conflict. Read: The Guardian
UNITED STATES: The New York Times reported on 20 October on the release of UNDESA’s World’s Women 2010 report, which marked World Statistics Day and the release of the State of World Population 2010 report by UNFPA. The article noted that “Although the 255-page report shows that women have made progress in areas like health and education — elementary school enrollment is now the same for boys and girls — they still lag over all. ‘Much more needs to be done, in particular the need to close the gender gap in public life and to prevent many forms of violence against women,’ said Jomo Kwame Sundaram, the assistant secretary general who released the report in New York. A second hefty report by UNFPA, released the same day, digs deep into areas where positive news is much harder to find: the harm visited on women. It suggested that helping women and children recover from the sexual violence and other trauma they suffer in war or natural disasters is a key to moving countries forward on all fronts. Women savagely raped during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina still suffer from limited access to counseling 15 years after the peace treaty, the report noted.” Read: The New York Times
VIET NAM: Voice of Viet Nam reported on 21 October that when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies, according to the State of World Population 2010 report, published by UNFPA. When women and girls suffer deep discrimination, they are more vulnerable to the worst effects of disaster or war, including rape, and less likely to contribute to peacebuilding, which threatens long-term recovery. The report’s release coincides with the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by women in peacebuilding initiatives. Read in Vietnamese: VOV
ETHIOPIA: Through Looking Glass Of Women, Global Organization Makes Headway
Xinhua (China) reported on 19 September on the risks associated with child marriage in Ethiopia. According to UNFPA, early marriages almost always lead to premature pregnancies, which cause higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, as well as long-term psychological trauma from forced sex and increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.
ETHIOPIA: UNFPA and Partners Address Child Marriage
Take Part reported on 25 August on Berhane Hewan, a programme aimed at girls in the province of Amhara. A collaborative effort of the UNFPA, the Population Council and the Ethiopia Ministry of Sport and Youth, Berhane Hewan is a programme that provides Ethiopian girls with education, mentorships and life skills training—all with the goal of delaying marriage. Read: Take Part