GLOBAL: Continuing Coverage of World Population Day
BOTSWANA: The Botswana Gazette reported on 18 July that maternal health is a serious challenge for many women without access to sexual and reproductive health services the world over. Speaking during World Population Day, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Aisha Camara-Drammeh said besides sexual and reproductive health being a critical part of sustainable development, it is a basic human right which every woman should have. She said worldwide, 222 million women who wish to delay pregnancy have no access to contraceptives. This unmet need for family planning contributes to 21 million unplanned births, 79,000 maternal deaths and 1.1 million infant deaths. She also said the challenges have resulted in almost 800 women dying globally during pregnancy or due to childbirth complications which could have otherwise been prevented, while around 20 more suffer long-lasting illnesses or disabilities also related to pregnancy. Furthermore, she revealed that every year, 19 million unsafe abortions occur in developing countries resulting in 47,000 deaths of the women involved. Accentuating the importance of reproductive health services with particular focus on improving maternal health, Assistant Minister of Health Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri said Botswana had made strides in improving maternal health countrywide. He said associated indicators from the Botswana Family Health Survey, 2007 have shown the Ante Natal Care coverage and assisted delivery by skilled personnel to be at 94% and 95% respectively while the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate was at 52.8%. Read in English: Botswana Gazette
BURKINA FASO: Le pays on 16 July published an article on the celebration of World Population Day. The paper said that the acting Representative of UNFPA Pascal Karorero, who read the speeches of the Executive Director of UNFPA, affirmed its commitment to act with all partners to ensure universal access to reproductive health. The representative of the Minister of Economy and Finance, appealed to all political authorities, traditional and religious, with development partners, the private sector, civil society organizations and the entire population for a greater synergy of action for achieving "universal access to reproductive health services." Read in French: Le Pays
CHINA: Beijing News on 17 July reported on a UNFPA China sponsored, week-long peer educators’ training camp organized by China Family Planning Association (CFPA) and China Youth Network from 10-15 July. This was the first national peer educators training led by young people. Two trainers from Y-peer in Asia were invited to the training which had 60 participants from all over China. UNFPA China provided technical support to the workshop as one of its planned activities in the youth programme. Media were invited to cover the 2012 World Population Day Event with the theme of “Voices of Youth, Initiative of Cooperation” which kicked off the training. UNFPA prepared a press release with key messages focusing on youth issues. Beijing News, a popular and influential newspaper featured a photo story on 17 July, highlighting young people learning and talking about sexual and reproductive health issues which are normally not openly discussed in public. The report was picked up by many on-line media.
The article quoted UNFPA Representative Mr. Arie Hoekman, "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 also quoted. Read in Chinese: Beijing News, News 163 and News ca315
COSTA RICA: Different media reported from 11 to 17 July about an investigation carried out by UNFPA on the acceptability of the female condom, which was conducted in two districts of the country as part of the celebrations for World Population Day. “We gave female condoms to women in two counties, so they could use them for about three weeks, then we measured their level of satisfaction with the method, and indeed the results are very interesting because it shows that a large proportion of women (over 60%), were satisfied and are willing to use it again,” said Laura Sanchez, UNFPA’s specialist, who added that universal access to reproductive health services is a priority. The female condom is not available in Costa Rica. Listen in Spanish: Programa Nuestra Voz, Radio ADN, Radio Nacional Watch in Spanish: Entrevista Telenoticias, Canal 7, Canal 13, Canal 44, RTN Noticias, NC Once , Nota Telenoticias Read in Spanish: Diario Extra, Al Día, La Prensa Libre, La Nación, La Teja.
CUBA: Multiple media outlets reported between 16 and 22 July on UNFPA's World Population Day celebrations, dedicated to universal access to reproductive health. Jesus Robles, International Coordinator of the UNFPA Program in Cuba and Rolando Garcia, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Cuba were both mentioned in media. Read in Spanish: SEMlac Cuba and Granma Internacional
EGYPT: Multiple media outlets from 10-12 July reported on World Population Day in Egypt. These outlets included: The Egyptian Gazette, Watani, Almasry Alyoum, Al Hayat, Al Ahram, Al Youm 7, Al Watan, Al Mougaz, Al Ahram, Akher Sa3a, Egypt Independent, Middle East News Agency, Ahram Messay, Shorouk, Sada el Balad, Misr el Mahrousa, Masrawy, Al sha3b, Maktoob News and Akhbar al Youm. Over 20 articles were written and 5 TV interviews were recorded. UNFPA launched the documentary "The Tuk-Tuk Nurse-Midwife, Reducing Maternal Mortality in Upper-Egypt" to mark the occasion. UNFPA Director Dr. Magdy Khaled is quoted in several of the articles. Read in English: Egypt Independent, Al Ahram Read in Arabic: Al Youm and Watani
GUINEA-BISSAU: Nô Pintcha reported on 19 July on the celebration of World Population Day. Special focus was placed on the publication of data collected from the 2009 Population and Housing Census. The UN in Guinea-Bissau called on the government and the country’s decision makers to effectively utilize the data collected from the Census 2009 to make the most efficient investments to meet the needs and circumstances of the population and help lift people out of poverty. The Prime Minister, the UNFPA Representative and the UN System Coordinator, highlighted the importance of collecting data as a planning tool for development in their speeches.
JAMAICA: The Gleaner on 16 July reported that, Geetha Sethi, director at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), says protecting the rights of the nation's youth population is critical to the country's development. "One of immediate concern is the rights of the convention of the child, which states that all children should be able to live a life free of threats of violence or abuse of any kind," she said. Speaking at the World Population Day 2012 Symposium at Emancipation Park in St Andrew, Sethi said the young are the country's biggest asset and thus good health is a necessity. Read in English: The Gleaner
The Jamaica Observer reported on 18 July on the World Population Day Symposium organized by UNFPA and the Planning Institute of Jamaica to mark the day. The Symposium, which was held under the the theme: "Adolescent Reproductive Health, It's Your Right...Claim it with Responsibility!" featured edutainment, entertainment, giveaways, booth displays and panel discussions. Speaking on a panel, which looked at the history of reproductive health services in Jamaica, President of the Jamaica Family Planning Association, Sonia Ffolkes called for greater emphasis on the teaching of sex education in the school curriculum. She said it was incongrous that the age of consent is 16 "yet there is strong opposition from certain quarters from having sex education in schools." Read in English: Jamaica Observer
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY: Multiple media outlets on 18 July reported on World Population Day celebrations that took place with a special message “universal access to reproductive health services,” in both Ramallah and the Gaza Strip simultaneously.
In coordination with the National Population Committee of the Ministry of Planning and Administrative Development (MoPAD) and the Ministry of Health, with the cooperation of Ibn Sina Nursing College and Nursing and Midwifery Syndicate, Ramallah celebrations underlined the importance of the role of midwifery “….despite vagueness of this profession, calling for their training due to their affective role will convince the Palestinian society of its importance as a profession“ Ms. Barbara Piazza-Georgi, UNFPA Representative, said.
In Gaza, Dr. Said Hammouz, Ministry of Health, commended the work UNFPA is implementing to promote the role of midwives through its continuous support to Ibn Sina College for Health Sciences, as well as the Ministry’s commitment in reaching the MDG 4 in reducing maternal deaths and access to reproductive health services. Read in Arabic: Al-quds, AL-AYYAM, Alhayat, Maan News, Wafa, PANET, PalShabab, Shasha, Al Watan Voice, PNN Arabic, Raya, Maan News, QudsNet, Amad, Alnahar News, Aswar Press, Ekhbaryat
In addition, to emphasize the role of midwives in Palestinian society and underline World Population Day's message, a billboard was placed at the Huwwara Checkpoint with a special message reading, "If a mother gives life, a midwife gives safe motherhood."
PARAGUAY: Prensa Indígena reported on 17 July that during the World Population Day event, organized by Presencia Joven, the Senior Advisor for Advocacy and Communication UNFPA said that to realize universal access to family planning services and progress towards MDG 5 is to work on a par with young people. She added that in Itapúa, 40% of the 300 pregnancies that occur every month are to adolescents. This is a reality that moves us and we are supporting various actions that are priorities for the country. Read more in Spanish: Prensa Indígena
SUDAN: El Genaina, on 16 July ran a news report on ongoing preparations for Sudan’s celebration of World Population Day. The Wali, Mr. Haidar Galucuma Ateem, and Mr. Bahar Idris Abu-Garda, the Federal Minister of Health, addressed the event which was organized by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Mr. Ahmed Is-haq Yagoub, the State Minister of Health, said the celebration aimed to highlight the issues and problems that affect the State residents, look into solutions through different means and create partnerships with relevant parties. The programme included a blood donation campaign to save the lives of mothers and children and a seminar for the leaders of different institutions on the issues related to maternal and new-born health.
El Genaina, on 17 July ran a news report on the World Population Day celebration that took place in El Genaina. Mr. Bahar Idris Abu-Garda, Federal Minister of Health, along with Mr. Haidar Galucuma Ateem, Wali of West Darfur, a number of government officials and UN agencies, INGOs and NGOs representatives, witnessed the celebration organized by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) under the theme; “Integration of reproductive health services .. guarantee to build a happy family.” Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Abu-Garda stressed the importance of the participation of the community to raise awareness on the issues related to reproductive health and reaffirmed the readiness of his ministry to provide integrated health services and supporting training programs for health cadres in order to play their role properly among the community. He stated that the efforts being exerted by the Ministry of health have contributed to the reduction of maternal mortality [in Sudan].
Al Sahafa on 17 July ran a report on Sudan’s World Population Day celebration. Federal Minster of Health, Bahar Idris Abu Garda addressed Sudan’s celebration of World Population Day asserting that reproductive health is a main component of primary health care. He highlighted that improving reproductive health services requires training of health cadres, awareness-raising among women and families in addition to having in place effective referral mechanisms to save both mother and new-born lives. Dr. Anas Jabir Babiker addressed the event on behalf of Pamela Delargy, UNFPA Representative to Sudan. Dr. Babiker said official statistics show 28% of Sudanese women would like to space their children but have no access to information and services which necessitates more efforts by partners to make these services available. He further asserted that integrated and emergency reproductive health service during pregnancy and at birth and voluntary child spacing will enable Sudanese women to better contribute to the development of the country. Read in Arabic: Al Sahafa
Sudan Vision on 19 July published half-a-page report on Sudan’s celebration of World Population Day. Celebrations for World Population Day kicked off in the West Darfur capital, El Genaina. The event was organized by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund. Federal Minister of Health, Bahar Idris Abu Garda, was quoted as saying the Ministry continues to promote family planning which does not mean determining the number of children but rather means spacing their birth. He invoked different community sectors to raise awareness about the dangers of successive births especially for girls under 18 years of age. The celebration included a blood donation campaign and a seminar for leaders under the theme of “Population is the basis for development .. Let’s improve Reproductive Health Services” Reproductive health concepts, indicators and programs were discussed and participants came out with a set of recommendations. Read in English: Sudan Vision
YEMEN: 14 October on 18 July published a one-page report reflecting on the theme of World Population Day and the role of UNFPA in this regard. The report discussed reproductive health (RH) issues and its connection with UNFPA’s vision and strategies. The report quoted UNFPA many times when talking about RH issues such as unmet needs, abortion and family planning methods. Read in Arabic: 14 October, 14 October
AL-Thawarah reported on 18 July on the celebration of World Population Day and quoted the UNFPA Representative's speech. In the same page there was another article which was on reproductive health and it mentioned UNFPA’s theme for World Population Day “improved access to reproductive health services.”
GUINEA-BISSAU: Importance of Data Collection Highlighted
Nô Pintcha reported on 9 July on the celebration of World Population Day. Special focus was placed on the publication of data collected from the 2009 Population and Housing Census. The UN in Guinea-Bissau called on the government and the country’s decision makers to effectively utilize the data collected from the Census 2009 to make the most efficient investments to meet the needs and circumstances of the population and help lift people out of poverty. The Prime Minister, the UNFPA Representative and the UN System Coordinator, highlighted the importance of collecting data as a planning tool for development in their speeches.
GUINEA-BISSAU: Workshop for Youth Organizations
Community Radio Sintcha Ocho reported on 18 August that the Secretariat of State for Youth, Sports and Culture of Guinea-Bissau launched on 7 August in Gabu a workshop on the technical training of the members of the Nacional Institute for Youth, leaders of youth organizations as well as members of the Youth National Multifunction Centers. This training was held until 4 September, focused on strategic planning and promotion of socio-cultural activities in order to guide Youth activities supported by UNFPA in the country. Youth from Gabu, Bafata, Tombali, Cacheu and the Autonomous Sector of Bissau are participating in the workshop. The opening session was chaired by the Secretary of State for Youth, Culture and Sports in the presence of the UNFPA Resident Representative and local authorities of Gabu.
GUINEA-BISSAU: Ethics Key Factor in Reduction of Maternal and Neo-natal Mortality
Nô Pintcha reported on 24 July that under the framework of the CARMMA campaign launched on July 2010 in Bissau, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNFPA, organized a 24 July workshop on ethics, human rights and development in reproductive health. During the workshop the following themes were discussed: human rights; development; statistics related to health of women and mothers; maternal health services; ethics and human rights; and health care and the social right to medical assistance. This workshop is a part of the effort aimed at accelerating the availability and use of services related to the implementation of the “Roadmap for Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality” in the country.
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD POPULATION DAY AND YEAR OF SEVEN BILLION
COMOROS: Al Balad reported on 21 July that Comoros celebrated World Population Day on 18 July at Mrijou-Anjouan. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Vice-President, the Minister of Health, the UN System Resident Coordinator, the Assistant Representative of UNFPA and the authorities of the island and the region Nioumakelé. It is women who responded overwhelmingly to the invitation of the Directorate General of the population of the island of Anjouan.
GABON: L'Union reported on 18 July on the celebration of World Population Day 2011 under the theme "Youth: Building the future," presided over by Youth Minister Rene Ndemezo' Obiang. Activities of the day included exhibitions, a fair, HIV voluntary testing and counselling, reproductive health sensitization, etc. Deputy Country Director Mariama Darboe Diop said, "Youth is the future of mankind. By involving youth and women, we can build a better world."
GUINEA-BISSAU: Nô Pintcha reported on 14 July that Guinea-Bissau celebrated World Population Day with a public event attended by the Economic, Planning and Regional Integration Minister, Partners and national authorities. The Representative of UNICEF read the message of the General Secretary of United Nations delivered and Bouri Jean Victor Sanhouidi, Representative a.i. of UNFPA/Guinea-Bissau delivered the message of the Executive Director of the UNFPA.
NICARAGUA: La Prensa and Bolsa de Noticias reported on 18-21 July that on the occasion of the World Population Day, the UNFPA launched a call for reflection with the challenge of a population of seven billion. Read in Spanish: La Prensa
PAKISTAN: PLUS News reported on 19 July that World Population Day was observed in the provincial capital as elsewhere in the country to create awareness among the masses about global population issues. The Rahnuma Family Planning Association of Pakistan (FPAP), a member association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), joins its federation in the call for a renewed focus on the reproductive health of the `bottom billion` -- the poorest and the most vulnerable people, many of whom are young and female. Rahnuma FPAP president Mahtab Rashdi will moderate a discussion panel and Syed Kamal Shah will be one of the panelists. Other key players are UNFPA, Marie Stopes Society, Shirkat Gah and Green Star Social Marketing.
SIERRA LEONE: For Di People Newspaper reported on 22 July that UNFPA on July 11 celebrated World Population Day and launched the “7 Billion Actions” campaign. The day was commemorated in all regions of Sierra Leone, commencing with a march of school children, youth groups, women’s groups, partners of UNFPA, government officials and a cross section of some UN agencies in Sierra Leone. Speaking at the ceremony held in Makeni, the Northern Province headquarter town, the representative of Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, Edna O. Palmer congratulated UNFPA and revealed that Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, to kick off their contribution to the 7 billion actions, will offer free family planning services to everybody who visits their clinics in all their locations in the country from 11-16 July 2011. She called on all decisionmakers to come onboard this laudable initiative and do something for a better Sierra Leone.
REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Korea Times reported on 18 July that “In every blink of your eyes, the population grows by two to three persons. The world's population is expected to hit the 7 billion on Oct. 31. It took only 71 years to triple to 6 billion in 1998, compared to 123 years to double to 2 billion in 1927. The world's population was 1 billion 200 years ago. Such a steep increase of the population has been casting a dark shadow over the future of Earth. 'There has been no species that has ever crowded Earth rapidly like this,' said Robert Engelman, executive director of Worldwatch Institute. 'Shortage of energy and food would be a great problem.'” Read: Korea Times
GUINEA-BISSAU: UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Catarina Furtado Sees Progress on Maternal Health
Gazeta de Noticias reported on 3 August that UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Catarina Furtado visited Guinea-Bissau from 26-30 June, where she laid the first brick for the construction of a maternity surgical unit in Bafata, a town in eastern Guinea-Bissau. Ms. Furtado’s visit was a follow-up to the activities of the project, begun in July 2008, of reinforcement of emergency Obstetric Care in the regions of Oio and Gabú financed by the Government of Portugal and the Radio Portuguese Television. Ms. Furtado was accompanied on her trip by the production team of the television programme “Até O fim do Mundo” (To the Ends of the Earth), which is producing four episodes about maternal health called “Dar vida sem morrer” (Giving Life without Dying). Read in Portuguese: Gazeta de Noticias
CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD POPULATION DAY 2010
ARMENIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 13 July on the celebration of World Population Day in Armenia. UNFPA and partners held the event to highlight the crucial role of data for development instrumental for better tracking and measuring progress toward achievement of the MDGs and for providing an evidence base to guide national policy making. On the occasion of this globally observed day UNFPA in collaboration with partners launched the findings of three nation-wide representative surveys on fertility patterns and preferences and intimate partner violence in Armenia. Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator and UNFPA Representative in Armenia stated in remarks opening the event, “Data helps leaders and policy-makers to make informed decisions about policies and programmes to reduce poverty and hunger, and advance education, health and gender equality.” Read: Armenian Public Radio in Armenian: Armenpress
BANGLADESH: The Daily Star published an op-ed by Md. Asadullah Khan on 15 July on rapid national and global population growth and the history of population policies. Mr. Khan wrote, “While observing the World Population Day, with the slogan ‘Everyone counts,’ stalwarts in the administration and experts in population science cautioned that this unplanned growth of population would further complicate the process of meeting the demand for food, basic health requirements and educational facilities -- triggering unemployment and social unrest in the country.” He called for a renewed family planning effort in Bangladesh “Endorsing the views of Alex Marshall of the UN Population Fund, the programme should be launched in such a humane manner that it does not hurt the sentiments of the rural people. The message should be; there is no such thing as population control. Alex says: ‘You don't control it. You allow people to make up their mind.’” Read: The Daily Star
BOTSWANA: BOPA reported on 16 July on commemorations of World Population Day. UNFPA Representative Sarah Masale said censuses are central to their mandate and mission, adding in Botswana they are substantially involved in the preparations of the forthcoming census exercise hence they are providing technical assistance and material support. She said the census and population data play a critical role in the development and humanitarian response and recovery.
BURKINA FASO: Sidwaya and Le Pays reported on 8 July on the official ceremony of the commemoration of the World Population Day 2010 in Ouagadougou. The Representative of UNICEF Coordinator ad interim read the message which the General Secretary of United Nations delivered at the time of the World Population Day and Sankara Olga, Officer in Charge of UNFPA/Burkina delivered the message of the Executive Director of the UNFPA. Read in French: Sidwaya
CAMEROON: Cameroon Tribune reported on 15 July that the MINEPAT (ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development) and development partners praised the UNFPA country's efforts to update demographic data. The WPD celebration took place in Maroua, the capital of the Far-North region. The 2010 celebration of the World Population Day coincided with the year during which results of the third General Population and Housing Census were published. UNFPA Representative Alain Sibenaler said that this is a great opportunity for Cameroon to access to reliable data because it is one of the conditions of good governance, transparency and effective accountability. He noted that the demographic data helps leaders to make good decisions. Regarding policies and programmes to fight against poverty and hunger and promote education, health and gender equality, Mr. Sibenaler noted that the MDGs in Cameroon show some progress but require stronger action on MDGs 4 and 5 – at the core of all the other MDGs. Walking the talk, UNFPA donated a large consignment of medical equipment, valuated at 15 million CFA francs to the Maroua Regional Hospital.
CAPE VERDE: Multiple media outlets reported on 11-12 July on events marking World Population Day in the country, including a workshop The workshop addressed the theme of Cape Verde’s upcoming census theme “All of us count and we count with all of you,” which fits with this year’s World Population Day theme, “Everyone Counts.” In addition to the workshop, numerous public events were held, and players in the country’s football final wore shirts publicing the theme. Read in Portuguese: RTC and Listen in Portuguese: RTC
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Les Depeches de Brazzaville, DRTV, TV-Congo and Congo-site reported on 11-14 July on the celebration of World Population Day. At the launching ceremony with Women's Affairs Minister, Ms. Jeanne Francoise Leckomba Loumeto and Economy Minister Cabinet Director, UNFPA Representative, Mr. David Lawson saluted the Government completion of the 2007 Population Census. Results should be publicly announced shortly. Mr. Lawson congratulated the Government for financing up to 98 per cent of its census, a rare and noteworthy situation in Africa. He said: "in Congo like elsewhere, the census is essential for the economic development of the country, and must be exempt of non technical considerations." Read in French: Congo-Site, Congo-Site and Watch in French: TV-Congo
COSTA RICA: Multiple media outlets reported on 13-14 July that although the population census will begin in May 2011, with a trial of the census questionnaire to be held between the 23 and 27 August in the community of Palmares. The questionnaire, which includes 30 questions on population and 21 related to housing, will be tested. This information was unveiled during the celebration of World Population Day, organized by UNFPA and National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. Read in Spanish: Diario Extra, La Nación, La prensa Libre
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Le Potential reported on 13 July and Uhuru published on 12 June an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid marking World Population Day. Le Potentiel noted UNFPA’s support for the government’s census planning. Read in French: Le Potentiel and Uhuru
ETHIOPIA: Ethiopian News Agency reported on 15 July that Finance and Economic Development State Minister, Mekonen Manyazewal said government is endeavoring to ensure population sensitive sustainable development. Addressing a symposium held in connection with World Population Day, the minister said effective implementation of the national population policy is vital to ensure sustainable development. The head of UNFPA's Ethiopia office, Benoit Kalasa lauded Ethiopia’s effort to control population growth to reduce poverty in the country. Read: Ethiopian News Agency
THE GAMBIA/THE PHILLIPINES: The Daily Observer (The Gambia) published an editorial on 12 July marking World Population Day and noting that UNFPA, in a statement released for World Population Day, called on governments to promote women's reproductive health and prevent maternal and child deaths through family planning programmes and the use of contraceptives. Even the person in charge of direct aid for the poor in the Philippines, Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, is pushing for the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill as resources shrink in the recession and the population continues to boom. Read: The Daily Observer
GUATEMALA: The Guatemala Times reported on 13 July on celebrations of World Population Day, noting that UNFPA works with many partners, both within and outside the United Nations system, including governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations, religious leaders and others, to achieve its mission. To better respond to local needs, UNFPA increasingly devotes resources to country-led efforts, placing emphasis on country-focused and country-led implementation to achieve improved results, at the same time addressing mutual accountability and strengthening harmonization and alignment. Read: The Guatemala Times
GUINEA-BISSAU: Nô Pintcha reported on 15 July on the celebration of World Population Day on 9 July. World Population day 2010 had the theme "Everyone Counts” with a focus on the publication of data collected from the 2009 population and housing Census. The UN in Guinea-Bissau called on the Government and the country’s decision makers to effectively utilize the data collected from the Census 2009 in order to make the most efficient investments that meet the needs and circumstances of the population and help to lift people out of poverty. The Prime Minister, the UNFPA Representative and the UN System Coordinator, highlighted the importance of collecting data as a planning tool for development in their speeches. Read in Portuguese: Nô Pintcha
HAITI: Multiple media outlets reported on 8-18 July that World Population Day was celebrated around the topic “Everyone Counts.” The topic “Everyone count” is chosen to stress the census cycle 2010, data analysis for development and the leading role of the agency in terms of population and development. As part of World Population Day celebrations, a workshop was held in Port-au-Prince on the topic of new technologies for census-taking. In addition, stories addressed the upcoming census, the first since the devastating January 2010 earthquake. An accurate will play a crucial role in setting policies. Read in French: AHP Haiti, AlterPresse (18 July) Haiti en Marche, HPN Haiti, AlterPresse (8 July) and in Spanish: AlterPresse
INDONESIA: UN Radio reported on 15 July and Sinar Harapan reported on 13 July that Indonesia does not have data on maternal mortatlity at the district level. Zahidul Huque, UNFPA Representative said, “Maternal mortality in Indonesia is quite high given its economic condition and the infrastructure and we really need to have some good base line that we can refer to because right now we don't have data on maternal mortality at district level, but with the census we can have it at the district level." Read: UN Radio and Read in Bahasa Indonesia: Sinar Harapan
The Jakarta Post reported on 12 July that UNFPA Representative in Indonesia Zahidul Huque said the UN body expected the Indonesian census would provide specific data on instances of maternal mortality, to help Indonesia reach its Millennium Development Goals. “Maternal mortality is still common in Indonesia, but we need a baseline to work with as a reference,” Mr. Huque said. Read: The Jakarta Post
IRAN: IRNA reported on 8 July on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s statement marking World Population Day. “This year, some 6O countries are collecting data and counting people as part of the 2O1O census process. A census is the only statistical operation that covers the whole population and all areas of a country. UNFPA and other partners are supporting this massive effort in many parts of the world" Secretary Ban said.
JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets reported on 12-15 July events marking World Population Day in Jamaica, including an event attended by UNFPA sub-regional office for the Caribbean, Hernando Agudelo, where plans for the the country’s upcoming census were discussed. Read: Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica Observer, Kingston Chronicle
MALAWI: The Nation reported on 16 July on the commemoration of World Population Day in the country, which included UNFPA-sponsored public lectures around the day’s theme of “Everyone Counts.” The events addressed population and development issues, including the country’s ongoing rapid population growth.
NAMIBIA: The New Era reported on 13 July that Namibia commemorated World Population Day with the main event taking place in the Khomas Region. UNFPA Representative Fabian Byomuhangi, who read a speech on behalf of the UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, said: “The theme everyone counts is a theme that speaks of the inherent value and dignity of each human being.” Read: The New Era
NICARAGUA: La Prensa reported on 17 July on the release of a study on population dynamics in Nicaragua released to coincide with World Population Day. According to the study, Managua has expanded so much that the recently named Metropolitan Region and is composed of 30 municipalities in the four departments in the country. Read in Spanish: La Prensa
NIGER: L’Evènement, Le Sahel and l’Indépendant Plus reported on 13-15 July on the celebration of the World Population Day in Tahoua. The Minister of Population, the UNFPA Representative and the Governor of the Tahoua region, highlighted the importance of collecting data as a planning tool for development in their speeches. After the ceremony, they visited a health centre of women living with fistula and waiting for treatment.
NIGERIA: This Day reported on 15 July that as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark World Population Day, stakeholders yesterday in Abuja said effective use of population data and statistics remains a key strategy to attaining the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals Challenge. This was the submission by Discussants at the event declared to mark World Population Day, according to the Executive Director of the National Population Commission, Samu'ila Danko Makama, "the Federal Government is conscious of the significant role of statistical data in its commitment to providing better life for Nigerians, the key to fulfilling the MDGs target, is availability of data, after the 2006 census exercise, efforts have been made to ensure that this primary objective is met." Also speaking at the event, UNFPA Resident Representative Agathe Lawson observed that, "with world attention focused on achieving the MDGs by 2015, and the up coming summit, the availability of consistent and comparable statistical information has become even more crucial.” Read: This Day
PAKISTAN: Dawn reported on 12 July on World Population Day, noting that Pakistan has a large population and a high population growth rate. It is home to 180 million people, half of which are women, with 4.8 million children added every year. Somewhere in the country, every hour, three women die because of pregnancy associated complications - amounting to more than 30,000 women dying every year. According to UNFPA, one in three of all deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth could be avoided if women who wanted effective contraception had access to it. Family Planning is no doubt one of the most effective and cheapest interventions available for optimal birth spacing and to improve maternal, newborn and child health. Read: DAWN
SENEGAL: Le Soleil reported on 12 July on the celebration of World Population Day. At an event marking World Population Day, UNFPA Representative Rose Gakuba advocated for improving the availability and use of population data for strategic planning of development particularly in poverty reduction program. This year’s theme, “Everyone Counts,” also drew attention to the process of preparation General Census of Population and Housing (GCPH), which will held on 2011. It will be combined with the second national census of agriculture (NAS), the first census of livestock and the Demographic and Health Survey. UNFPA is supporting GCPH and DHS. Read in French: Le Soleil and Le Soleil
SUDAN: Sudan National TV reported on 18 July that the National Population Council in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund celebrated the World Population Day in Khartoum. UNFPA Officer in Charge, Sharareh Amirkhalili addressed the event stressing the significance of data in development planning in Sudan. Ms. Amirkhalili reiterated the importance of capacity development in the areas of not only data collection but also analysis, dissemination, and utilization of data to strengthen Sudan’s institutional capacity for integration of population issues into development planning, particularly at the local level where the need is greater.
SWAZILAND: The Times of Swaziland and The Swazi Observer reported on 15 July on remarks by Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini and Edwin Huiszen, Director of the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for East and Southern Africa to mark World Population Day. Both commented on the country’s falling life expectancy and rising maternal and newborn mortality, both of which are connected to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
TANZANIA: IPP Media published an editorial on 15 July on World Population Day. It wrote, “UNFPA has been celebrating the World Population Day, reflecting on its activities in various countries, especially the developing ones, where it is supporting countries' efforts to build capacities for data collection and analysis, especially through the population and Housing censuses. Its theme this year is:"Everyone counts." It is a theme which UNFPA Representative Julitta Onabanjo said reflected the importance of population census and surveys in national development planning, reiterating UNFPA's role in assisting poor countries to carry them out.
THAILAND: Multiple media outlets reported on 9-18 July on World Population Day commemorations in Thailand and around the world. UNFPA was an organizer of a seminar on 9 July where Najib Assifi, UNFPA Representative in Thailand and Deputy Regional Director, Asia and the Pacific Regional Office, opened the function at noon followed by the Prime Minister's key note speech on "Better Data: Better Development" which emphasized the importance of data for development and challenges Thailand is facing from the rapid population aging, high population mobility and foreign migrants. An expert panel discussed the rapid demographic changes under way in Thailand and highlighted the important role census data can play in national development and business planning. At the same function, there was a screening of "Everyone Counts," a film produced by UNFPA Thailand to promote the upcoming census in Thailand was very much impressed by the audience.
URUGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 10-15 July on an event to celebrate World Population Day. UNFPA presented with the University of the Republic the first master program in the country on demography and population studies. Presenters highlighted the importance of demographic data to better attend population needs and stressed that the census foreseen for 2011 will increase substantially the amount and quality of demographic data, then improving policy making in the country. The last census was carried out in 1996. Read in Spanish: El Observador, Espectador, Sociedad Uruguaya, IPS and Semanario Eco,
GUINEA-BISSAU: CARMMA Campaign Launched in Guinea-Bissau
Nô Pintcha reported on 15 July on the launch of campaign for accelerated reduction of maternal mortality in Africa (CARMMA) in Guinea-Bissau. The campaign is spearheaded by the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, PLAN and other partners. The campaign will end on 31 December. Read in Portuguese: Nô Pintcha