COMOROS: Involving Men in Maternal Health
Alwatwan on 13 June reported that health authorities in Ngazidja opted to fully involve husbands in the campaign to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Dubbed the "model husbands" for their commitment to the protection and empowerment of their wives, they were trained from 11 to 13 June 2013 in the center of CASM (Moroni-Mtsangani) with technical and financial support from UNFPA. In his opening message to the workshop, the UNFPA Representative requested the support of the husbands present in talking to other husbands who refuse to this day to let their wives make prenatal visits, deliveries in a hospital environment and postnatal visits. ''This is an action that falls within the dynamics of CARMMA, launched 16 May 2013 by the Head of State,'' said the representative of the government.
UGANDA: UNFPA Executive Director Calls for End to Obstetric Fistula
The Daily Monitor on 7 June published an op-ed by UNFPA's Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. The ED was advocating for increased awareness creation and commitment by all to end obstetrics fistula. Although Uganda recognized the first-ever Obstetrics Fistula Day on 23 May, national commemorations in Uganda will take place on 20 June.
SENEGAL: UNFPA to Donate Medical Equipment to Tambacounda
The Senegalese Press Agency on 6 June reported that UNFPA’s country office will provide medical equipment and ambulances evaluated at more a billion FCFA to the region of Tambacounda. UNFPA will also strengthen its support to eight “clubs of young girls” and two “centers of teenagers” in Tambacounda. Read in French: Senegalese Press Agency
SWAZILAND: Over 17,000 Condoms Distributed at Bushfire
The Swazi Observer on 04 June, reported that about 17,000 condoms were distributed at the international Bushfire Festival, under the theme “Light Your Fire.” The initiative was a joint initiative by UNFPA, SAFAIDS and Head Count.
TOGO: UNFPA Provides Equipment to Improve Reproductive Health
Santé Education on 29 May reported that UNPFA offered nine civil society organizations equipment to improve and strengthen their reproductive health interventions and fight against HIV/AIDS. The recipient organizations are those under the supervision of the National Council for the Fight against AIDS (CNLS). Professor Vincent PITCHE, coordinator of the Permanent Secretariat of the Council, received donations from the hands of the Resident Representative of UNFPA TOGO, Cécile Mukarubuga. This ceremony took place in the office of the Agency. Public and private news papers such as Togopresse, the national daily and Santé Education and other broadcast media participated in this ceremony. Read in French: Santé Education
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Representative’s Op-ed on Ending Fistula Published
Le Journal de Brazza, le Journal de Kin (DRC) and le journal du Gabon published on 24 May, UNFPA Congo Representative David Lawson's op-ed entitled "Ending Fistula: Giving each Woman Dignity and Hope." The UN diplomat stressed that 2-3 million women are affected by this health and women's rights issue, including 50,000 new cases each year worldwide with dire health and social consequences. UNFPA Congo sponsors a successful fistula nationwide programme through 4 major health centers that provided free fistula treatment for 100 identified cases. Health personnel capacity building, medical equipment and psychosocial support are key to this programme. Mr. Lawson says, "providing free treatment brings back affected women dignity and hope." Read in French: Journal de Brazza, Journal de Kin, Journal du Gabon
UGANDA: Ending Ostetric Fistula
New Vision on 23 May published an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. The statement was made on the Inaugural Day to End Fistula.
BURKINA FASO: Fighting Obstetric Fistula
Sidwaya on 23 May reported that since 2003, the UNFPA Burkina country office has been supporting the government's fight against obstetrical fistula using prevention, treatment and the rehabilitation of patients. The programme is in its seventh phase. Read in French: Sidwaya
ZIMBABWE: Focus Needed On Youth SRH
The Standard on 19 May reported that "adolescent girls aged between 15 and 19 constitute a quarter of the 960 women that die as a result of pregnancy-related complications in Zimbabwe, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has said. UNFPA country representative, Basile Tambashe said there is need to place a special focus on young people's sexual and reproductive health and rights." Read in English: The Standard
COMOROS: Head of State Launches Campaign to Reduce Maternal Mortality
Alwatwan on 17 May reported that the campaign to reduce maternal mortality in Africa (CARMMA) was officially launched in the Comoros on 16 May at the Palace of the people. The ceremony under the theme "no woman should die giving life" assembled a crowd heavily dominated by women from different parts of the country. "The right to life by giving life is a universal human right and that every woman must fully enjoy this right," said Douglas Casson Coutts, Resident Coordinator of the UN System and UNFPA Representative. In addition, the President of the Republic announced the appointment of a CARMMA ambassador whose mission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is to accelerate the reduction of maternal mortality so that fewer women die in childbirth.
ZAMBIA: Ready to Advocate Against Early Marriage
The Times of Zambia on 15 May reported that UNFPA is ready to partner with Zambian firt Lad Christine Kaseba to fight against early marriage. Dr. Osotimehin is quoted in the article. Read in English: Times of Zambia
BENIN: UNFPA Supports 4th Census
L'autre Quotidien, Le Matinal and La Nation on 13 May reported on UNFPA's support for the mobilization of resources for the fourth general population census. As the leader in the support of countries in the production and the use of population data, the UNFPA country office is committed to mobilize technical and financial partners to fund this crucial operation. UNFPA, the Swiss Cooperation and the World Bank are the main funders of the activities.
BURKINA FASO: Finding a Solution for Obstetric Fistule
Faso.net on 6 May, has reported that with the financial support of the UNFPA Burkina country office, four women have been cured of obstetric fistula by the Rama Foundation in Ouagadougou. Before leaving the Foundation, these women received training in weaving and soap production in order to help them to be autonomous. Read in French: Faso.net
BURKINA FASO: Celebrating Midwives
Burkina Faso National Television has reported on 6 May that the celebration of the International Day of the Midwife, supported by the UNFPA Burkina country office, has took place on 5 May 2013. During the meeting, Dr. Seydou Belewivire, who represented the UNFPA, stressed the large part that midwifves have to play in the reduction of maternal and infantile morality. Read in French: RTB
SENEGAL: UNFPA Advocates for Midwife Recruitment
Le Soleil on 6 May reported on the celebration of the International Day of the Midwife. The Senegalese National Association of Midwives and the United Nations Population Fund noted that health facilities suffer from a serious lack of midwives while 2,500 midwives are unemployed. The Association of Midwives and UNFPA advocate for recruitment of midwives to saves women lives.
Read in French: Le Soleil
UGANDA: Midwives Needed Urgently
Sunday Vision on 5 May published an opinion piece by the Communications and Public Relations Coordinator of Reproductive Health Uganda, one of UNFPA's implementing partners in Uganda. He advocates for the recruitment of more skilled and trained midwives, especially in the rural areas.
UGANDA: Preparing for the Day of the Midwife
The Observer on 2 May reported on a press conference organized by the Uganda Ministry of Health and UNFPA in preparation for the International Day of the Midwife. UNFPA's Assistant Representative Dr. Wilfred Ochan was quoted. Read in English: The Observer
SOUTH AFRICA: Helping Mothers With HIV/AIDS
The Mail & Guardian on 19 April reported that almost half of all maternal deaths in South Africa are a result of HIV-related complications. According to the UNFPA, as many as 310 in every 100000 pregnant women in South Africa died during pregnancy or childbirth in 2011. Read in English: The Mail & Guardian
BURKINA FASO: Obstetric Fistula Success
Le Pays on 29 April reported that the project fighting against obstetric fistulas in the Sahel region, financed by UNFPA - Burkina, has achieved an estimated 89% success rate. The project, launched in 2008, has also provided financial support to more than 200 women.
BURKINA FASO: Working On Maternal Health
MOZAMBIQUE: UNFPA Donates Ambulances
UN Radio, O País, and A Verdade reported on 23 April, that the Minister of Health, Dr. Alexandre Manguele, received five ambulances in support of the country 's efforts to improve reproductive health in the Zambézia province in central Mozambique. Reports say that the vehicles were purchased by UNFPA with funds provided to the UN system by Canada. Read in Spanish: UN Radio and A Verdade
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA-produced Gender TV Miniseries Nominated For Film Festival
Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 19 April on the nomination of the UNFPA-produced TV miniseries entitled "Les Boulistes" to the Pan African Film Festival, held from 17-21 April, in Cannes. Produced by UNFPA with the intent of denouncing gender inequality and promoting women's rights, the popular TV miniseries is aired on Congo National Television and satellite TV to millions of viewers in Congo and worldwide. The series has previously been presented by UNFPA's David Lawson at other international film festivals. Mr. Lawson is confident that UNFPA's communication strategy "Media for Development," aimed at reaching millions of people through mass media and behaviour change messages, is paying off saying, "Maternal mortality and HIV/AIDS prevalence rates are down in Congo and gender equality has never been so high on the national political agenda, with a gender parity law in the making." Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
SWAZILAND: UNFPA Donates Reproductive Health Supplies
The Swazi Observer on 16 April reported that UNFPA donated sexual and reproductive health supplies to the government of Swaziland as an emergency response following a disaster that was declared in the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions due to flood. Presenting the donation to the Deputy Prime Minister, UNFPA’s Representative Dr. Hassan Mohtashami explained that one of the key objectives of UNFPA was to support the government for emergency preparedness and response, to ensure the continuity of life saving reproductive health and HIV prevention services, particularly to mothers, newborns, adolescents and young people.
SWAZILAND: UNFPA Donates Emergency Reproductive Health Kits
The Times of Swaziland on 16 April reported that UNFPA donated emergency reproductive health kits worth US$100,000 to the government of Swaziland. This is in line with UNFPA’s key objective to support the government for emergency preparedness and response, to ensure the continuity of life saving reproductive health and HIV prevention services. The equipment was officially handed over to the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Themba Masuku by UNFPA Representative Dr. Hassan Mohtashami.
UGANDA: UNFPA Donates Maternity Equipment
New Vision on 15 April reported that UNFPA has handed over to Ministry of Health, reproductive health equipment worth Shs1.3 billion. The equipment includes C-section sets, delivery beds, intra-uterine conceptive device sets, vasectomy sets, bilateral tubal ligation sets and sterilizers. The story quotes UNFPA Deputy Rep. Cecile Compaore.
SWAZILAND: Maternal Mortality on the Decline
The Times of Swaziland on 12 April reported that Swaziland has taken great strides towards the reduction of maternal mortality in the country. It was noted that one of the 8 MDGs that has made some progress is MDG 5: Improve Maternal Health. UNFPA Representative, Dr. Hassan Mohtashami noted that the one area where the country is not so well is the training of skilled birth attendants or midwifes. To this end, UNFPA in collaboration with the WHO, has assisted the Ministry of Health and Nursing Council to strengthen their standard for education and practice and curriculum for midwifes.
UGANDA: Increased Availability of Contraceptive Implants
New Vision on 2 April reported on the Jadelle implant, a long time reversible contraceptive implant. "In Uganda, 41% of women want to space or stop having children but they lack access to contraceptives, information and the services themselves. Globally, the implant has been one of the underutilized methods of family planning. That’s why there has been a global massive shift towards a rights-based approach to family planning. This necessitates the need to empower women with family planning services and available information to make a choice. 'As long as the individual has services, means and all the available methods at their disposal, they should have the capacity to make an informed decision about their family planning,' says Dr Ismail Ndifuna the National Program Officer, United Nations Population Fund." Read in English: New Vision
TANZANIA: Partnership Increases Contraceptive Access
Tanzania Daily News on 7 April published an op-ed lauding a milestone partnership between Bayer HealthCare, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Governments of Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States and Sweden, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation and the United Nations Population Fund that will provide millions of women in developing countries with improved contraceptive access and options. Through this agreement, Bayer HealthCare is providing its long-acting, reversible contraceptive implant, Jadelle, to millions of women in developing countries over the next six years, at a more than 50 per cent discount - at US$8.50 per unit, rather US$18.
NIGERIA: Counting Down to Achieving the MDGs
Vanguard on 6 April reported that, “approximately 287,000 women and girls die each year of pregnancy and delivery-related complications, the Executive Director of UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, has said. Osotimehin disclosed this at an event to mark the countdown of the last 1,000 days to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015.
UGANDA: Men Want More Children Than Wives
New Vision on 5 April reported that the average Ugandan man wants more children than his wife, according to maternal health experts. “Speaking at a media workshop on maternal health recently, Dr. Wilfred Ochan an assistant representative with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) noted that several researches had proved that where a woman wanted to stop at 5.1 children, her husband normally insisted on an about 5.7 children.”