RWANDA: Condom Vending Machines to Be Installed
The New Times on 22 September reported that 700 condom vending machines would be installed in various entertainment spots and social areas across the country. UNFPA with the Rwanda Biomedial Centre and Population Service International are behind the initiative.
RWANDA: Condom Supply Must Increase
The New Times on 17 September reported that UNFPA has stated that the use and access to condoms by youths, particularly those between 15 and 24, is low.
RWANDA: Engaging Men to Fight Gender-based Violence
The New Times on 25 August reported on a three-day conference where participants discussed ways in which men can effectively get involved in fighting gender-based violence. UNFPA participated in the meeting.
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2011 REPORT
BRAZIL: Multiple TV news programs covered the launch of SWOP and the day of 7 billion between 26 and 31 October. View in Spanish: Jornal Hoje, Jornal da Globo, Bom Dia Brasil and Jornal Globo News, Jornal Nacional and Jornal Hoje
CAMBODIA: The Phnom Penh Post reported on 1 November that as the world’s population hits seven billion, the latest statistics from the UN Population Fund’s State of the Population report show the number of Cambodians decreased by five per cent in the past year. The report puts the total population of Cambodia at 14.3 million compared with 15.1 million in 2010.
COMOROS: La Gazette on 2 November reported that At the current pace of growth, 78 million people are added annually to the world's population. "This population is recorded for a large part in the least developed countries, some of which are already struggling to meet the needs of their populations," said the Resident Coordinator System UN Comoros, at the launch of report on the State of World Population 2011
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Tele-Pointe-Noire, Radio-Pointe-Noire Agence d'Information Congolaise, and Africa No. 1 reported on 2 November on a press conference by UNFPA Representative David Lawson in Pointe-Noire, to present the UNFPA 2011 State of the World Population, the 7 billion people milestone and its implications for Congo. Mr. Lawson talked on some global challenges, the fight against poverty and hunger through economic growth and investments in agriculture, environmental protection, urbanization, youth employment and social policies to address ageing and support vulnerable populations, development aid, and combating inequalities, including among women and men, valid and disabled.
La Semaine africaine reported on 2 November on the UNFPA SWOP launch in Brazzaville by UNFPA Representative David Lawson, in the presence of the State Economy Minister Pierre Moussa, Youth Minister, Health Minister, Small and Middle Enterprises Minister, Vice Economy Minister, parliamentarians, ambassadors, UN agency heads, civil society leaders and the media in the context of the 7 billion world. Mr. Lawson outlined the challenges and opportunities at such a milestone for the world and Congo. He thus focused on urbanization, youth, ageing, agriculture, health and education and financing for development. The State Economy Minister outlined the Government policies implemented to address the challenges of global demographic growth. Read in French: La Semaine africaine
CUBA: Between 31 October and 6 November, Cuban media reported activities related to the arrival of the planet to the 7 billion people and the launching of The State of World Population 2011, pointing out some of its most important aspects. Read and View in Spanish: Cuba TV, Sitio Web del Sistema Informativo de la TV Cubana, Cuba TV, Sitio Web del Sistema Informativo de la TV Cubana, Mujeres, Publicación semanal, Cuba Sí (Tomado de la Agencia de Información Nacional), Radio Surco (Tomado de la Agencia de Información Nacional), La Demajagua digital, Prensa Latina, GIS XXI, Radio Reloj, Solvisión, Cuba Vision, Juventud Rebelde, Radio Rebelde, IPS, IPS, Granma, Periódico 26, Asociación Cubana de las Naciones (ACNU).
DPR OF KOREA: The Korean Central News Agency on 1 November and Pyongyang Times on 5 November reported on the UNFPA country office advocacy event celebrating the day of 7 billion and the release of the State of World Population report. The event was held at Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang. Participants viewed the video, “United World.”
FINLAND: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. Local partners including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN Associations, who participated in organizing the launch events, also published information about the SWOP launch events. Read, view and listen in Finnish: Helsingin Sanomat, Helsingin Sanomat, Maailma, Hufvudstadsbladet, YLE, Finnish Broadcasting Services, MTV3, Nelonen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Global Finland portal, UNA-Finland, Väestöliitto-Finnish Family Planning Association
GUATEMALA: Prensa Libre on 31 October published an op-ed by Carolina Vasquez Araya which quoted figures provided by the UNFPA during the launch of The State of World Population 2011 which revealed that of the 14,713,000 people in Guatemala, 7.4 million are poor, and of these, 2.2 million people survive in abject poverty. 75 percent of the Maya, Garifuna and Xinca are living in poverty, and most women are excluded from the benefits of development. Read in Spanish Prensa Libre
GUYANA: The Guyana Chronicle on 1 November reported on the launch of the SWOP report at the Georgetown Club. Ms. La Fleur was a featured speaker at the event. Read in English: Guyana Chronicle
JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets reported on 31 October to 5 November on the State of World Population report launch in Jamaica. Read in English: Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Observer, The Gleaner and TV Jamaica
LEBANON: The Daily Star reported on 31 October on the 7 billion Campaign. The article adopts a global approach and describes UNFPA’s campaign and its main themes. The article provides global statistics illustrating population trends and quotes UN Secretary general and UNFPA Executive Director and mentions the 2011 State of World Population Report. Read in English: Daily Star.
MONGOLIA: Multiple media outlets from 26 October to 31 October reported on the release of the State of World Population 2011. The UB Post, Mongol Messenger and Unuudur printed the statement of UNFPA Mongolia Representative Ms. Argentina Matavel Piccin. The Mongol News Press broadcast the press conference to launch SWOP. Mr. S. Mendsaikhan, Chairman of the National Statistics Office, Ms. Argentina Matavel Piccin, UNFPA Representative, Ms. B. Oyun, UNFPA NPO and Mr. A. Amarbal, Chairman of the Census Bureau participated in the press conference.
NAMBIA: The Nambian on 1 November published an article on the challenges and opportunities facing a world of seven billion. The SWOP report is briefly mentioned in the article saying that the report, “report highlights how the world will face growing problems finding jobs for the new army of young people, especially in poor countries. It also sounds alarms over how climate change and population growth are adding to drought and famine crises; the management of megacities like Tokyo; and ageing populations such as Europe’s.” Read in English: The Namibian
NORWAY: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These stories included quotes from UNFPA Exexutive Director Babatunde Osotimehin and Rep. Mr. Rune Fröseth and citings of UNFPA data. Information about the SWOP launch events was also published by local partners including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN Associations, who participated in organizing the launch events.Read, view and listen in Norwegian: Bistandsaktuelt, Adressa.no, Pd.no, Hadeland, Arbeits rett, Vestby avis,Ringblad.no, Namdalsavisen, Hordaland, Demokraten, FVN.no, Smp.no, Agder posten,Tidens Krav ,Glåm dalen, Dagsavisen, Dagbladet, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, TV2 News, Dagsavisen, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, Dagsavisen, Hegnar online, Dagbladet, TV2 News, NRK Norwegian national TV, NRK, Dagsavisen/TV daily news, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Press release, UNA-Norway
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY: Multiple media outlets reported on 2 November on the press conference, organized by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and UNFPA on the occasion of the launching of the “State of World Population Report 2011” by UNFPA and “The State of Palestinian Population Report” by PCBS. The press conference touched various issues related to population through history and projections until 2025. “UNFPA expects population growth until 2050. The increase is especially noticed in Gaza Strip as 1.7m live in Gaza in a 360 km2 area; the world’s most populated area” said Ms. Barbara Piazza-Georgi, UNFPA Representative. “In the next 20 years, the figure is expected to double in Gaza alone” she continued. The press conference was followed by an exhibition that was organized by Sharek Youth Forum and funded by UNFPA entitled “Palestine in the world of Seven Billion: Faces & Numbers" which was a display of Palestinian faces from different sects of the population, and facts about the Palestinian population on various indicators. Read in Arabic: Wafa News Agency, Maan News, Panet, Al Arab, Al Ayyam Newspaper, Manar Radio, PalToday, Al-Quds Newspaper
RWANDA: Imvaho Nshya and New Times on 1 November reported on the launch of SWOP 2011. UN Resident Coordinator, Aurélien Agbénonci,is quoted in the piece saying “The issue of the ‘World at 7 billion’ entails concerns of poverty and inequality, women and girls, young people, reproductive health and rights, environment, aging and urbanization.”
SIERRA LEONE: New Vision on 4 November reported that the Administrative Manager for Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) disclosed to journalists that the UNFPA Country Representative, Md. Ratidzai Ndhlovu is most outstanding in the fight for women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone. Mr. Ahmed Saybon Kanu agreed with the UNFPA Rep. in her speech on the launch of the World Population Report for women’s protection and empowerment. On the issue of population growth in the world at seven billion, Mr. Kanu said population growth is critical for humanity adding that the population question is one of human equity and opportunity that is evaluated along sustainable development lines.
New Citizen on 3 November reported that the Administrative Manager of Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) has, on behalf of SSL, acclaimed the UNFPA through the Country Representative for being the leading financier of SSL.
Addressing journalists and a cross section of SSL staff at its headquarters on Tuesday 1 November, Mr. Ahmed Saybon Kanu re-echoed the speech of the UNFPA Country Representation during the launch of the World Population Report which among others underscored that the global population reached 7 billion on 31 October. According to Mr. Kanu, the pace of population growth is both a challenge and an opportunity for Sierra Leone to continue and even strengthen its free health care delivery service within the framework of the Agenda for Change with support from UNFPA and other development partners.
SWEDEN: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These included a joint Op-Ed Babatunde Osotimehin and Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Ms. Gunilla Carlsson, an interview with ED Babatunde Osotimehin, an interview with UNFPA demographer Ralph Hakkert, and an interview with Mr. Heimo Laakkonen of UNFPA. Information about the SWOP launch events was also published by local partners including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN Associations, who participated in organizing the launch events. Read, view and listen in Swedish: Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Dagens Nyheter; Svenska Dagbladet, Svenska Dagbladet, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Services, Svenska Dagbladet, Expressen, Sydsvenska Dagbladet, Aftonbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Service, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Sisuradio, Sveriges Radio Klartext, Sveriges Radio Studio Ett, Sveriges Radio P1-Morgon, Swedish National TV: SVT 1 Rapport, TV4 Nyheterna, Ministry for Foreign Affairs: SWOP launch, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Minister Carlsson’s speech, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Joint Op Ed Babatunde Osotimehin and Minister Carlsson, UNA-Sweden: SWOP launch, RFSU-Swedish Family Planning Association: SWOP launch
TAJIKISTAN: Avesta.Tj on 31 October reported that according to The State of World Population 2011 report, published by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, on 31 October the world population reached the 7 billion mark. Read in Russian: Avesta.Tj
Khovar on 31 October reported on the birth of the country’s 7 billion baby and quoted statistics from the State of World Population 2011 report. Read in Russian: Khovar
Asia Plus on 31 October published a quote by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin who said that achieving the seven billion population mark "may be considered a challenge, opportunity and a call for action." The article also used information for the SWOP 2011 report. Read in Russian: AsiaPlus
TIMOR-LESTE: Suara Timor Lorosae on 31 October announced the launch of the 2011 State of World Population Report and welcoming the 7 billionth baby in Timor-Leste at the Auditorium of the Dili National Hospital. The article also quoted the UNFPA ED in his message “The issue of population is a critical one for our humanity and for the earth. But let us be clear: it is not a matter of space. The population question is one of human equity and opportunity.”
The Dilli Weekly on 1 November covered the day of 7 billion as well as the launch of UNFPA’s State of World Population report. The story included a quote from UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin.
TUNISIA: Assabah, TAP Press Agency, MAP Press Agency, Binaa News Agency, Tunisie Numérique and Al Maghrib Al Siyasi, reported on 31 October, and 1 and 3 November that UNFPA launched the State of World Population 2011 report, entitled “People and possibilities in a world of 7 billion.” The articles provide an overview of the seven messages of the report, as well as global trends and population issues and mention the 7 Billion Campaign accompanying the launch of the report. Read in French: TAP, Tunisie Numérique Read in Arabic: Assabah
Hannibal TV, Nessma TV, Al Hiwar Al Tounisi and Télevion Nationale Tunisienne I broadcast on 2 November different statements quoted from the press conference organized in the United Nations Information Center in Tunis. The official presentation of the SWOP report was delivered by Assistant Representative of the UNFPA in Tunisia Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane. Dr. Joudane gave, in her opening speech, a summary presentation of the report components while emphasizing the potential of Tunisian youth. Watch in Arabic: TNT I, Nessma TV and Hannibal TV
Shems FM, Mosaique FM, Express FM, Radio Gafsa, RTCI and Radio Jeunes reported on 2 November the various interviews of Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane, Assistant Representative in Tunisia, who presented the SWOP report and the trends and population dynamics that define a world of 7 billion people advocating for additional investments in youth and increased participation of women and youth in all areas. She emphasized that reinforcing gender equality is essential to the world's future and that we cannot afford to lose the full potential of half the world’s population.
URUGUAY: Several media outlets reported on 31 October and 1 November that UNFPA presented, at the Pereira Rossell Hospital, the State of World Population 2011 analyzing population and demographic trends worldwide. Several media cited Fernando Filgueira, UNFPA’s assistant representative, on national demographic challenges including establishing mechanisms to ensure care services for dependant population groups (children 0-3, older people and people with disabilities) to unleash women’s participation in the workforce. In addition, the role of guaranteeing access to sexual and reproductive rights was reinforced. Read and watch more in Spanish: Canal 10, VTV (1), VTV (2), Oceano FM, Telégrafo
RWANDA: Fistula Campaign Launched
Rwanda Focus reported on 17 October and The New Times reported on 9 October on a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, UNFPA, the World Food Programme and EngenderHealth to treat and end obstetric fistula. An estimated 50 women are expected to be repaired. “UNFPA launched the world campaign to eradicate obstetric fistula in 2003,” explained UNFPA Representative Victoria Akyeampong. “The UN is committed to restoring the dignity of women in Rwanda by supporting government’s efforts to fully integrate services that are permanent for on-going, continuous and holistic care of obstetric fistula cases until we entirely end this preventable and treatable condition.” Read in English: Rwanda Focus and The New Times
RWANDA: Ministry of Health and UNFPA Work to End Fistula
The New Times reported on 31 August on a collaboration between UNFPA and the Ministry of Health to end obstetric fistula. UNFPA Deputy Representative Cheikh Fall was quoted saying, “In Rwanda, the UN Family will continue to support government's efforts to fully integrate services that are permanent for continuous and holistic care of obstetric fistula cases until we entirely bring to an end this preventable and treatable condition.” Read in English: The New Times
RWANDA: When Gender-Responsive Budgets Empower Societies
The New Times published an op-ed on 28 July by Globia Iribagiza arguing “The principle of gender equality has found more space in several societies over the last two decades and, has begun to underpin all aspects of national development. For this reason, governments, international organizations and the civil society met this week on July 26 to 28, 2011 at the 'High Level Global Meeting' on Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting, at Kigali Serena Hotel, Rwanda . . . Besides Rwanda's Government, several partners including UN Women, European Union, DFID, UNFPA, the civil society, academia and several Non-Governmental Organisations participated as a show of support toward improving the process of Gender Responsive Budgeting in the respective countries.” Read: The New Times
RWANDA: UNFPA Donates Ambulances, Medical Equipment to MoH
The New Times reported on 28 July that UNFPA donated six ambulances and medical equipment worth $387,000 to the Ministry of Health to support the provision of maternal, newborn and reproductive health services. Speaking to reporters after handing over the donation, UNFPA Representative Victoria Akyeampong said that under their sixth country programme of cooperation with Rwanda, the agency is committed to support the country in improving reproductive health. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: Parliament Calls for Population Growth Control
The New Times reported on 14 June that the Rwanda Network of Parliamentarians for Population and Development briefed partners on the situation of family planning services. Liberata Kayitesi, the RPRPD chairperson, highlighted the government's achievements in poverty reduction, food security, education, health, providing national security and others, but warned that such achievements would be in vain if nothing is done to check the fast-growing population. "If we continue to multiply fast, we will not be able to build health centres. If we can solve the problem of population, we will be able to solve all others - this calls for everyone's participation," Ms. Kayitesi said. The meeting attended by several partners, including the Ministry of Health, USAID, UNFPA and Family Health International made eight recommendations. One is that parents should engage children and teach them about reproductive health. Participants also recommended that the ministry collaborates with local authorities to help patients receive appropriate information and medical assistance, the establishment of special centres in the family planning program for the youth, especially targeting university and secondary school students. Read: The New Times
AFRICA: Africa Advised to Invest in Health
The New Times (Rwanda) reported on 26 May that Africa and other developing countries have been advised to invest more in a skilled public health labour force to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality rates. The call was made by Dr. Laura Laski, UNFPA’s Chief Officer on Sexual and Reproductive Health in an interview with The New Times from New York. "A functioning health system with a well-trained health workforce at the community level where women and children live is required to address MNCH deaths and injuries,” she said. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: Dying to Be Born
The New Times reported on 11 January that maternal deaths remain a huge challenge on the African continent. Dr. Ngoga Eugene, head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the referral Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda said, "Many mothers die because of multiple pregnancies and they writhe through the pain of home deliveries in the absence of a professional midwife." Information from UNFPA indicates that even where services are available, they are often inadequate or of poor quality. Studies in Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica and Rwanda show that, practitioner knowledge is often lacking with test scores between 40 and 65 per cent of pre-specified norms. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: Youth Urged To Take Part In Nation-Building
The New Times reported on 21 December that First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the founding president of the Imbuto Foundation, has urged young Rwandans to directly participate in nation-building in order for the country to achieve its targets. UNFPA Representative Victoria Akyeampong promised continued support for the promotion of youth involvement in national development programmes. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: Rwanda Hosts Continental Meeting On Gender and Reproductive Health
The New Times reported on 23 November that the first international training workshop on gender responsive budgeting opened yesterday in Kigali. The workshop brought together over 70 participants from 17 African countries and was organized by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNFPA. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: UN Agencies Sign Agreement with Rwanda Flora
The New Times reported on 7 November that two UN agencies, WFP and UNFPA, signed a joint private mission project for the next four years with Rwanda Flora, a private organic firm, to jointly help improve household nutrition. It was signed at Mayange Nutrition Centre in Bugesera District, Eastern Province. The initiative, according to Maarit Hirvonen, the WFP Country Representative, will be extended to four more health centres countrywide. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: Nation Tops Region in Maternal and Newborn Health
The New Times reported on 1 November that Rwanda has been ranked top in Eastern Africa by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) in the fight against child mortality and maternal deaths. Flavia Bustreo, the organization's director, attributed the country's success to political commitment towards eliminating child and maternal mortality. "Rwanda is also indicated in a new study by the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank as having one of the largest declines in maternal mortality with a reduction on maternal deaths by 51 per cent between 1990 and 2008," Dr. Bustreo added. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: Ideal Disaster Prevention and Management
The New Times published an editorial on 3 October arguing that in order to succeed in averting preventable disasters and responding properly to those that occur beyond the affected communities' control, it must be a shared responsibility of both the public and private sector. The editorial called for the inclusion of civil society, governmental and international agencies, including UNFPA, in establishing structures to plan for disaster response. Read: The New Times
AFRICA: Between Life, Birth and Death
The Guardian (UK) published a column by Health Editor Sarah Boseley on 14 September on the persistent high risk of maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Ms. Boseley noted that Rwanda, which has been working closely with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), is working hard on reducing its maternal death rates. Between 2000 and 2005, the indicator fell from 1,071 to 750 per 100,000. UNFPA has encouraged auditing, so that the ministry of health and local hospitals and health clinics know how many women are dying, where and why. Rwanda is piloting the use of SMS text messages. Community health workers have been given mobile phones and trained to send in details of women who are pregnant, including their state of health and likely date of delivery. Getting a woman to hospital in a hurry in an emergency is key to saving her life and that of her baby. The health workers call ambulances, again provided by UNFPA, when labour begins. Last year, almost all women went for at least one ante-natal check-up and 63 per cent of deliveries were attended by a skilled health worker. Read: The Guardian
RWANDA: UNFPA Donates Supplies to Quake Victims
The News Times reported on 12 September that UNFPA, through the National Women’s Council, has donated an assortment of items to women affected by the February earthquake that hit Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts. Fabiora Ngeruka, the UNFPA official in charge of gender, said, “UNFPA felt the plight of those who were affected by the earthquake. That is why we decided to donate these items to some of them particularly women in order to improve their living conditions.” Read: The New Times
RWANDA: Pharmacists Train for Drug Management
The New Times reported on 7 September that 30 pharmacists and nurses attached to various health centres and hospitals of Gisenyi and Shyira, have completed training on the management of drugs, medical equipment and contraceptives. The two-day training which was organized by UNFPA, in partnership with Gisenyi Hospital, aimed at equipping the pharmacists with better ways of drug maintenance/management, especially consumable drugs. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: East African Community Nations Plot Common Action on Reproductive Health Challenges
The New Times reported on 25 July that delegates from all the five East African Community partner states descended on the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha to attend a high-level multisectoral stakeholder consultative meeting, seen as an impetus in mooting common strategies to address key reproductive health and sexual challenges. The meeting, organized by the EAC Secretariat and jointly sponsored by UNFPA and IPPF, is mainly focusing on the progress taken towards the implementation of the so-called Maputo Plan of Action. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: UNFPA Donates Ambulances, ICT Equipment
The New Times reported on 15 July that UNFPA donated three ambulances worth $161,799 (Rwf 94m) to the Ministry of Health (MoH). Bonaventure Nzeyimana, an MoH official, received the donation on behalf of the ministry. According to Cheikh Fall the Deputy Representative of UNFPA, the support falls in a series of activities organized to mark the World Population Week which started on July 11. “These ambulances will boost Rwanda’s efforts in reducing maternal and infant mortality and as well as morbidity,” he said during a function at the ministry headquarters. He added that ambulances would strengthen referral system which will contribute to improving access to emergency obstetric and neonatal services at the health facilities. In a related development, UNFPA also donated a batch of ICT equipment comprising of 30 computers, 30 printers and 30 uninterrupted power supply to the ministry, which are valued at $45,000. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: Landslide Victims Receive Aid
The New Times reported on 24 June that people who were displaced by recent landslides in Gakenke District received an assortment of hygienic kits from UNFPA, in partnership with PROFEMME Twese Hamwe, a local NGO. The May disaster claimed six lives in Cyoko and Minazi Sectors, and left several houses destroyed. Speaking to the recipients of the kits, UNFPA's Dr. Gifty Adriko expressed her sympathy to the affected residents."UNFPA is committed to promoting reproductive health and rights of all people in Rwanda, and that includes refugees, internally displaced and people affected by natural disasters," she said. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: UN Staff Mark World Refugee Day with Donations
The New Times reported on 18 June that staff members of UNHCR Rwanda and UNFPA led an effort to donate an assortment of items to the Youth and Handicapped Centre located at Gahanga, a Kigali suburb. The occasion of donating to the orphans was organized as part of the planned activities leading up to the celebration of World Refugee Day. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: A Revolution In Rights For Women
The Guardian (UK) reported on 28 May on the impact of Rwanda’s increase in female representation in Parliament. "There used to be a lot of rapes, wife beating, male domination of women, boys sent to school and not girls," said Daphrose Nyirasafali, national programme officer for UNFPA, the UN's family planning and reproductive health organisation. "That has all changed, even in the countryside." Read: The Guardian
PANAMA: UNFPA Regional Director Says Latin America Needs Empowered Youth
EFE reported on 22 May that UNFPA Director for Latin America and the Caribbean , Marcela Suazo, believes that the region needs to empower youth and find solutions to the cycles of poverty generated by unwanted adolescent pregnancies. Read in Spanish: EFE
RWANDA: Nation, UN to Accelerate Progress toward MDGs
The New Times reported on 30 March that President Paul Kagame received a visiting delegation of the UN at Urugwiro Village where they held discussions regarding Rwanda's progress towards achieving the MDGs. The delegation was led by Abderrahim Ould Hadrami, Mauritania's Permanent Representative to the UN. According to the UN Resident Coordinator, Aurélien Agbénonci, the 25-member executive board that comprises of main UN Agencies - UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and WFP came to see the progress and get an insight on the quality of work the country does with One UN. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: UN Officials Meet to Assess Support Impact
The New Times reported on 23 March that 20 high-ranking diplomats from the United Nations met with Kigali City authorities to assess the impact of the UN's assistance. The diplomats came from Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa representing the governing boards of UNDP, UNFPA , UNICEF and the World Food Programme. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: “Follow UNFPA Example And Give To Flood Victims”
The New Times published a letter to the editor by Amza Tumusiime on 10 March arguing that recently The New Times published some articles about the Rwandan response to the Haitian earthquake. Ms. Tumusiime noted how different initiatives were made to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake and students were involved in the fundraising. "In fact, students of Green Hills Academy raised one million francs, all by themselves. However, it seems to me we are not giving enough to our own. I’m grateful for UNFPA's donation of 500 health kits to victims of recent floods in Rubavu district. These kits contained towels, kitenge cloths, blankets, Sosoma, sugar and other material for home use," she added.
RWANDA: UNFPA Donates to Rubavu Women
The New Times reported on 7 March that UNFPA has donated 500 health kits to victims of recent floods in Rubavu district The kits contained towels, kitenge cloths, blankets, Sosoma (a combination of sorghum, soya and maizeflour), sugar and other material for home use. Jane Abatoni, the vice chairperson of the women rights umbrella group, PROFFEMES Twesehamwe, said that they decided to approach UNFPA for these vital kits because they believe women and children were most affected by the floods. "When you give to a woman you give the whole family," she said. Speaking to the affected residents, UNFPA country representative, Ian Howie, said that the support is in line with the agency's mission of fostering reproductive health and rights. Read: The New Times
RWANDA: Family Planning and HIV Services to be Integrated
The New Times reported on 28 February that family planning and HIV services will soon be integrated for cost effective and better management. This was revealed in a just concluded two-day workshop that brought together medical practitioners to discuss how best these two services could be integrated. The two-day workshop, which started on 25 February, brought together IntraHealth as the organizer, Ministry of Health, NGO's, development partners from USAID, UNFPA, directors of hospitals and heads of health centres. Read: The New Times