OMAN: Birth Spacing Crucial
The Oman Daily Observer on 21 May reported that "With a majority of the local population having children within a short gap between each other, the Sultanate is bracing for a major risk of unhealthy birth-spacing according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)." Read in English: Oman Daily Observer
EGYPT: UNFPA Award Winners Announced
Al Ahram on 30 April reported that an academic institution affiliated with the Al-Azhar University in Egypt and a public health advocate from Uganda announced yesterday as winners of the 2013 United Nations Population Award. The award is given annually to individuals and institutions for outstanding work in population and in improving public health.
EGYPT: Population Award Presented
Al Ahram on 30 April reported that Ugandan Dr. Gotham Mussenguza received the 2013 United Nations Population Award. Read in Arabic: Al Ahram
JORDAN: Exclusive Interview with UNFPA Head
Al Ghad published on 17 April an exclusive interview with UNFPA Executive Director, to talk about his impressions and feedback after visiting Al-Zatri Camp for Syrian refugees and meeting with Jordanian officials. Read in Arabic: Al Ghad
JORDAN: Minister of Foreign Affairs & Expatriates Meets UNFPA Executive Director
Multiple media outlets reported on 15 and 16 April that Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA executive director, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and expatriate Naser Judeh, where Dr. Osotimehin reiterated the UNFPA’s support for Jordan as a host country. Read in English and Arabic: Petra 1, Petra 2, Al Rai, Addustour, Alghad, Alarabalyawm, Elsaba7
JORDAN : UNFPA Executive Director Visits Al-Za’tri Camp for Refugees
Multiple media outlets reported on 15 and 16 on the visit of UNFPA's Executive Director to Za'tri camp for Syrian refugees in Al Mafraq. Dr. Osotimehin toured, with ECHO’s DG Mr. Jean Louis De Brower, the recently established third site for UNFPA in Za’tri which is called “The Comprehensive Women Centre." This new centre includes a reproductive health clinic operated by the Jordan Health Aid Society (JHAS), and a training centre for young people, in addition to a women and girl's space operated by the Institute for Family Health (IFH). Dr. Babatunde interacted with the young girls in the site and asked them about the services and trainings they are receiving. Read in Arabic and English: Petra 1, Petra 2, Bloomberg, Ammon News, Maqar, Urdoni, Jordan Times 1, Jordan Times 2, Alarabalyawm, Al Rai, Saudi Gazette, Relief Web, Breitbart, Msader News, Addustour, Edigear, Menara, Shaab News
JORDAN: UNFPA Executive Director Meets with Officials
Multiple media outlets reported on 14 and 15 April that UNFPA Executive director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin met with high level officials and ministers of the Jordanian government to discuss the situation of Syrian refugees in the country. He expressed appreciation for Jordan's support to the Syrians and hospitality to Syrians seeking refuge despite the very heavy strain this was putting on the country's resources. Dr. Osotimehin also stressed the importance of the health and concerns of women and youth and voiced UNFPA's readiness to support the ministries in providing support and services to Syrians especially in reproductive and maternal health issues. Read in Arabic and English: Petra 1, Petra 2, Petra 3, Alanbat 1, Almadenah News, Fana News, Jordan Times, Alghad 1, Alghad 2, Al Rai, Alarabalyawm, Addustour 1, Addustour 2, JFRA News, Alanbat 2
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC: Health Ministry Receives Four Ambulances from UNFPA
Syrian Arab News Agency on 3 April reported that the Health Ministry received four ambulances from the UNFPA.
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC: UNFPA Donated Vaccines and Medicines
The Syrian Arab News Agency on 31 March reported that the Health Ministry delivered 84 million SYP worth of medical equipment and medicines to Aleppo city. UNFPA and the WHO donated 72 million SYP worth of vaccines and medicines.
JORDAN: Fertility Rate Drops 50% Since 1976
The Jordan Times on 28 March reported that according to a nationwide survey, the fertility rate saw a 50 per cent drop in Jordan between the years 1976 and 2012. The Jordan Population and Family Health Survey (JPFHS) for the year 2012 showed that the fertility rate per Jordanian woman dropped from 7.6 children in 1976 to 3.5 children per woman in 2012. The survey, conducted by the Department of Statistics (DoS) and funded by the government, USAID, the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF, found that the highest fertility rate in 2012 was in Jerash with 4.3 children per woman, followed by both Mafraq and Maan with 4.1 fertility rates.
JORDAN: HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal Patronizes Opening of National Youth Consultation Meeting
Multiple media outlets on 14-15 March reported on the opening of the “National Youth Consultation Meeting: The World We Want Post 2015.” The event was patronized by Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal, UNFPA Good Will Ambassador. The meeting, organized by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Jordan and in partnership with the Higher Council for Youth, was attended by 100 young people and is a result of a series of consultations that UNFPA has facilitated which aimed at raising the voice of youth in shaping the world development agenda post ICPD and MDG. It is one of a number of UN- led consultations in the country on the shape of the post 2015 global development agendas.
The main purpose of the meeting was to have a forum with youth to express their perspectives and views towards the “future they want post 2015” within the global context. Speeches by HRH Princess Basma, UN Resident Coordinator and the President of the Higher Council for Youth were done. Also a creative presentation was done, by the Jordan Assistant Representative, on the objectives of this important meeting and the broad linkages between the post ICPD consultations and the post 2015 development agenda outlines of the national and global consultations post 2015.
This consultation is being documented using innovative youth-led approaches. In addition to the participants in the consultation; youth all over Jordan will be able to participate virtually through twitter, facebook and other social media networks. Read in Arabic/English: Petra, Cleopatra News, Flickr, Alanbat, Almadenah News, Al Rai, Addustour, Jordan Times, Alghad, Alarabalyawm
JORDAN: Awareness Campaigns to Address Syrians in Country
Different media outlets reported on 26 to 28 February that The Institute for Family Health (IFH) in support of and cooperation with UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, are conducting campaigns directed at individuals from different groups (women, men, youth and children) in three targeted areas: Za’tri,Cyber City and Kind Abduallah Park, utilizing a variety of interactive participatory techniques.
The campaign includes a variety of activities to address different needs like eye and hearing examinations, and awareness sessions on specific issues related to women and girls such as gender-based violence (GBV), reproductive health (RH) and breast feeding. In addition, interactive entertaining theatre shows are done for children. Teachers, community leaders, and NGOs staff are always heavily involved to ensure active participation and integration of Syrians within their communities. Read in Arabic: Petra, Al Rai, Almadenah News, Ammon News Read in English: Jordan Times
JORDAN: Delegation from EU Meets National Migration Committee at Higher Population Council
Multiple media outlets reported on 27 February that a delegation from the EU has met the national migration committee, formulated by the Higher Population Council (HPC), to discuss ways of improving database and information system on migration.
The participants discussed the recommendations and results of the “Analytical Report on the Migration Data in Jordan 2012,” which was done by the Higher Population Council in cooperation with UNFPA Jordan. This was the first national report to analyze the migration data. Read in Arabic: Petra, Al Rai, Addustour, Al Arabalyawm, Almadenah News
LEBANON: Validation Meeting Held for National Strategy for Women
Several media outlets reported on 19 and 20 February on the validation meeting currently underway in order to adopt the national plan of action pertaining to the National Strategy for Women in Lebanon developed by the National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW) with the support of UNFPA.
Earlier, on 22 June the Council of Ministers endorsed the National Strategy for Women in Lebanon through which the Council requested relevant ministries and public administrations to mainstream gender equality aspects across all sectors based on the strategic objectives. Since 2009, and with the support of UNFPA, a thorough, inclusive and participatory review process with civic society, governmental and public administrations as well as grassroots organizations and under the leadership of the National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW) led to the updating of the 10-year strategy. The adoption of such updated national women's strategy reflecting emerging needs and priorities would constitute a major step towards a change in policies and laws to effectively fulfill gender equality in Lebanon. Read in Arabic: Lebanon Files, Tripoli scope, National News Agency, Al Markazia.
JORDAN: 2,000 Births in 3 Months in Za’tri Camp
Al Rai published on 20 February, a statement by Dr. Shible Sahbani, UNFPA emergency specialist, on the number of births occurring in Al-Zatri camp for Syrians fleeing to Jordan. Dr. Sahbani said that there are 800-900 deliveries on a monthly basis in the camp. Regarding a question on the domestic violence in the camp, Dr. Sahbani said that there are some cases of domestic violence and they are being transferred to official related parties to get counseling and help.Dr. Shible added that UNFPA Jordan continues to provide RH & GBV services in 6 Jordanian governorates. Read in Arabic: Al Rai
LEBANON: RH Awareness and Assessments
Several media outlets reported on 16 February on the UN humanitarian response to the Syrian refugees’ crisis. The articles mention UNFPA’s proactive role in the reproductive health sector. They specifically mention the assessments, conducted by UNFPA, of reproductive health (RH) services at primary health care centres across Lebanon to determine RH gaps and needs, and subsequently distribute RH kits accordingly. The articles also mention UNFPA’s preparations to launch an awareness campaign targeting women/girls from host communities. The campaign messages will revolve around nutrition during pregnancy, antenatal/post natal care, family planning, reproductive tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and gender-based violence. UNFPA will be partnering with key NGOs to provide psycho-social support and mental health services for women and youth. Read in Arabic: National News Agency, As Safir.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Eastern Mediterranean Region Commits to Maternal Health
Emirates News Agency on 30 January reported on a UN-convened high-level meeting on saving the lives of mothers and children in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Participants agreed to accelerate progress on improving maternal and child health between now and the end of 2015. They also committed to reducing the gap between current funding levels and those required if the region is to meet Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 on reducing maternal and child mortality. UNFPA co-organized the meeting with UNICEF and WHO. The three organizing agencies were represented by Dr. Ala Alwan, Regional Director for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region who said, "WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA will work together across the region to support countries in taking these commitments forward.”
JORDAN: Higher Population Council to Participate in Intl Dubai Conference
Multiple media outlets reported on 28 and 29 January that the Higher Population Council in Jordan is participating in a two-day high level conference on saving the lives of mothers and children to achieve the fourth and fifth MDGs. This conference is organized by UNFPA, WHO and UNICEF, and will be attended by high levels from the mentioned organizations in addition to delegates from the middle east. Read in Arabic and English: Petra, Jordan Times, Alghad, Addustour, Almadenah News, Almadenah News, Rasseen
LEBANON: German Government Approves 19 Million USD for UNFPA
Several media outlets reported on 4 January on the official German government granting $19 Million to UNHCR, UNICEF and UNFPA to support their humanitarian response to the Syrian displaced in Lebanon. Earlier, a joint proposal was submitted to the German government and $140,000 was approved for UNFPA Lebanon. Read in Arabic: Al Mustaqbal, Al Jadeed, Al Liwaa, Al Markazia, National News Agency, KUNA, Al Watan News, Al Ankabout, EnNahar Online, Arabic News, LCRC, Al Ahed News, Arabs Today, Lebanon 24. Watch in Arabic: Al Jadeed TV
JORDAN: Training Workshops for Young Syrians in Za’tri Refugee Camp
The DW news agency published on 26 December an article on Y-Peer and UNFPA activities to raise awareness for Syrian young men and women in the Za’tri refugee camp in Jordan.
The article talked about the latest training, which was conducted by the Jordanian Y-Peerians in cooperation with UNFPA, that aimed to prepare 40 young people aged between 17 to 24 to be advocates and trainers to help their peers in living and coping in emergency humanitarian settings.
This innovative training was the first in the country and region as well. It focused on raising the awareness of this vulnerable group on different essential issues, such as general health and reproductive health. Also they taught them how to deal with each other and how to live in the camp setting, how to increase their self esteem and leadership characteristics, and educated them on the concept of conflict resolution.
Ms. Dareen Abu Lail, Y-Peer Jordan Coordinator, was interviewed and explained the objective and methodology of these trainings and stressed the importance of the right ways to transfer correct scientific information. Read in Arabic: DW
LEBANON: German Cooperation Minister Pledges Funding for UNFPA Humanitarian Response
Several media outlets reported on 23 December on the German government granting funds to UNHCR, UNICEF and UNFPA to support their humanitarian response to the Syrian displaced in Lebanon. Earlier, a joint proposal was submitted to the German government and $140,000 was approved for UNFPA Lebanon. Read in Arabic: LCRC, Wal News, Al Manar
YEMEN: Reproductive Health Options Inadequate
Yemen Times on 20 December reported that according to a 2003 demographics survey, the number of people requesting contraception and birth control in the country has increased to over 30 percent of the population. Abdullah Al-Kamil, the UNFPA manager of the reproductive health programme, said the spread of birth control has reached 29 percent of the population while modern family planning services are available to 21 percent. This is significantly lower than most other countries. "It is important to note that a major factor influencing this is that reproductive healthcare and contraception is chiefly available in urban areas, however 70 percent of Yemen's population still resides in the rural areas," he said. He added that societal misconceptions, a lack of reproductive health centres and the inability of some poorer families to pay the cost of medical prescriptions hinder the spread of effective family planning.
LEBANON: Engaging Youth Journalists
Several media outlets reported on 14 December on the announcement of winners of an article-writing contest on gender-based violence (GBV) among Lebanese University – Faculty of Information and Documentation students. This event was organized by UNFPA in collaboration with the Documentation and Information Faculty at the Lebanese University and the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Italian Cooperation. This groundbreaking initiative aimed at sensitizing young journalists on GBV and enabling them to take a proactive role and become effective agents in the fight against GBV. The articles detail the context of the GBV training and article-writing contest, the results of the study on media and GBV some featured the 3 wining articles. Read in Arabic: Al Akhbar, Al Jaras, Al Liwaa, An Nahar, UCIP, Saida City; As Safir; Al Intichar, Lebanon Files, El Nashra, Al Liwaa, National News Agency, Al Jaras 2.
JORDAN: Open Day at the Women and Girl Space in Za’tri Camp
Al-Rai, Petra, Al-Madina and Hasad News Agencies reported on 12 and 13 December on the opening of the new women and girl’s space in Za’tri by UNFPA , UN Women, IFH and Intersos. For the first time in the camp, a day was organized to celebrate the opening of this new oasis, in which many interactive activities were conducted, such as an exhibition of different handmade jewelry and embroidery that Syrian women and men did during sessions conducted by UNFPA and Noor Al-Hussein Foundation. Read in Arabic: Petra, Al-Rai, Al-Madina
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC: UNFPA Cooperation Called “Fruitful”
Sana-Syria on 12 December reported that UNFPA has actively participated, for the second time, in the workshop organized by the Syrian Parliament on the role of parliamentarians in improving the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of development and humanitarian response programmes.
His Excellency, the Head of the Parliament, Mr. Jehad Al-Laham, emphasized and commented on the fruitful cooperation with UNFPA in relation to population issues including reproductive health, youth and gender in order to increase the awareness of the affected people and enhance the assistance delivered to them.
During the opening speech, UNFPA Assistant Representative, Mr. Omar Ballan, highlighted the prominent role of monitoring and evaluation in enhancing humanitarian response plans and increasing the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of service in a way that ensures the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people most in need. Read in Arabic: Sana-Syria
JORDAN: Women’s Learning Centre Opened
Jordan Times on 11 December reported that a women’s “safe haven” and learning centre was opened at the Zaatari Refugee Camp. “This oasis provides a friendly and safe environment for them to meet up and learn new skills," said Muna Idris, assistant representative of the UNFPA. UNFPA is a key partner in the endeavor.
JORDAN: Delegation from UNFPA/HQ Visited Al-Za’tri Camp for Syrian Refugees
Multiple media outlets reported on 10 and 11 December that a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund has conducted a visit to Al-Za'tri camp for Syrian refugees, Cyber City and King Abdallah Park to see the situation in the camp and to check on all services provided by UNFPA Jordan to the Syrians. The delegation, consisting of UNFPA Programme Director Mr. Mabingue Ngom, UNFPA Regional Deputy Director Ms. Ahe Sue Genvieve, and the Emergency advisor Dr. Henia Dakkak, accompanied by Mrs. Muna Mohmmad Idris, UNFPA Jordan Assistant Representative, visited UNFPA sites in the camps and checked on the development of health and psychosocial services UNFPA and its partners are providing.
Mr. Ngom met some of the beneficiaries of UNFPA services and the service providers, to discuss ways of increasing and enhancing the services in the camps. He commended the services provided for Syrians in all sites in Jordan, stressing that UNFPA is working closely with local authorities in all countries hosting Syrian refugees to ensure the availability of and access to reproductive health care services.
Mr. Mabingue also added that over 11,621 health care services/consultations were provided to Syrians in the camps, and that UNFPA has distributed more than 7,138 dignity kits containing hygiene items and clothing benefiting more than 35,690 Syrian women and men.
Mrs. Muna Idris, UNFPA Assistant Representative, said that UNFPA currently chairs the Reproductive Health (RH) sub-working group, whose members represent the Ministry of Health, NGOs and other UN agencies, to work on coordinating the efforts of all parties involved in the provision of reproductive health services to the Syrians.
Mrs. Idris also said that UNFPA will continue to provide medical and humanitarian services for the Syrians, through cooperation with government institutions and non-governmental organization; adding that UNFPA estimates the total cost of these continuous services for the first six months of the year 2013 to be around 2.9 million dollars. Read in Arabic: Petra, Jordan Times, Al-Rai, Ad Dustour, Elaph, Hasadjo, Almadenah News
OMAN: Puppetry Theatre Addresses Important Issues
The Drum Beat reported on 9 December on the Puppetry Theatre TOT - Oman 2012 (PTTT) initiative. Specifically tailored for Oman, the initiative was conducted from 8-12 May to train participants and acquaint them with the proficiency of trainers in the art of puppetry theatre. The final performance took place on 13 May at the Omani Ministry of Education Auditorium showing various sketches, including the topics of early marriage, school bullying, and road safety. The programme was sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Area Office. Read in English: The Drum Beat
YEMEN: Workshop Focuses on HIV Stigma
Yemen Times on 6 December reported that the Yemeni Women's Union, in cooperation with the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, held a workshop about gender and women living with HIV. The workshop focused on providing information and knowledge about reproductive health, causes of HIV and methods of prevention, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the importance of the voluntary STD testing. The UNFPA funded the workshop.
JORDAN: Y-Peers Conduct Training in Za’tri
Multiple media outlets reported on 5 and 6 December that the Y-Peer network in cooperation with UNFPA Jordan has conducted a 5-day training for Syrian young people in Al-Za’tri Camp in Mafraq. The training prepared 40 young people, aged 17 to 24, to be advocates and trainers to help their peers in living and coping in emergency humanitarian settings.
This innovative training is the first in the country and region. It focused on raising the awareness of this vulnerable group on different essential issues, reproductive health in particular. Also they taught them how to deal with each other and how to live in the camp setting, how to increase their self esteem and leadership characteristics, and educated them on the concept of conflict resolution. Read in Arabic: Petra News Agency, Fana News, Kolal Arab, Addustour, Al Rai, Almadenah News