UNITED STATES: UNFPA ED Urges Men to Get Involved
CNN on 11 May published an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin urging men to "step up on family planning." "As we celebrate Mother's Day, I challenge all men to think about the commitments they can make to build up our societies by lifting up women, our very own mothers, wives and daughters." Read in English: CNN
UNITED STATES: Women Leading World Change
The Huffington Post on 17 April published a blog on the Global Conference on Gender Violence that stated that, "the care of the female has never been more of a priority than it is right now and it's exciting. And it is women who are leading that concern." UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin is mentioned in the piece. Read in English: Huffington Post
UNITED STATES: Filipino Catholics Launch Voting Campaign
The Associated Press on 8 April reported that Filipino Catholic groups launched a campaign to try to muster millions of votes for senatorial candidates who opposed a controversial contraceptives law passed last year. The Philippines has a population of 94 million and one of Asia's highest birth rates. Nearly half of all pregnancies in the Philippines are unwanted, according to the U.N. Population Fund, and a third of those end up aborted in back-alley clinics.
UNITED STATES: UNFPA Fights Obstetric Fistula
Huffington Post on 28 March published a blog by the filmmaker of the 2003 15-minute film on obstetric fistula in Niger called “Love, Labour and Loss.” The film was funded by UNFPA, Campaign to End Fistula, EngenderHealth, International Center for Research on Women, Feminist Majority Foundation, Women's Dignity Project, One by One Project and the former Global Health Council.
UNITED STATES: UNFPA ED STRESSES NEED TO END GBV
The Huffington Post on 8 March published an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin saying that, "On the occasion of International Women's Day, UNFPA is committed to strengthening and expanding its efforts to do everything it can to bring an end to gender-based violence. Gender-based violence remains a major health and human rights concern and no human development can be achieved fully as long as women and girls continue to suffer from violence or live in fear of it." Read in English: The Huffington Post
CANADA: UNFPA Donates to South Sudanese Medical Schools
OYE! Times on 2 March reported that UNFPA donated four land crusiers, one school bus, sixteen computers and other medical apparatus to medical schools in South Sudan. Mr. Barnabas Yisa, UNFPA representative, said the funds for the equipment comes from a five years project funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Adding that the schools are instrumental for South Sudan's midwives. Read in English: OYE! Times
UNITED STATES: UN Will Hold Special Population Session in 2014
The Associated Press on 21 February reported that the U.N. General Assembly decided to hold a special session next year to assess implementation of a plan world leaders adopted nearly two decades ago in Cairo to slow the global population explosion.
The Cairo conference was instrumental in changing UNFPA's focus from numerical targets to promoting choices for individual women and men, and supporting economic development and education for girls. UNFPA and Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin are mentioned numerous times in the piece. Read in English: The Associated Press
UNITED STATES: UNFPA Head Urges Focus on Rights of Girls
Newsweek on 11 February reported that, "Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, never quits pushing for recognition of fundamental rights for women—and especially girls—in places where their minds and their humanity are little respected...Osotimehin, a former Nigerian health minister, believes the challenge is less to persuade governments than to change the fundamental attitudes of communities. 'It is not about legislation, it is about persuading people on the ground,' he says. 'The most important thing to focus on is to ensure that girls from developing countries are in school, they get education, they are empowered to make choices about their lives.'" Read in English: Newsweek
UNITED STATES: Aid to Syrian IDPs
Voice of America News on 1 February reported that a number of agencies brought emergency relief supplies to the thousands of internally displaced in northern Syria. UNFPA provided reproductive health services and psychosocial support.
UNITED STATES: Philippines to Provide Contraception
Los Angeles Times on 30 December reported that Philippine President Benigno Aquino III signed legislation providing contraceptives to the nation’s poor and mandating sex education in public schools. The piece cited UNFPA data saying, “unplanned births would fall by two-thirds, as would the number of abortions, according to the United Nations Population Fund and the Guttmacher Institute.”
UNITED STATES: Bill Expanding Birth Control is Approved
The New York Times on 18 December reported that a measure passed in the Philippines that would stock government health centres, including those in remote areas, with free or subsidized birth control options for the poor. The measure would require sex education in public schools and family-planning training for community health officers. The article cited UNFPA data saying, “The United Nations Population Fund estimates that half of the 3.4 million pregnancies in the Philippines each year are unintended, and that there are 11 pregnancy-related deaths in the country each day, on average. Most of those could be avoided, the organization says, through improved maternal health care, a need that proponents say the new legislation will directly address.”
UNITED STATES: Philippines OKs Contraceptive Bill
The Associated Press on 17 December reported that Philippine legislators passed a landmark bill providing government funding for contraceptives and sex education in schools. UNFPA data is used in the piece, “The U.N. Population Fund says 3.4 million pregnancies occur in the Philippines every year. Half are unintended and a third are aborted, often in clandestine, unsafe and unsanitary procedures. The fund says 11 women in the country die of pregnancy-related causes every day. Nearly 70 percent of women use no contraception at all.”
UNITED STATES: UNFPA Chief Interviewed
CNN on 20 November published an interview with UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. He is quoted saying, "I truly believe that women will change the world."
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2012 REPORT
AUSTRALIA: ABC Radio Australia on 15 November featured an interview with William Ryan, UNFPA's regional communications adviser for Asia and the Pacific, to discuss the 2012 UNFPA report entitled, "By Choice, Not By Chance." Read and listen in English: ABC Radio Australia
BELARUS: Multiple media outlets from 13-15 November reported on the release of the State of the World Population report. UNFPA experts have concluded that women who use contraceptives, tend to have better health, better education and better-paid career. As stated by UNFPA, the availability of contraceptives should not be a privilege, but a right for any person. Read in Russian: Belfamily, Femina.by, rosbalt.ru
BRAZIL: O Globo and G1 published on 14 November that Brazil ranked 79 among 188 countries and territories in terms of maternal mortality rate, remaining among the countries with the highest rate of women dying during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, according to UNFPA’s State of the World Population 2012 report. With 56 women dying for every 100,000 live births - in last year's report, this rate was 58 - Brazil is behind nations like China, with a rate of 37; Iran, 21; and Turkey, 20. A special envoy was sent to Quito, Ecuador, to cover the launching of the report, which addressed family planning this year. In terms of adolescent pregnancy, the Brazilian situation (79 births per thousand women aged 15 to 19 years) is slightly better than the average for Latin America and the Caribbean: 71 births every thousand. The UNFPA report warned that 222 million women in developing countries have no access to contraception methods such as the pill. UNFPA also estimates that 80 million women have been victims of unwanted pregnancy through the end of 2012. Read in Portuguese: O Globo/G1, Agencia Brasil, Terra Portal, R7 Portal, BBC Brasil
CAMBODIA: The Phnom Penh Post reported on 19 November that,according to a UN report, additional investments in family planning yield economic benefits and would save developing countries more than US$ 11 billion annually. Better access to family planning in developing countries would reduce costs for maternal and newborn health care. “This applies also to Cambodia,” UNFPA Representative Marc Derveeuw said. “The clear economic gains from investment in reproductive health including family planning benefits the country economy as a whole through the reductions in healthcare-related costs incurred by maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and mortality." Read in English: The Phnom Penh Post
CANADA: The Globe and Mail on 15 November reported on the release of the State of the World Population report. The report, “calling on developed countries to invest massively in family planning is raising questions about Canada's international aid priorities as its landmark Muskoka Initiative on maternal and child health enters its third year…despite a $1.1-billion commitment to maternal and child health over five years, Canada's aid agency does not place a significant emphasis on family planning.”
COSTA RICA: Several media outlets reported from 14 to 19 November, on the launch of the State of the World Population 2012. “The report draws attention to an issue that has been neglected because almost no one would question that the right to family planning is a human right and that everyone has the right to exercise it. However, about 222 million women who are of reproductive age in the world, have an unmet need for family planning, this means about one of four women are not having access to contraception,” said Oscar Valverde, UNFPA’s Reproductive Health Officer. Listen in Spanish: Nuestra Voz, Radio Monumental, Radio ADN, Noticias Radio Nacional, Noticias Radio Nacional, Watch in Spanish: Canal 11, Canal 42 T.V, Telenoticias, Canal 7, RTN Noticias, Canal 13, Read in Spanish: La Nación, La Prensa Libre, Al Día, La Nación, Aldea Global, , La Nación, Sección Internacionales.
DENMARK: Politiken reported on 14 November that USD 5.7 billion could be saved by increasing access to family planning according to UNFPA’s SWOP report. Read in Danish: Politiken
Politiken featured an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director on 19 November, in which the Executive Director states that providing women in developing countries access to family planning is not only a basic human right, but also an effective investment in economic growth and development.
Kristeligt Dagblad published an article on 16 November stressing that access to contraceptives is a human right. The newspaper further quotes a philosopher arguing that this statement might be considered as controversial. Read in Danish: Kristeligt Dagblad
Kristlig Dagblad published a comprehensive interview with UNFPA Executive Director on 21 November, highlighting that it is a human right for women to decide how many children they want. Read in Danish: Kristeligt Dagblad
Berlingske published an article on 17 November under the headline: There is a need for USD 4.6 billion to provide access to condoms. The article further mentions that there are 222 million women in developing countries who lack access to family planning. Read in Danish: Berlingske
U-landsnyt featured an article quoting UNFPA Executive Director saying that “there is indisputable evidence that when family planning is integrated into broader economic and social development initiatives, it can have a positive multiplier effect on human development and the well-being of entire nations”. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt
FINLAND: Helsingin Sanomat published on 15 November an article regarding the State of the World Population launch in Helsinki.
GERMANY: aerzteblatt on 14 November ad derwesten on 13 November reported that more than 220 million women in developing countries have no means of family planning, due to poverty, social pressures and persistent discrimination. Of the 80 million women with unwanted pregnancies, 80,000 of them die as a result of pregnancy, as it showed in the SWOP report by the UN Population Fund. “Family planning is a human right and one of the most effective and cost-effective measures to reduce poverty," said Werner Haug, the regional director of UNFPA EECA. Read in German: aerzteblatt and derwesten
GHANA: Ghana Web and the Government of Ghana reported on 15 November on the launch of UNFPA's State of World Population Report 2012. Read in English: Ghana Web and Government of Ghana
GUATEMALA: Prensa Libre, Reportaje de, Publinews, La Hora and CERIGUA on 15 November reported that family planning is a women’s right that leads others such as access to health, education and development. According to the UNFPA's State of the World Population, women with fewer resources and greater poverty are those with more children, which limits their progress. The publication also indicates that 42% of Guatemalan woman do not use contraception. Access to contraception is a universal human right which could significantly improve the lives of women and children in poor countries. Read in Spanish: Prensa Libre, La Hora, CERIGUA, Reportaje de
GUYANA: Stabroek on 15 November reported on the release of the 2012 State of the World Population report which found that, "81% of young Guyanese men are likelier to engage in such behaviour [risky], compared with 40% of young Guyanese females from the same age group." Such practices have been linked to high cases of unwanted pregnancies, infections and sexually-transmitted diseases. Read in English: Stabroek
JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets in between 15 and 16 November reported on the launch of the State of the World Population report, which took place on 14 November. Read in English: Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Gleaner
KYRGYZSTAN: KTRK, CA-news, Akipress, 24 KG, Namba, For KG reported on 14 November, that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in the Kyrgyz Republic launched this year’s State of World Population Report with the theme focused on access to family planning, human rights and development. The press conference took place at the Family Planning Center “Marriage and Family” under the National Mother and Child Health Center. Speakers were Mr. Kaliev M., Deputy Minister of Health, Mr. Avanessov A., UN Resident Coordinator, UNFPA Representative in the Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Omurzakov M., UNFPA Assistant Representative and Mr. Uzakbaev. K., Director of the National Mother and Child Health Center.
“Access to modern contraception is a fundamental human right” the UN Resident Coordinator, and UNDP Resident Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Alexander Avanessov said. “Hand-in-hand with this right is a need to provide individuals and couples a range of family planning options that would give them the freedom to make their own personal choice.” Dr. Meder Omurzakov, Assistant Representative of UNFPA Kyrgyzstan, concluded that, “This year’s State of World Population report and today’s event is about listening to couples and individuals, about meeting their aspirations, and giving them the power to create a better life for themselves and their families.” Read in Russian: 24KG, 24KG, KTRK , Namba, CA-News, For KG, CA-News, Newsfiber, centrasia.ru
LEBANON: Several media outlets reported on 15 November on the launch of UNFPA’s SWOP 2012 message, notably that access to family planning is a human right. The articles focus on the themes of the report and provided statistics on the global use of contraceptives. They also quoted the UNFPA Executive Director on the need to invest in family planning to promote economic development. Read in Arabic: Bayynat. Read in English: Naharnet
Several media outlets reported on November 15 on the launch of SWOP 2012. UNFPA ASRO and the League of Arab States, in Beirut, organized the high-level event jointly. The launch marked the opening of the 14th Meeting of Heads of Population Councils for Population Affairs in Arab States. The launch was held under the patronage and in the presence of the Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs and attended by high-level government representatives, international organizations, CSO, academia and media. Read in Arabic: PSP, Sidonia News 1, Sidonia News 2, Lebanon 24, Lebanon Debate, Now Lebanon, National News Agency.
MEXICO: Multiple media outlets reported on 15 November on the Mexican launch of UNFPA's State of the World Population report. UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios noted that while Mexico has reduced its demographic growth from 3.6 per year, in the 1970's, to 1.1 per year at present, gaps in health access still exist and lead to hospitalization derived from abortion, maternal deaths and unwanted pregnancies. It is estimated that 800,000 abortions are registered each year and in the last 10 years, two million hospitalizations were registered for the same cause. In addition, he highlighted the lack of attention currently given to indigenous and rural populations and youth. Latin America is has the second highest rate of pregnancies among adolescents. At the launch, UNFPA Representative Palacios stressed that while, advances have been made in demographic growth and fertility reduction, family planning is a human right that needs to be assumed as a priority for the public agenda of the country. Read in Spanish: La Jornada, El Economista, Reforma, Reforma, El Diario, Reforma, CIMAC, Milenio, Noticias, MVS, Azteca, Nocitias MVS, Once TV, El Sol de Mexico, CIMAC
CIMAC on 16 November reported that UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios mentioned that the next government administration, chaired by Enrique Peña Nieto from the Revolutionary Institutional Party, should consider updating Mexico’s population policy to be able to take advantage of the “the demographic bonus” and prioritize investment in reproductive and sexual health for adolescents, in addition to education and employment opportunities.
MOLDOVA: Info-Prim Neo wrote on 14 November about the launch of the State of World Population 2012 report. UNFPA Country Director for Moldova and Albania, Mr. Ian McFarlane, was quoted in the news, saying that “men’s involvement in family planning as partners in the relation and in life, the ensuring of greater access to information on reproductive health commodities and equal access to services of a high quality are simple actions that can bring extraordinary results. We underline our commitment to work together with the government and our partners so as to promote family planning in the development strategies and ensure the country’s sustainable development.” Read in Romanian and English: Info-Prim Neo.
The launch of the State of World Population 2012 report was discussed on 16 November, at Radio Moldova, program “Pro şi Contra”, where the guests discussed reproductive health and family planning issues. Mr. Boris Gilca, UNFPA Programme Coordinator raised the importance of trainings and family planning services for individuals and couples, budgeting resources from the Ministry of Health for contraceptives and access to life skills based education. Watch in Romanian Privesc.eu.
Ziarul de gardă on 15 November published a material “Boris Galca: fiecare sarcină, să fie dorită” (Boris Gilca: each pregnancy should be wanted), where they wrote about the launch of the State of World Population 2012 report. UNFPA Country Director for Moldova and Albania, Mr. Ian McFarlane, is quoted saying: “We underline our commitment to work together with the government and our partners so as to promote family planning in the development strategies and ensure the country’s sustainable development”.
MYANMAR: The New Light of Myanmar on 18 November reported on the launch of the State of the World Population report launch. UNFPA Representative Mr. Abdel-Ahad is quoted saying, "Nearly one quarter of Myanmar women of reproductive age have expressed desire to practice birth spacing but do not have access to contraceptives."
PARAGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 14 November that the right of adolescents and young people to have access to family planning services is addressed in the UNFPA's State of the World Population 2012. In Paraguay in recent years there has been an increase in contraceptive use in the sexually active adolescent population. According to the National Demographic and Reproductive Health 2008 (ENDSSR 2008), less than 60% of women who had their first sexual experience during marriage or first union have used a contraceptive. The percentage varies according to the area of residence. Read in spanish: La Nación , Última Hora , ABC Color, Neike , Radio 970
Multiple media outlets reported on 14 November that it is estimated that in developing countries there are 222 million women who lack access to reliable and quality services for family planning, according to The State of World Population 2012, released today by the UNFPA. Read in spanish: Diario La Nación Digital , ABC Color , Diario Fedecámaras , Radio Viva , SC Noticias , IP Paraguay
Radio Ñanduti reported on 15 November that, according to The State of World Population 2012, released on 14 November by UNFPA, lack of access to contraceptives and family planning services are some of the reasons why there are still millions of people who do not exercise their rights to family planning. This applies especially to women living in poverty, who are most vulnerable to discrimination and inequality. Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti
ABC Colour reported on 16 November that through various stories, The State of World Population 2012 UNFPA, released worldwide on 14 November, shows that when a woman is able to exercise her reproductive rights, she is more likely to exercise her other rights, such as education. As a result, there is more income, better health for women and their children. Read in Spanish: ABC Color digital
SOUTH AFRICA: Business Day on 14 November and Media 24 on 20 November reported on the South African launch of UNFPA's State of the World Population report.
SWAZILAND: The Swazi Observer reported on 15 November that, globally, out of the 80 million unintended pregnancies projected to have occurred in 2012, an estimated 40 million will likely end in abortion. The newspaper was reporting on the UNFPA's State of the World Population Report 2012, which was launched in Swaziland on the 14 November, by the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Prince Hlangusemphi.
SWEDEN: Sveriges Radio, aired an interview with UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Ms. Kate Gilmore on 16 November. In the interview, Ms. Gilmore suggests that it makes good business sense to have family planning as a key priority in troubling economic times.
Bloggen om utvecklingspolitik from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, reported on 20 November from the launch stating that many women still lack access to family planning. Read in Swedish: Sveriges Radio and Bloggen om utvecklingspolitik
TIMOR-LESTE: Suara Timor Lorosae reported on 16 November on the launch of the State of the World Population report in Dili. UNFPA Representative Pornchai Suchitta is quoted saying, “UNFPA supports voluntary family planning or birth spacing so individuals and couples can decide when and how often to have children. When women are able to exercise their right to family planning, they are healthier, more economically productive, and are better equipped to rise out of poverty."
Timor Post on 17 November reported that, "The population, especially young, Timorese people should plan their family before they are married and be responsible based on UNFPA data which shows that the population in the world increased quickly in 2012. According to the UNFPA data, one in four sexually active women aged 15 to 49— 222 million women in total—have an unmet need for family planning. Most unintended pregnancies happen in developing countries. Addressing this unmet need for family planning worldwide would avert 54 million unintended pregnancies and 26 million abortions." UNFPA Representative Pornchai Suchitta is quoted in the piece.
TURKEY: haber turk, haberler, euronews, haberx, and kmu.gov from 13- 15 November reported on the UNFPA's launch of the State of the World Population Report. Read in Turkish: Haber turk, Haberler, Euronews, Haberx, and HDN
UKRAINE: Multiple media outlets from 14-16 November reported on the launch of the State of the World Population report in Ukraine. UNFPA ECCARO director Werner Haug, who was at the regional launch, noted that contraceptive prevalence in Ukraine and Moldova is low compared to the EU countries leading to a high rate of adolescent pregnancies, particularly in rural areas. Ignoring family planning can cause poverty, morbidity and a high rate of mortality for women. About 100 girls younger than 14 give birth in Ukraine each year and 100 more abort. According to the Ministry of Health, unplanned pregnancies account for 65% of the country’s abortions.
UNFPA Representative Nuzhat Ehsan is quoted saying the, “UNFPA State of world population report proves that family planning has a multiplying positive impact on countries’ development. And the government in Ukraine declared it will guarantee a right for family planning to Ukrainian people.” Investments in family planning can help developing countries save resources for development. According to UNFPA report, women who use contraception are generally healthier, have higher income and are more productive economically.
Read in Ukrainian: UNIAN agency, Voice of America (Ukrainian service), Korrespondent, Gazeta, UNIAN agency, BBC (Ukrainian service), Podrobnosti, Liga Watch in Ukrainian: 1+1 TV, National television of Ukraine
UNITED STATES: Multiple media outlets, including The Associated Press, Huffington Post, Inter Press Service, CBS News and others, on 14 and 15 November reported on the launch of UNFPA's State of the World Population report. The Christian Science Monitor on 15 November reported on the release of the State of the World Population report. “It is the first time the U.N. Population Fund's annual report explicitly describes family planning as a human right. It effectively declares that legal, cultural, and financial barriers to accessing contraception and other family planning measures are an infringement of women's rights." Read in English: Huffington Post, The Associated Press, Inter Press Service, Voice of America, UPI, US News & World Report.
UNITED STATES: Election Would Impact Women Globally
The New York Times on 4 November published a column by Nick Kristoff postulating how women’s lives would be affected by a Romney presidential win. “He would cut off money for the United Nations Population Fund, whose work I've seen in many countries - supporting contraception, repairing obstetric fistulas, and fighting to save the lives of women dying in childbirth.”
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD
BELARUS: The Interfax News Agency on 13 October reported on the family and early marriage situation in Kazakhstan quoting UNFPA Sub-regional director Nikolai Botev saying that “In the world, out of young women that are currently in the age group 20-24 there are about 10% that got married before 15 years of age. For some regions of the world, especially in Africa and India this percent reaches 30.” Read in Russian: Interfax News Agency
BOLIVIA: Multiple media outlets on 11 October reported on UNFPA's press release on the International Day of the Girl Child. Read in Spanish: Página Siete, ERBOL
CAMEROON: Cameroon Tribune reported on 11 October and CRTV on 8 October an interview with UNFPA Representative Alain Sibenaler about the celebration of the first International Day of the Girl Child in Cameroon. He says that UNFPA will organize very soon a campaign to tackle one the consequences of early marriage, that is, obstetric fistula for which the youngest patient is only 11 years old.
COSTA RICA: Multiple media outlets, reported on 10, 11 and 12 October on the first International Day of the Girl Child, drawing attention to the fact that child marriage could affect 142 million girls in 2020. In Costa Rica, new data on early marriages or unions, from the 2011 Census, was released. “There is a significant proportion of girls between 12 and 18 who are entering early marriages and relationships, generally with adult men,” said Oscar Valverde, UNFPA’s SRH Officer. Listen and watch in Spanish: Nuetra Voz, Monumental, Escuchar Radio ADN, Radio Nacional, Radio Reloj, Noticias Reloj, Noticias ADN, Escuchar Radio Nacional, Noticias Columbia , Ver Telenoticias, Canal 7 , Ver RTN Noticias, Canal 13 , Ver NC Once , Ver Telenoticias , Ver Canal 9 , Ver Telenoticias , Escuchar Noticias Nacional, Escuchar Noticias Nacional, Radio Columbia, Ver Programa Giros , Ver Canal 9 Read: La Nación, 11 Octubre 2012, La Nación, 12 Octubre 2012, Opinión en Diario Extra, and Diario Extra.
CUBA: Multiple media outlets between 11 and 15 reported on the first International Day of the Girl Child. The reports referred to the participation of UNICEF and UNFPA in the commemoration, and cited the presence of Jesus Robles, International Programme Coordinator of UNFPA in Cuba. Read in Spanish: Juventud Rebeide, CubaTV, Revista Mujeres, Tribuna de La Habana, SEMlac, IPS
EL SALVADOR: La Prensa Grafica on 12 October interviewed UNFPA Representative Elena Zuniga who described the situation of girl and adolescents in the country and described the state's role in protecting them. Read in Spanish: La Prensa Grafica
ETHIOPIA: The Daily Monitor, Sub Saharan Informer, Addis Admas and The Reporter from 13-14 October reported that if current trends continue, the number of girl child marriages will increase dramatically over the next 10 years, according to “Marrying too young: End Early Marriage,” a news report released on by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, on the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child.
The report also finds that despite laws to prevent its practice, child marriage has remained mostly constant in developing countries over the past decade. “No social, cultural or religious rationale for child marriage can possibly justify the damages these marriages do to young girls and their potential,” said UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. “A girl should have the right to choose whom she marries and when. Since many parents and communities also want the very best for their daughters, we must work together to end child marriage. It is the only course by which we can avert what otherwise is the human tragedy of child marriage.” In 2010 a total of 158 countries reported that 18 years was the minimum legal age for marriage for women without parental consent or approval by a pertinent authority. Still, in 2010, one in three girls or 67 million girls were married before their 18th birthday in developing countries (excluding China). Progress has been made and the report finds that child marriage has declined in some developing countries, including Armenia, Bolivia, Ethiopia and Nepal, among other countries.
GUATEMALA: Prensa Libre on 13 October reported that the vulnerability and exclusion faced by millions of children and adolescents in the world, led the United Nations to make the decision to commemorate 11 October as the Day of the Girl. Leonor Calderon, UNFPA Representative in Guatemala indicates that there are many reasons. The International Day of the Girl Child is a call for reflection on the situation of vulnerability and risk that many girls have just for being girls. There are countless examples in Guatemala where the girl is subjected to many injustices: human trafficking, sex trafficking, exploitation and abuse. Until July this year, 11 girls 10 years of age have been mothers. The number of mothers under 14 years is 448,000. Read in Spanish: Prensa Libre
GUYANA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 October on UNFPA's celebrations for the International Day of the Girl Child. The event was held at the Duke Lodge in Georgetown Guyana and was facilitated by UNFPA and the Ministry of Labour and Human Services and Social Security. Read in English: GINA and Guyana Chronicle
JAMAICA: The Jamaica Information Service reported on 13 October that, "on 11 October, the first International Day of the Girl Child, the UNFPA Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean (SRO), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth in Jamaica, hosted a public forum on sexual violence under the theme: 'Ending Impunity for Sexual Violence: Breaking the Silence.’ In her welcome remarks, Ms. Geeta Sethi, Director, UNFPA SRO explained that although the global focus was on child marriage, based on recent events in Jamaica (an upsurge in cases of sexual violence against women and girls) the decision was taken to focus on sexual violence. She said the forum was the first in a series of conversations and discussions, "because this is an issue that we all need to talk about more, so that we can all understand what’s happening better and understand how we can find solutions to this.” Read in English: Jamaica Information Service
The Jamaica Observer reported on 13 October that girls were the focus of a high level panel discussion at the United Nations headquarters in New York where UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Girls Not Brides, focused on ways to end child marriage. The article also mentioned a public forum put on by the UNFPA sub-regional office for the caribbean to mark the day. Read in English: Jamaica Observer
JORDAN: All local daily newspapers and different news agencies reported on 11 October that UNFPA Jordan , as part of the International Day of Girl Child activities, has organized an awareness interactive session for Syrians in Za’tri camp in Mafraq, on the risks of early marriages, especially its effect on both young girl’s health and future.
The session was conducted for girls aged 15-19 and their mothers, where a sketch on early marriage was presented by two Syrian young girls followed by a discussion on health implications and problems that this issue might cause. Media reporters were invited to attend, and a brief was done to them on UNFPA’s services in the camp. Read in English: Jordan Times Read in Arabic: Al Rai, Petra, Almadenah News, Hasadjo, Addustour
KAZAKHSTAN: Multiple media outlets reported on 11-12 October on the issue of child marriage in Kazakhstan and the press conference held to mark International Day of the Girl Child in Almaty. The event was organized by the United Nations Population Fund, UN children fund (UNICEF) and Sub-Regional office of UN Women in EECA. Nikolai Botev, Director of UNFPA Sub-regional office for Central Asia and Country Director in Kazakhstan, quoted a passage from the Secretary General’s message, “Investing in girls is a moral imperative – a matter of basic justice and equality. It is an obligation under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.” Read in Russian: kazinform, kloop.kz, Express K, and Kazakhstan Today
KYRGYZSTAN: Kabar, Knews, 24KG, VB, Mir24TV, Central Asia.ru reported on 11 October that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund called today for a national campaign to end the harmful traditional practice of child marriage in Kyrgyzstan. The call made on the International Day of the Girl Child, is part of the day’s observance and also includes the opening of “TOO YOUNG TO MARRY - The sold childhood,” a photo exhibition hosted by UNFPA. Featuring photography and video, the multimedia show highlights the personal narratives of six Kyrgyz girls married against their will at early ages. The photo exhibition aims to renew local attention to the critical issue and promote accountability from decision makers in Kyrgyzstan.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Alexander Avanessov described the impact of child marriage as, “a practice that would diminish girls’ chances of completing their education because new brides are usually forced to drop out of school to bear children and to provide household labour.” "On behalf of girls in Kyrgyzstan, we ask for your full engagement in helping us to end child marriage...We all want the best for our children and your support is crucial. It is time for policy makers, parliamentarians, communities, families and young people to address this issue head on. It is time to break the silence. Together!” said Mr. Avanessov. Read in Russian: Kabar, Knews, Knews,Knews, 24KG, 24KG, VB, Open Line, for.kg, Mir24TV and Central Asia.ru
LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: KPL on 11 October, reported on the first ever celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), with support from the United Nations Population Fund, UNICEF and UN Women in Lao PDR, organized a drawing competition for young adolescents to raise awareness about the importance of education for Lao girls. Read in French: KPL
LEBANON: Several media outlets reported on 16 and 17 October on the release of the UNFPA report “Marrying too Young: End Child Marriage,” on the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child. The articles feature the press advisory released by UNFPA, featured quotes by UNFPA Executive Director Dr Babatunde Osotimehin and provided global statistics on early marriage. Read in Arabic: As Safir, An Nahar, UPI, Al Jaras, Al Wifaq, Lebanon Files. Read in English: Al Jaras 2
PARAGUAY: ABC Colour online reported on 12 October that, on the International Day of the Girl Child, according to UNFPA, the habit of marrying minors who have not attained the age of majority is deeply rooted in Jordanian society and has increased with the arrival in the country of refugees. Read in Spanish: ABC online
ABC Colour, in its print edition, reported on 12 October that UNFPA noted that each year 16 million adolescents between 15 and 19 give birth, which make up 11% of births in the world. 95% of these births occur in developing countries. Read in Spanish: ABC
Radio Ñanduti reported on 11 October that according to the emergency programme coordinator of the UNFPA, Shible Sahbani, several Syrian parents have forced their daughters to marry Jordanian men. These statements were made in the context of the International Day of the Girl Child, commemorated worldwide. Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti
Última Hora reported in its online edition on 11 October that during the presentation of a report by the UNFPA, to mark the first International Day of the Girl, the Executive Director of UNFPA, Babatunde Osotimehin emphasized that “child marriage is a terrible violation of human rights and robs girls their education, their health and their future prospects." Read in Spanish: Última Hora
RUSSIAN FEDERATION: Metronews.ru on 14 October published a column on the attitudes and issues of child marriage in Russia and surrounding countries. The column cited UNFPA data saying, “The UNFPA reports that in 2012, 14 million 200 thousand girls under the age of 18 were married.” Read in Russian: Metronews.ru
SIERRA LEONE: The New Citizen, New Vision and several other outlets reported on 15 October that the Ministry of Social Welfare Gender, and Children’s Affairs and other development partners including UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, Restless Development and Plan International, on 11 October, launched the first ever International Day of the Girl Child at the Family Kingdom Hall in Freetown. UNFPA Country Representative, Ratidzai Ndhlovu, on behalf of the UN family, articulated the significance of the day and encouraged all hands on deck to support government for the safety and empowerment of girls and pledged the UN’s commitment to ensure that girls go to school and at least get basic education. She also stressed the UN will continue to play a major role in enhancing girls’ empowerment and development.
TAJIKISTAN: Tajik Mama and Asia Plus reported on 9 October that the UNFPA will mark the International Day of the Girl Child in Tajikistan. The main event - open debate/discussions with the involvement of young leaders, journalists, activists, governmental officials, religious leaders and parliamentarians - will be held in Dushanbe on 10 October. Campaigns in social and traditional media will be conducted with youth involvement. Read in Russian: Asia Plus and Tajik Mama
Tajik Mama reported on 7 October that Mavzuna Chorieva, bronze medalist of London 2012 Olympic Games from Tajikistan, participated in a UNFPA event devoted to the International Day of the Girl Child and delivered a speech with a call to action to support girls’ rights to education and self-actualization. Read in Russian: Tajik Mama
Asia Plus and Khovar reported on 11 October that in an effort to promote the rights of girls and to address the unique challenges that they face around the world, the International Day of the Girl Child, designated by the United Nations in 2011 is commemorated in Tajikistan by UNFPA in partnership with governmental, non-governmental and international partners. Read in Rusisan: Khovar and Asia Plus
Ozodi, the Tajikistan branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, reported on 10 October that issues of early marriage were addressed during the UNFPA conference devoted to the International Day of the Girl Child in Dushanbe. Read in Russian: Ozodi
TURKEY: Multiple media agencies on 11 October reported on the moves by UNFPA and its partners to raise awareness about child marriage in the region. Werner Haug, UNFPA’s director of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia regional office, agreed that unlisted marriages are common throughout the region. "[Child marriage] is certainly unreported across the region as the marriages themselves occur in community ceremonies but are not officially registered with the state," he said.
“Compared to 1990, we see a surprising increase, not decrease as one might expect, in child marriage in the region,” Haug said of a recently released study of 10 countries including Turkey. He cited the rise or return of traditional views of the role of women and economic, political and ethnic turmoil as well as conflict in the region as key drivers of the rise in child marriage. Read in English: Southeastern Europe Times, Today’s Zaman, and Today’s Zaman
UNITED STATES: Multiple media outletson 10-12 October reported on UNFPA and the International Day of the Girl Child. Read in English: The Associated Press, Washington Post, The New York Times, Mitchell Reports, Voice of America, Inter Press Service,
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF AGEING REPORT
ARMENIA: news.am on 1 October reported that Armenia is already an aging country in line with international rankings according to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Armenia Assistant Representative Garik Hayrapetyan.
He added that the data on Armenia is very concerning, as the number of Armenia’s senior citizens is expected to virtually double by 2050, reaching 885,000 from today’s 469,000. The average age will rise to 49.4, instead of today’s 32.6, and all this could place upon the state’s shoulders a huge responsibility in terms of taking care of the pensioners. Read in English: news.am
BOLIVIA: Multiple media outlets on 1 October reported that national media shared the official UNFPA press release on the International Day of Older Persons. UNFPA and HelpAge launched a landmark report entitled "Ageing in the 21st Century: A Celebration and A Challenge." Bolivian media highlight that in 2050 our planet will have more over 60 years old persons than under 15 years old. Read in Spanish: ERBOL, ERBOL and El Deber
FRANCE: Agence France Presse on 1 October reported that a study by UNFPA and HelpAge International urged governments to work on strategies for coping with an ageing population. "The report, which was released to coincide with International Day of Older Persons, says that of the seven billion people who live on the planet, 893 million or 12.8 percent are elderly -- older than 60. In just one decade, the elderly population will swell by 200 million taking it well beyond one billion people, and potentially putting a greater strain on welfare and medical systems around the world, the report said." Read in English: Agence France Presse
JORDAN: Multiple media outlets on 1 October reported that Jordan was one of the first countries to develop a national strategy for the elderly. The National Council for Family Affairs coordinated the preparation of this strategy in 2008, in collaboration with several national institutions and civil society organizations and is currently updating the strategy to meet the developments and the needs of this important group.
On the occasion of the International Day of Older People, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Jordan is working with their partners, especially the Higher Population Council, the Department of Statistics and the National Council for Family Affairs, to strengthen the capacity of service providers and raise awareness and advocate for the need for planning and preparation for the “Demographic Window Opportunity,” which requires concerted efforts and capabilities to meet the challenges faced by the elderly, and provide them with all the services they required. UNFPA Jordan Assistant Representative, Mrs. Muna Idris, said "that UNFPA Jordan looks forward to further cooperation with all institutions working to ensure the rights and dignity of older people, and assured that UNFPA Jordan will work with all national institutions to increase the focus on different issues of the elderly and to enhance all services provided to them, especially with the expected increase in the percentage of elderly population in the coming years. "
Also, on this occasion, UNFPA and HelpAge International launched a new report today “Ageing in the Twenty-first Century: A Celebration and a Challenge,” in which it was stated that the number of older persons is growing faster than any other age group. Speaking at the report’s launch, UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, said, “People everywhere must age with dignity and security, enjoying life through the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.” Read in Arabic: Petra, Alrai, Rum Online, Cleopatra News
KAZAKHSTAN: regnum.ru on 1 October reported on ageing in Kazakhstan and the release of the Ageing in the 21st Century report. "According to the data of UNFPA and HelpAge International, the number of older persons is growing faster than any other demographic." Read in Russian: regnum.ru
KYRGYZSTAN: CA News on 1 October reported that UNFPA, in collaboration with HelpAge International prepared a global report detaining the issues of population ageing. Read in Russian: CA News
PARAGUAY: Diario La Nación reported on 30 September that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and HelpAge International launched the global report "Ageing in the 21st Century: A Celebration and a Challenge" on 1 October, the International Day of Older Persons. According to the report, in 2050, for the first time in the history of mankind, there will be more people over 60 than under 15. Almost 80 percent of these elderly people live in countries with emerging and developing economies. Read in Spanish: La Nación.
UNITED KINGDOM: The Guardian on 1 October reported that, "The global population will age so rapidly in the next 30 years that there will be more pensioners than children by 2050, when there will be 2 billion people aged 60 or over. A UN report published today also predicts the number of people over 80 will almost quadruple to 400 million by 2050. By the same year, there will be 3 million centenarians worldwide, compared to 316,000 today."
UNITED STATES: Multiple media outlets reported on the release of the ageing report by UNPFA and HelpAge International. Read in English: The Associated Press
UZBEKISTAN: gazeta.uz on 1 October detailed the main points of the Ageing in the 21st Century report and focused on the support provisions for older persons from the government of Uzbekistan. Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin is quoted in the article, "People everywhere must age with dignity and security, enjoying life through the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms." Read in Russian: gazeta.uz
UNITED STATES: Women and Girls Must Be at the Forefront to End Poverty
Inter Press Service on 28 September published an interview with UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin at the launch of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s global “Education First” initiative. Dr. Osotimehin spoke about the goals and mission of UNFPA and UNFPA’s role in the new initiative saying, “The role of UNFPA in this initiative is to highlight the unique perspective we'll bring to education. A) On the current issue of girls' education which is crucial for national development; B) to insist that education is comprehensive and to include comprehensive sexuality education; C) to also go forth to talk about empowerment of young people and provide them with the skill set to be able to participate effectively in national development. That's what we bring.”
UNITED STATES: Executive Director Urges International Efforts
The New York Times on 18 August published a letter by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin on child marriage urging, “more political will, United Nations and donor development programs, and civil society engagement to end child marriage and domestic violence. Local and national efforts are essential. But they need to be supported by action at the international level.” He also spotlighted the first International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October.
UNITED STATES: UNFPA Does Not Condone Forced Abortion
USA Today on 1 August published a letter by Valerie DeFillipo, president of the Friends of UNFPA. “Your story 'Forced abortions, broken hearts' highlights the tragic stories of Chinese women made to have abortions against their will (Cover story, News, Wednesday). However, the article perpetuates the myth that the United Nations Population Fund participates, condones or endorses such gross violations of human rights. UNFPA has spoken out forcefully against coercion in all its forms, and in fact is dedicating substantial resources to promoting volunteerism and human rights in China and about 150 other countries where it works. Moreover, the story failed to acknowledge that no U.S. taxpayer funds support China's family planning program. To eliminate funding to UNFPA would only hurt women in sub-Saharan Africa, and would have no impact on helping Chinese women in these abortion cases.”
GLOBAL: UN Putting Family Planning Back in Spotlight
The Associated Press reported on 27 June that the head of the United Nations Population Fund wants the world to pay more attention to family planning issues. In the interview, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin told The Associated Press that "'family planning seems to have fallen off the radar' in the past two decades — a victim of politics, funding shortages and focus on other priorities such as fighting AIDS...He hopes a July 11 summit in London organized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the British government will increase attention to the need for better family planning in poor countries." The Washington Post, CBS, BusinessWeek, ABC News and others picked up the piece. Read in English: The Associated Press
UNITED STATES: Celebrity Advocacy
PBS reported on 2 December on the role of celebrities in raising awareness about social causes. PBS produced the piece during UNFPA’s 7 billion event “Unleashing the Power of Women and Girls” in Washington, D.C. View in English: PBS
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD OF 7 BILLION
ALBANIA: Top Channel on 31 October published comments on the 7 billion by UNFPA Albania Assistant Representative Manuela Bello who was interviewd for Wake Up. Read in English: Top Channel
ARGENTINA: La Nación on 31 October published an interview with UNFPA Regional Director Marcela Suazo in which they talked about the magnitude and the challenges the new demographic trends imply. Read in Spanish: La Nación
BANGLADESH: The Daily Star on 31 October reported on the birth of the first (symbolic) Bangladeshi newborn.
The Independent on 2 November reported that on 29 October, a youth flash mob was organized to mark the birth of the 7 billionth child in celebration of UNFPA's 7 Billion Actions Campaign.
The Independent on 31 October published an article on the inauguration by UNFPA of 30 buses branded with"7 Billion Actions Campaign." Through this publicity, UNFPA hopes to raise awareness.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 31 October and 1 November about the population reaching 7 billion connecting it to the recently launched State of World Population 2011 report. In addition to print media, Mr. Faris Hadrovic, UNFPA Assistant Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, was interviewed by Al-Jazeera Balkans, TV Sarajevo, TV Liberty and Radio Slobodna Europe where he further explained the meaning of the population reaching 7 billion and issues covered in SoWP2011 focusing on the situation in the world and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Read in Bosnian: Sarajevo-x.com, SlobodnaEuropa.org, Vijesti.ba Watch in Bosnian: TV Liberty
BURKINA FASO: Sidwaya on 1 November pushed an interview with the UNFPA Representative for Burkina Faso Mamadou Kanté. This interview was an opportunity for the Representative of UNFPA/Burkina to highlight the importance of considering the implications and challenges of a growing population. He is quoted saying, "on October 31st, 2011, the world population is going to pass to 7 billion inhabitants. This event is very important. It is not only symbolic, but also it is the real success to see that there are 7 billion inhabitants on the ground, that most are healthy and lively longer. However, it is necessary to remember that these inhabitants face several challenges. That is why this celebration is going to give the opportunity to think about all of these questions at the world, regional and country level." Read in French: Sidwaya
Sidwaya on 2 November reported on the ceremony of the Day of 7 billions entitled "7 billion inhabitants on the earth. Challenges, but also opportunities." Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development Pr. Jean Kouldiaty, representing the Prime Minister, chaired the ceremony which took place on 31 October in Ouagadougou in the presence of the Minister of Economy and Finance, Minister of Health, the Representative of the UNFPA/Burkina and Mrs. Secretary Permanent of the National Council of the Population. At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Mamadou Kanté, Representative of the UNFPA/Burkina supported in his interview that "The proportion of the population exposed to the maternal mortality, to the food insecurity, to the scarcities of waters, to the disasters resultant of the climatic phenomena increases faster than previously " and also that, "At the world level, we live longer and in better health.” Read in French: Sidwaya
L’Observateur Paalga on 3 November reported on the ceremony of the Day of 7 billion under the title "7 billion people, So many problems." The article announced the end of the campaign of "A world of 7 billions" which launched on 11 July at the World Population Day celebration. The ceremony of “the Day of 7 billions “ was held on 31 October in Ouagadougou. Dr. Mamadou Kanté, Representative of the UNFPA/Burkina in his interview said that the world grew rich and the world population is less poor and more educated and in better health today. However enormous disparities persist and redoubtable challenges are to be raised to ensure a better quality of life for women and people in the future. Read in French: L’Observateru Paalga
CAMBODIA: Bayon News Television and Women’s Media Centre Radio reported on 2 November and 4 November that young people from different universities, NGOs and social networks gathered in Sihanoukvill province to mark the world at 7 billion people. It is an auspicious moment in human history as the population reaches 7 billion by 31 October. Mr. May Tum, assistant representative for UNFPA emphasized at the event that the range of population issues that countries have to deal with in the 21st century is much wider than it was 50 years ago – not only population growth, but also ageing, rapid urbanization and migration. A world of seven billion has implications for sustainability, access to health services and youth empowerment.
National Radio of Kampuchea reported on 2 November that the world population reaches 7 billion by the end of October 2011. Mr. Tum May, Assistant Representative of the UN Population Fund, UNFPA said that on 31 October 2011, the world population hit 7 billion and population issues now are different from 50 years ago. He added that population growth brings achievements and challenges that have implications to everyone. “Today is a moment, a milestone of human history that allows us to see achievements and opportunities as population growth affect everyone living in this planet. In addition, it is a chance to call for actions from everybody and inspire increased global commitment to contribute towards the improved well-being and sustainability of a world with 7 billion people,” said Mr. May Tum.
CAMEROON: Journal du Cameroun published on 3 November, an interview with Alain Sibenaler, UNFPA representative. Mr. Sibenaler emphasized the importance of the role of youth -representing 90% of developing countries' population- in taking up the challenges of the world at 7 billion. Read in French: Journal du Cameroun
Ariane Television on 1 November invited UNFPA Representative Alain Sibenaler as a special guest on its midday programme to talk about the challenges and opportunities of a world at 7billion and its implications for Cameroon. Mr. Sibenaler also talked about UNFPA efforts contributing to maternal mortality reduction and youth unemployment in the country.
CAPE VERDE: TCV, A Nacao, Inforpress, Expresso das ilhas, and SA Com Agencias on 31 October reported on an event celebrating the symbolic birth of the 7 billion baby in Praia at the Central Hospital. The event was a joint project of UNFPA, the Ministry of Health and the Journalist Network. The President of the Republic, His Excellence Jorge Carlos Fonseca, was associated with this initiative which calls attention to the responsibility of every individual to collaborate for a better world for this new generation.
Present were Mrs. Cristina Fontes from the Ministry of Health , the UNFPA Representative and UN Coordinator, Mrs. Petra Lantz, the Director of the Hospital Mrs. Ricardina Andrade and the Director of Maternity, Dr. Fatima Sapinho.
COLOMBIA: El Tiempo and El Espectador reported the arrival of the 7 billionth inhabitant Danica, the Philippine baby, on 31 October. "The world and its 7billion people are a complex set of trends and paradoxes", but population growth is part of the "essential truths worldwide," said the representative of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) in the Philippines, Ugochi Daniels. Read in Spanish: El Tiempo, El Espectador and El Espectador
COMOROS: Albalad on 1 November reported on the globally anticipated birth of the 7 billionth human. UN agencies, notably the United Nations Population Fund, planned a number of events around the symbolic birth. In Comoros, a gift was given to the mothers of infants born on the celebrated date.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): The journal de Brazza published on 4 November UNFPA Representative David Lawson's op-ed entitled: "Addressing the challenges of hunger and Poverty in a World at 7 Billion." David Lawson outlines that demographic growth will present unprecedented challenges to mankind. Bearing current massive changes affecting the world, through global and Congo lenses, he focuses on the need to address hunger through massive agricultural investments and poverty through economic growth and massive social investments, including in reproductive health. Read in French: The journal de Brazza
DRTV, MN TV, Top TV, Canal Benedictions and Radio-Congo on 31 October broadcast UNFPA Representative David Lawson’s address to the Congolese population on the occasion of the world reaching the 7 billion people's milestone on 31 October, and its implications for Congo and its populations. In a sober and short address, delivered from UNFPA Representation in Brazzaville, David Lawson drew a portrait of the world today and outlined the urgent actions, responsibilities and solidarities needed to protect its 7 billion inhabitants, and future generations: environment protection, planned urbanization, economic and agriculture growth, youth employment and social policies.
Les Depeches de Brazzaville published on 31 October an exclusive interview of UNFPA Representative David Lawson on the implications for the world and Congo of a world at 7 billion people. Mr. Lawson focused on the linkages between economic and demographic growth and concluded that responsibility, solidarity and action were what would define the world's and Congo's future. He said, "Individual and collective responsibility; solidarity, among rich and poor, women and men, young and older, valid and disabled, and among State and non State actors at the international level; and action by Governments and their 7 billion people can prepare a better world for all." Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Journal de Brazza published an op-ed by UNFPA Representative David Lawson entitled: "Shaping a Better World for All" whereby he outlines some of the key challenges and opportunities confronted by world leaders today and the need for them to act now: youth, ageing, urbanization, economic growth, food and agriculture, development financing and aid. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Journal de Brazza
Tele-Congo broadcast on 31 October a television debate on population ageing, in the context of the world at 7 billion. Invited along with two population ageing experts, UNFPA Rep. David Lawson underlined the challenges and opportunities of an ageing world. He stressed the need for Congo to define a specific ageing population plan, referred to his positive discussion with Senate President on a national law protecting the rights of older persons, the need for social protection and pensions and to integrate ageing in plans for the future.
DPR of KOREA: Pyongyang Times and Korean Central News Agency reported on 1 and 5 November on the day of 7 billion. A number of events were held at Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang. A UNFPA representative was present at the events. Speakers talked about the importance of the 7 Billion Actions Campaign and the SWOP report was presented.
ETHIOPIA: Afro FM 105.3 reported on 31 October on the birth of Ethiopia's 7 billionth baby. "UNFPA Ethiopia country representative Benoit Kalasa (PhD) says the whole purpose of the 7 billion campaign and the recognition of the baby is to encourage people and governments do their best to provide the 7th billion and other babies proper education, health and social services, among others." Read in English: Afro FM 105.3
FINLAND: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. Read, view and listen in Finnish: Helsingin Sanomat, Helsingin Sanomat, Maailma, Hufvudstadsbladet, YLE, Finnish Broadcasting Services, MTV3, Nelonen
GABON: L'Union, Gabon-Matin and Africa No 1 reported on 2 November on the end of the 7 billion Campaign led by UNFPA in Gabon. The Campaign, started on 14 July and punctuated by various social, fun and educational activities, ended on 31 October when the world reached the 7 billion milestone, with a ceremony under the auspices of Health Vice-Minister Nziengui Mihindou and UNDP/UNDPA Representative Hadj Hammou. In presence of youth organizations and UN Representatives, it was recalled that youth (60% in Gabon) was at the forefront of the future of this world and they should be provided the means to be productive. A baby girl named Destinee was the first Gabonese baby born on 31 October.
GEORGIA: Interpressnews reported that on 31 October, in the framework of the 7 billion actions campaign, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) initiated a youth conference. The conference “World of 7 Billion - Vision of Youth” was hosted by the Youth International Relations Department at Tbilisi Youth Palace and was dedicated to the world population of 7 billion.
It has already been a decade that the youth conferences have been held in partnership with the Youth International Relations Department at Tbilisi Youth Palace through the financial support of the UNFPA Georgia Office. The topics of the conference papers, prepared by young people vary every year to reflect the real life issues and concerns for the whole world and particularly for Georgia. This year the topics of the conference reflected the issues related to a world of 7 billion, such as: poverty and population, the reproductive health & rights of women and girls, ageing, urban growth, environment, reproductive health of young people and ecology. “United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is marking this milestone worldwide. The role of young people is of paramount significance in the world of 7 billion, which is full of challenges and opportunities and require immediate actions. The vision and actions of youth will determine future population trends,” said Ms. Tamar Khomasuridze, Assistant Representative, UNFPA/Georgia. Read in English: Interpressnews
Radio Tavisufleba (Radio Liberty) conducted on 31 October an interview with UNFPA Georgia Assistant Representative, Tamar Khomasuridze, Mr. Paata Shavishvili, Head of the Population Census and Demography Division of Geostat and the demographer Gia Suladze marking the day of seven billion. Listen in Georgian: Radio Tavisufleba Read in Georgian: Radio Tavisufleba
GUATEMALA: Nuestro Diario, Siglo 21, Prensa Libre, La Hora y CERIGUA, reported from 31 October to 7 November that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), joined by national authorities, celebrated the arrival of the 7 billionth human in a visit to Roosevelt National Hospital, where they met the Guatemalan "7 billion baby" Madisson Alessandra, who was born on 31 October. Mrs. Leonor Calderon Artieda, the UNFPA Guatemala Representative called for national policy to guarantee rights to all people. Read in Spanish: Nuestro Diario, Siglo21, Prensa Libre La Hora
GUYANA: The Guyana Chronicle on 1 November reported that UNFPA honoured the first six babies born at Georgetown Public Hospital. Assistant Representative for UNFPA Patrice La Fleur announced the launch of the SWOP report in the article and said that UNFPA pledges to work with the Health Ministry to help give the upcoming generation the lives they deserve. Read in English: Guyana Chronicle
INDONESIA: The Jakarta Globe published on 31 October a picture of the UNFPA Indonesia campaign to mark the World at 7 Billion held on Sunday, 30 October on the occasion of the Car Free Day. Similar pictures about the event were published on national newspaper Kompas daily and Antarfoto.co.id. Read in Indonesian: ANTARA and ANTARA
Kompas newspaper published on 31 October an op-ed piece written by a leading Indonesian demographer Mrs. Sri Moertiningsih Adioetomo about the World at 7 Billion and the opportunities it brings economically if the government issues the right policy. She explained that when the country’s economic growth reaches 8 percent it is a big opportunity that we should grab. Indonesian demographic transition in which fertility and mortality rates are relatively low– offers a ‘bonus’ to maximize the economic growth.
The article also highlighted 7 themes in relation to the world at 7 billion that Indonesia also has to consider, which include: reducing poverty and equality can slow population growth, unleashing the power of women and girls can accelerate progress, being energetic and open to new technologies, young people can transform the global politics and culture, ensuring that every child is wanted, and every childbirth is safe can lead to smaller and stronger families, each of us depends on a healthy planet, so we must all help to protect the environment, promoting the health and productivity of older people can mitigate the challenge and anticipating the fact that the next 2 billion people will live in cities.
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN: Islamic Republic News Agency reported on 1 November on the day of 7 billion and quoted UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin that, “We must ensure that, in areas of the world where population is growing fast, we raise the status of women and young girls to be able to access education and make choices for themselves.”
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: KPL News on 2 November reported that on 31 October, the world's seven billionth human being will be born and she/he could be born in the Lao PDR, according to the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA. In Lao PDR, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are organizing an activity to mark the Day of Seven Billion. MPI and MoH Vice Ministers gave a remark and offered welcome gift baskets with health information and a birth certificate to the mothers and the babies born on this important date at the Mahosot Hospital to symbolically represent the 7 Billionth person in the world.
Vientiane Times on 1 November reported that experts have encouraged the Lao government to reduce social and economic inequities and find ways to ensure the well-being of the country's citizens by establishing strong policies regarding population issues. Lao and overseas experts delivered the message yesterday at a ceremony held at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane to mark the day the global population is estimated to have reached 7 billion people. Read in English: Vientiane Times
Xinhua on 31 October and Siam Daily News on 1 November reported that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) collaborated with the Lao government to celebrate the Day of Seven Billion on Monday by offering gifts to mothers and babies born at Mahosot Hospital in Laos' capital of Vientiane on the important date. Read in English: Xinhua and Siam Daily News
Vientiane Times on 31 October published an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin on the Day of 7 Billion.
LEBANON: Al Sharq el Awsat reported on 5 November on the birth of the Lebanese 7 Billion Baby. The article was entitled “World Population Reached 7 billion…Lebanon Welcomes the Event with an Awareness Campaign.” The article describes UNFPA Lebanon’s hospital-based initiative and features a picture of 5 newborn babies from Saida. The article starts by describing UNFPA’s welcome packages distributed to newborns and their mothers in 17 public hospitals throughout the country. The article goes on by extensively elaborating on the 7 themes of the campaign. It provides analysis and UNFPA statistics on Lebanon for each of these subjects. Read in Arabic: Al Sharq El Awsat
Al Moustaqbal published an article on 2 November on the World at 7 Billion Campaign. The article is part of the partnership UNFPA Lebanon is implementing with the media to draw attention to the significance of the event and to increase understanding of the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by this population milestone. Entitled “Lebanon in world of 7 billion,” the article is an op-ed by Dr. Adnan Mroueh, former Minister of Public Health. It addresses a number of themes, namely poverty, women, youth and population ageing from policy-level perspectives. This article follows an earlier one published in October tackling population growth from the global perspective. Read in Arabic: Al Moustaqbal
An Nahar published special corners on 31 October, 1 November and 2 November. These corners are part of the media-UNFPA Lebanon partnership to increase understanding of the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by a world population of 7 billion. The 31 October piece featured a caricatured and four articles addressing fertility and population dynamics, a portrait of the 6 Billion child, an overview of population theories and women and reproduction. The 1 November piece included four articles on specific themes of the campaign including the Lebanese 7 Billion baby, consumption and environmental pollution, and environmental sustainability. The 2 November piece was dedicated to Lebanon’s “suburbs” with three distinct articles addressing population trends and challenges in the Palestinian Camps, the Armenian suburb (Bourj Hammoud) and Beirut’s Southern Suburb (Dahieh). All articles include analysis by renowned national experts and national statistics. Read in Arabic: 31 October Corner Introduction, Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4, Caricature; 1 November Corner: Introduction, Article 1, Article 2, Article 3; 2 November Corner: Article 1, Article 2, Article 3
The Daily Star reported on 1 November on the birth of the Lebanese 7 Billion Baby. The article describes UNFPA Lebanon’s hospital-based initiative and features a picture of 7 newborn babies from Saida as well as quotes from a midwife and a mother. It mentions UNFPA’s welcome packages distributed to newborns and their mothers - including promotional 7B material as well as informative pamphlets providing guidance on neonatal, family planning and sexual and reproductive health. In addition, a birth certificate was given to the newborn pledging his/her commitment to the 7 key messages worded in a baby-friendly way. The article ends by addressing the challenges of a world of 7 Billion and quoting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Read in English: The Daily Star
Multiple media outlets reported on 1 November on the birth of the 7 billionth baby, from a global perspective. Relying on international news agencies, the articles featured pictures of the global 7B baby and addressed the importance of the milestone. The nationality of the iconic baby varied between Filipino, Turkish, Yemeni and Russian. Read in Arabic: Al Sharq El Awsat, An Nahar, An Nahar 2, An Nahar 3, As Safir, Al Balad, Al Joumhouriya, Now Lebanon, El Nashra, Naharnet 1, Naharnet 2
Lorient Le Jour reported on 1 November on the birth of the 7 billionth baby, from a global perspective. Relying on international news agencies, the articles featured pictures of the global 7B baby and addressed the importance of the milestone using UNFPA messages. Read in French: Lorient Le Jour
Lorient le jour reported on November 1 on the world of 7 billion. The report consists of a 3-minute vox pop video in the streets of Beirut, whereby people express their understanding and fears towards the population milestone: food security, health, environment and water scarcity come up as the most cited challenges. The descriptive caption of the video mentions UNFPA’s campaign and quotes UNFPA Executive Director. Watch in French/Arabic: Lorient Le Jour
Noursat reported on 31 October on the initiative UNFPA is conducting to welcome newborns on the day of 7 Billion. This event aims to highlight the symbolic importance of the day of 7 Billion and is carried out jointly with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health and the Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 17 public hospitals throughout the Lebanese regions. On that day, midwives will be distributing welcome packages to newborns and their mothers. The package includes promotional material centred around the 7 billion logo and messages as well as informative pamphlets providing guidance on neonatal, family planning and sexual and reproductive health. The media was invited to cover the event. Read in Arabic: Nour Sat
As Safir published an opinion on 31 October on the 7 Billion milestone. The article adopts a global approach to the population milestone and describes UNFPA’s campaign and its main themes. The article provides global statistics illustrating population trends. Read in Arabic: As Safir
The Daily Star reported on 31 October on the 7 billion Campaign. The article adopts a global approach and describes UNFPA’s campaign and its main themes. The article provides global statistics illustrating population trends, quotes the UN Secretary-General and UNFPA Executive Director and mentions the 2011 Sate of World Population Report. Read in English: Daily Star
Al Balad reported on 31 October about UNFA’s 7 Billion Campaign. This one-page article described the campaign led by UNFPA. Based on UNFPA sources, the article shed light on the challenges facing Lebanon and provided national data. Particular emphasis was given to population ageing. The article also mentioned the UNFPA’s joint initiative with the Ministry of Public Health and the Lebanese Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology consisting of welcoming newborns in 18 Lebanese hospitals on the day of 7 Billion. Read in Arabic: Al Balad
Several Arabic-speaking newspapers on 31 October reserved their daily caricature for the 7 Billion milestone. All caricatures focused on the pressure such population increase is exerting on the globe. See in Arabic: An Nahar, Al Sharq El Awsat, Al Mustaqbal
Multiple media outlets reported between 31 October and 1 November on the birth of Lebanon’s 7 billion baby. Future TV, Future News TV, MTV and NBN reported 31 October on the birth of the Lebanese 7 Billionth Baby. The reports, between 2 to 3 minutes in length, were screened during primetime and focused on UNFPA’s campaign. Al Akhbar kicked off their article by reporting on UNFPA Lebanon’s hospital-based initiative organized jointly by UNFPA with the Ministry of Public Health and the Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The piece then extensively addresses the need for new population policy and provides a historical overview of the governmental position on the issues. Al Mustaqbaland and Saida Online described UNFPA’s campaign and the symbolic initiative in the hospitals, notably the distribution of packages to newborns and their mothers - including the babies’ 7 resolutions for addressing the challenges of a world of 7 billion, as well as informative SRH pamphlets. As Safir quotes UNFPA Lebanon’s Assistant Representative and provides evidence based in-depth analysis of societal trends and changes in fertility trends in Lebanon, as well as the resulting implications on the national level. Read in Arabic: Al Akhbar, Middle East Panorama, Al Mustaqbal, Saida Online, As Safir
Sawt el Mada, Future TV, OTV and Tele Lumiere covered the 7 Billion Campaign on 31 October. The shows addressed UNFPA’s campaign and its main themes. National experts were brought on to provide analysis to national statistics and data. The shows also mentioned the UNFPA’s joint initiative with the ministry of Public Health consisting of welcoming newborns in 18 Lebanese hospitals on the day of 7 Billion.
LIBERIA: The Informer and the Public Agenda both reported on 31 October that the world’s population has reached 7 billion. Read in English: The Informer and Public Agenda
MALDIVES: Fuvahmulah on 2 November reported that “Maldives Cricket became a part of the UNFPA Maldives “7 billion meehun” campaign on the opening the day of the SARC Twenty20 Cup cricket tournament held in Fuvahmulah on 1 October 2011. Thirty-one youth and children accompanied the Sri Lankan and Nepalese team as they lined up for the opening of the exciting Group 2 match of the tournament. The Global “7 billion actions” campaign run by UNFPA aims to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of a 7 billion population. In Maldives the UNFPA is conducting several activities to mark the event in collaboration with government agencies, NGOs and other institutions.” Read in English: Fuvahmulah
MALAWI: The Nation on 6 November reported that that Mayamiko Kachipande, the mother of Malawi’s seven billionth baby, is not yet done with motherhood. Her ambition is to have two more.
UNFPA says controlling the global as well as Malawi’s fertility rate is one of the challenges that have to be reflected as the world surpassed the seven billion population mark. UNFPA Malawi Deputy Representative Gift Malunga observed that while women on average are having fewer children than they used to have in the 1960s, the population continues to rise with Malawi’s population growth standing at 2.8 percent.
“High fertility rates continue to hamper development and perpetuate poverty. We really need to look at ways of reducing the fertility rate if we have to effectively reduce inequities and improve the living standards for our people as well as for generations to follow,” she said. Malunga said the seven billion population presents a challenge, an opportunity and a call to action. One action is to ensure that women are allowed to have fewer children than their mothers and grandmothers did. Read in English: The Nation
The Daily Times reported on 1 November that UNFPA Malawi joined the world in commemorating the 7 billion milestone on 31 October in Mangochi where one of seven babies born after midnight on 31 October at Mangochi District Hospital was identified as the world's 7 billionth baby in Malawi. The baby boy born to Mayamiko Kachipande at 3 a.m. has added to the population of Mangochi district, which currently stands at 881,085 with a growth rate of 3.7 percent, according to the District Commissioner Thomas Chirwa.
Commemorated under the theme '7 billion People, counting on each other', UNFPA Deputy Representative Gift Malunga said the 7 billion mark was a reminder to governments and partners to accelerate education for girls which would result in improved maternal and child health but also an increase in women accessing family planning and reduction in early marriages. She said government and its partners would then have to work hard to provide access to family planning methods and strengthen health care systems. Read in English: The Daily Times
The Nation reported on 1 November that Malawi and UNFPA joined the world in unveiling its seven billionth baby. The unveiling of the baby in Mangochi marked the day when the world reached the 7 billion mark. UNFPA Deputy Country Representative Gift Malunga said with the population boom, the country has seen a rising number of young mothers a situation that has also brought about an increase in obstetric fistula among women. She said UNFPA has put much effort in dealing with maternal problems, including the high maternal mortality. Read in English: The Nation
African Press Agency reported on 31 October that UNFPA in Malawi joined the international community in commemorating the day of 7 billion, a day when the world population has reached a milestone. UNFPA Malawi Deputy Representative Gift Malunga said the issue of population was critical for humanity to address. "Population is not a matter of space but is a question of equitable access to resources, opportunity from the questions we continuously confront from young people and social justice,” she said.
The Malawi government should fully integrate youths in all their development programmes since they form the largest bulk of the country’s population she said. Malawi also celebrated the day with a child born on 31 October at Mangochi District Hospital. Read in English: African Press Agency
MALI: L’independant on 31 October reported that UNFPA-Mali organized several activities to mark the passage of the world population to 7 billion people. The major activity was teaching a model lesson on world population in all high schools in the capital Bamako on 31 October.
UNFPA Representative Makane Kane and the Minister of Education of Mali, followed the lesson model in two high schools. Mr. Kane took the opportunity to submit to Minister Salikou Sanogo 5,000 custom specifications published by UNFPA and carrying the messages of the campaign, to be distributed in high schools in the capital.
MONGOLIA: Numerous media outlets reported on the day of 7 billion. Mongolian National Broadcaster and Education TV broadcast the story. “MM Today” interviewed UNFPA Representative Ms. Argentina Matavel Piccin. MONTSAME News Agency published an interview on the 7B. 7B banners were installed along main streets. Read in Mongolian: MONTSAME
MOZAMBIQUE: Noticias reported on 1 November, that according to professor Ramos Munahoma, poverty eradication is a long-term challenge. The paper says that Prof. Munahoma made the statement during a public lecture jointly organized by the Universty and the National Syndicate of Journalists, with UNFPA support. The theme of the lecture was poverty and social inequities, and was part of the activity planned to celebrate a world of seven billion.
MYANMAR: The New Light of Myanmar on 31 October reported on UNFPA’s 7 billion commemoration activities.
NORWAY: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These stories included quotes from UNFPA Exexutive Director Babatunde Osotimehin and Rep. Mr. Rune Fröseth and citings of UNFPA data. Read, view and listen in Norwegian: Bistandsaktuelt, Adressa.no, Pd.no, Hadeland, Arbeits rett, Vestby avis,Ringblad.no, Namdalsavisen, Hordaland, Demokraten, FVN.no, Smp.no, Agder posten,Tidens Krav ,Glåm dalen, Dagsavisen, Dagbladet, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, TV2 News, Dagsavisen, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, Dagsavisen, Hegnar online]; Dagbladet; TV2 News; NRK Norwegian national TV; NRK, Dagsavisen/TV daily news.
PARAGUAY: ABC reported on 2 November that Fidelis Zama Chi, UNFPA Representative in Kenya, said it is clear that the environment is the home for mankind and that this connection could not be ignored. It was in commemoration of the day when we reached the figure of 7 billion people in the world. Read in Spanish: ABC, edición impresa.
Ultima Hora reported on 2 November that on the day when the population reached 7 billion inhabitants, UNFPA warned of the need to increase food production to meet current needs. Read in Spanish: Última Hora, edición impresa.
ABC on 1 November reported that UNFPA has yesterday urged the international community to redouble efforts to improve the world before the arrival of 7 billion inhabitants. The publication summarizes the statements of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Read in Spanish: ABC, edición impresa.
Ultima Hora on 1 November reported that the world has 7 billion people and from the Philippines to Russia several countries claimed the birth symbolically illustrates the challenges the world with population growth. UNFPA data was cited. Read in Spanish: Última Hora, edición impresa.
Ultima Hora on 1 November reported that UNFPA and PNUMA issued a warning on the devastating effect that the strong growth of world population, which statistically has reached 7 billion people, could have on the environment if not turned into a sustainable economy. Red in Spanish: Última Hora, edición digital.
ABC Colour on 31 October reported that the BBC published on its website in Spanish international an application that allows readers to figure out what your number is not only among the more than seven billion people on planet Earth has, but all who have lived since the beginning of history. It is calculated using data from the UNFPA. Read in Spanish: ABC Colour digital.
ABC Colour and Última Hora reported on 31 October that the world population achieved 7 billion inhabitants. It published the opinions of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon on this topic and quote UNFPA data. Read in Spanish: Diario ABC Colour, edición impresa and Diario Última Hora, edición impresa.
PHILIPPINES: The Inquirer on 1 November reported that five minutes before midnight Sunday, the Philippines welcomed tiny Danica May as the world’s symbolic “seven billionth” baby. Other countries across the globe marked similar milestones with their own newborn infants. Amid the millions of births and deaths around the world each day, it is impossible to pinpoint the arrival of the globe’s seven billionth occupant. But the UN chose Monday to mark the day with a string of festivities worldwide. The Philippines was one of the first countries to declare a seven billionth baby—represented by Danica. According to the UNFPA State of the World Population Report, the Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world, with 94.9 million people. Read in English: The Inquirer
The Philippine Star reported on 1 November that the Philippines welcomed shortly after midnight Sunday the symbolic seven billionth baby – a girl born at the government-run Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Medical Center in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Danica May Galura, the second child of common-law couple Camille Galura and Florante Camacho, weighed 5.5 pounds at birth.The parents and the baby were met by United Nations officials in the Philippines including UN Population Fund Country Representative Ugochi Daniels, who presented the child with a cake. There were also gifts from local benefactors, including a scholarship grant and a livelihood package to enable the parents to open a small retail store. Also on hand to witness the event was 12-year-old Lorrize Mae Guevarra, who the Philippines declared as its own symbolic six billionth baby in 1999 when the world reached that demographic landmark. Read in English: The Philippine Star
The Inquirer on 1 November reported that Asia welcomed the world’s first symbolic “seven billionth” baby on Monday, but celebrations were tempered by worries over the strain that humanity’s population explosion is putting on a fragile planet. The United Nations says that by its best estimates the seven billionth baby will be born somewhere on Oct. 31, and countries around the world have planned events surrounding the demographic milestone. The Philippines was one of the first countries to declare a seven billionth baby, a little girl called Danica May Camacho. Read in English: The Inquirer
The Philippine Star reported on 2 November that the United Nations has called on world leaders to meet the challenges that a growing population poses, from ensuring adequate food and clean water to guaranteeing equal access to security and justice after the world population reached 7 billion recently. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) cited some of the challenges in an expanding global community that include promoting the rights and health of 7 billion women, men and children. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said the DOH and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) just created media hype to give an impression that the world is already overpopulated in a bid to push for the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. Read in English: The Philippine Star
PHILIPPINES/AUSTRALIA: The Herald Sun reported on 31 October that the Philippines welcomed one of the world's symbolic "seven billionth" babies today, after she arrived to a celebratory cheer at a packed government-run hospital. Weighing 2.5 kilos (5.5 pounds), Danica May Camacho was delivered just before midnight amid an explosion of media flash bulbs in the delivery room at Manila's Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. According to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) State of the World Population Report, the Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world with 94.9 million people. Read in English: The Herald Sun
PHILIPPINES/INDIA: Daily Bhaaskar reported on 31 October that one of world’s seven billionth baby was born to a couple in Manila, Philippines today. Baby Danica May Camacho was reportedly delivered just before midnight on Sunday. As the world readied to welcome its seventh billion inhabitant, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for "unity of purpose" among people across nations to address problems of climate change, economic crisis and inequality. The world is "under threat from climate change, economic crisis, joblessness, inequality and intolerance. Around the world, too many people live in fear. Too many people believe their governments and the global economy can no longer deliver for them," he said. Read in English: Daily Bhaaskar
PHILIPPINES/THAILAND: The Nation reported on 31 October that the Philippines on Monday claimed a newborn as the world's symbolic 7 billionth person, as the country struggles to contain its runaway population growth. The 2.5-kilogram baby girl named Danica was born two minutes before midnight Sunday in a state-run maternity hospital in Manila. Health Secretary Enrique Ona and United Nations Population Fund country representative Ugochi Daniels led well-wishers in welcoming Danica at the Jose Fabella Memorial Medical Center. "We just welcomed the 7 billionth human being," Ona said. The birth was a reminder of the right of every person born in the Philippines and elsewhere to have "all the opportunities" to fulfill their potential, he said. Read in English: The Nation
PHILIPPINES/KENYA: Capital FM News reported on 31 October that Asia welcomed the world’s first symbolic “seven billionth” baby on Monday, but celebrations were tempered by worries over the strain that humanity’s population explosion is putting on a fragile planet. The United Nations says that by its best estimates the seven billionth baby will be born somewhere on October 31, and countries around the world have planned events surrounding the demographic milestone. The Philippines was the first country to declare a seven billionth baby, in the form of a little girl called Danica May Camacho. Read in English: Capital FM News
PHILIPPINES/UNITED KINGDOM: The International Business Times reported on 31 October that the day has arrived. On Monday, the global population should reach seven billion people, according to the calculations of the U.N. Population Fund. Though the U.N. made the announcement, it could not pinpoint exactly where the child will be born. According to media reports, both India and the Philippines have welcomed what they claim is the world's seven billionth person. The Philippines have also reported a seven billionth child. The country welcomed Danica May Camacho, who was delivered just before midnight on Sunday, at Manila's Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. Read in English: International Business Times
PHILIPPINES/KUWAIT: The Kuwait News Agency reported on 31 October that the world's seven billionth inhabitant was born late last night at a local hospital in Manila, the Philippines' Department of Health announced on Monday. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of the World Population Report, Philippines' has a population of 94.9 million. The (UNFPA) has announced last week that it will begin countdown and count-up of births and deaths for around seven days starting October 24 until the early hours of October 31 to unveil the world's seven billionth person. Read in English: Kuwait News Agency
PHILIPPINES/JAMAICA: The Gleaner reported on 31 October that the Philippines has welcomed one of the world's symbolic 'seven billionth' baby, after she arrived to a celebratory cheer at a packed government-run hospital. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative Ugochi Daniels said while the Philippine population remains young, with people under 25 making up 54 per cent of the total, they needed to be taught proper life skills and about sexual issues. Daniels said while women were having fewer children globally, the over-all population continued to go up. Read in English: The Gleaner
PHILIPPINES/UNITED STATES: CBS News on 31 October reported that countries around the world marked the world's population reaching 7 billion Monday with lavish ceremonies for newborn infants symbolizing the milestone and warnings that there may be too many humans for the planet's resources. The celebrations began in the Philippines, where baby Danica May Camacho was greeted with cheers and an explosion of photographers' flashbulbs at Manila's Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. She arrived two minutes before midnight Sunday, but doctors say that was close enough to count for a Monday birthday. Read in English: CBS News
PHILIPPINES/UNITED STATES: The Christian Science Monitor reported on 31 October that the world welcomed its 7 billionth inhabitant today when tiny Danica May Camacho made her appearance in a Manila, Philippines, hospital to great fanfare. India also greeted its version of the 7 billionth person on earth: a girl named Nargis, born in the state of Uttar Pradesh. That these two symbols of a major population milestone were girls is only a coincidence, but it is also a reminder that central to global progress in stabilizing population growth has been the empowerment of women and greater gender parity. Given greater opportunities and rights, women make decisions that slow population growth, and this impact is being seen worldwide, says Babatunde Osotimehin, the executive director of the United Nations Population Fund. Read in English: Christian Science Monitor
PHILIPPINES/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Gulf Today reported on 1 November that the Philippines ranked 12th as the world’s most populous nation with close to 95 million Filipinos, most of them young at age 25, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). Significantly, the Philippines also contributed symbolically to the birth of the world’s seven billionth human shortly after midnight on Oct.31, said UNFPA and local officials. Officials identified the infant as Danica Camacho who was born at 5.5 pounds at the crowded government-run Jose Fabella Memorial Medical Center in Manila about 40 kilometres away from their residence in Antipolo City, Rizal province in Southern Luzon. Read in English: Gulf Today
SIERRA LEONE: Concord Times on 3 November reported that the First Lady, Mrs. Sia Koroma celebrated with mothers of babies born on 31 October marking the day the world population reached seven billion. She congratulated mothers who gave birth on 31 October on their successful delivery and urged them to join family planning programmes and plan for their future pregnancies. As she presented gifts to the newly born babies, Mrs. Koroma said that now is the time for women to come forward and take the lead as they need to be strong in whatever they do.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji F.B.L. Mansaray thanked the UN agencies in the country for their assistance to Sierra Leone. He stated that the celebration is a contribution to the global growth of population and that we must be prepared for the threat of population growth in the country. The Minister said that as a result of population growth, the UNFPA should organise debates on demographic dynamics on the ICPD agenda so that the needs and rights of people are protected.
New Vision reported on 1 November that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, on 31 October celebrated the World at 7 Billion with the theme: People and Possibilities in a world at 7 billion, at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown.
Launching the event to mark the world at 7 Billion on 31 October, Alhaji F.B.L. Mansaray, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development said in many parts of developing world where population growth is out pacing economic growth, there is need for promotion of reproductive health services, especially family planning. He called on stakeholders and development partners to do everything in their power to reduce the growing increase in population, noting that government recognises the role played by UNFPA in promoting reproductive health, maternal health, family planning, to name but a few.
The UNFPA Country Representative said that the World at 7 Billion is both a challenge and an opportunity. She stated among other things that globally, people are living longer healthier lives and choosing to have smaller families, but reducing inequalities and finding ways to ensure the well-being of people requires new ways of thinking and unprecedented global corporation.
Other speakers included the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation and the First Lady of Sierra Leone Md. Sia Koroma who presented gifts and baby packs to the 7 billion babies.
SOUTH AFRICA: Multiple media outlets on 31 October and 1 November covered the birth of South Africa’s seven billion baby. UNFPA Representative Mark Schreiner stressed the issue of equity. “Let us be clear, it is not a matter of space. The population question is one of equity, opportunity and social justice for all,” he said. Read in English: The Star, IOL Lifestyle, Times Live, SABC, and Sowetan
Otago Daily Times on 31 October published an editorial on the day of 7 billion. The piece quotes from the 2011 SWOP report. Read in English: Otago Daily Times
SWAZILAND: The Swazi Observer on 31 October published the op-ed of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin where the Director called for UNFPA and the wider United Nations to take steps to ensure that youth populations are healthy and have access to education, including sexuality education, so they may understand how to protect themselves from HIV and have the knowledge to make informed decisions. Read in English: Swazi Observer
The Swazi Observer reported on 31 October that UNFPA facilitated the 2011 National Poster Contest where young people were challenged to develop positive images under the “World at 7 Billion.” Speaking at the awarding ceremony, UNFPA Representative Dr. Hassan Mohtashami posed a challenge to teachers to impart essential information about life to pupils. He said teachers knew how to teach so they should play the role of ensuring that children were taught about essential elements of life. He noted that sometimes it was difficult for parents to convey certain messages to their children. Read in English: Swazi Observer
The Times of Swaziland on 1 November published an article on the impact of the 7 billion. "A United Nations expert warns that the neglect of population dynamics would be detrimental to those nations including Swazi-land. The Technical Adviser on Population and Economic Development at the United Nations Population Fund, Michael Herrmann says such countries need to urgently address the challenges of high fertility and formulate policies on population." Read in English: Times of Swaziland
The Times of Swaziland on 1 November published an article on the world population reaching 7 billion. UNFPA Representative Dr. Hassan Mohtashami stated that it is also up to the policymakers of the country to make laws and allocate funds to protect women and mothers. He pointed out that the government currently has an opportunity to change the circumstances for women. Read in English: Times of Swaziland
The Swazi Observer published on 1 November an article on the world population reaching 7 billion. UNFPA Representative Dr. Hassan Mohtashami said the campaign was aimed at having all stakeholders appreciate the need to address population issues on a daily basis. Read in English: Swazi Observer
SWEDEN: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These included a joint Op-Ed Babatunde Osotimehin and Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Ms. Gunilla Carlsson, an interview with ED Babatunde Osotimehin, an interview with UNFPA demographer Ralph Hakkert, and an interview with Mr. Heimo Laakkonen of UNFPA. Read, view and listen in Swedish: Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Dagens Nyheter; Svenska Dagbladet, Svenska Dagbladet, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Services, Svenska Dagbladet, Expressen, Sydsvenska Dagbladet, Aftonbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Service, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Sisuradio, Sveriges Radio Klartext, Sveriges Radio Studio Ett, Sveriges Radio P1-Morgon, Swedish National TV: SVT 1 Rapport, TV4 Nyheterna
TANZANIA: The Citizen on 1 November reported that Tanzania joined the rest of the world in welcoming the arrival of the seven billionth person after a baby girl was born at Temeke Municipal Hospital in Dar es Salaam on Monday, seven minutes after midnight. “Today, in country after country, city after city, there will be various events to commemorate the seven billionth landmark. It will be remembered in Tanzania that when the world’s population reached seven billion on 31 October, it was Temeke Municipal Hospital that symbolized the day.” UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Julitta Onabanjo commented as well.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Multiple media outlets on 1 and 2 November covered the seven billion campaign and the UNFPA office’s 7B Knowledge Fair. Read in English: The Guardian, The Guardian, Newsday, Trinidad Express, Trinidad Express
TURKEY/UNITED STATES: The Seattle Post Intelligencer on 31 October published the photo released by the United Nations Population Fund of newly born Turkish baby boy Yusuf Efe who was born at the Zekai Tahir Burak maternity hospital in Ankara, Turkey, early on 31 October. According to the U.N. Population Fund, Yusuf Efe, son of an unemployed mother and a worker father, will be one of 7 billion people sharing Earth's land and resources. View at Seattle Post Intelligencer
UGANDA: New Vision on 31 October published an article entitled “World has 7 billion people today,” quoting UNFPA’s estimated growth rate for Uganda and talking about the 7 Billion actions campaign. The piece used one of the pictures from the UNFPA site.
The Daily Monitor published on 31 October a piece on the 7 billion quoted UNFPA ED Babatunde Osotimehin. “We are living 30 per cent longer. More of our children survive. We are now more urban and we are more interconnected and interdependent than ever,” he said in his speech titled “Invest in the seven billion as human capital.” Read in English: The Daily Monitor
The Daily Monitor on 31 October published a piece entitled "33 Million and Counting: What Does it Mean for Us?" and sites a UNFPA factsheet. Read in English: The Daily Monitor
NTV Uganda on 31 October included an interview with UNFPA Representative Janet Jackson and our Assistant Representative Dr. Wilfred Ochan in their coverage of the 7 billion. View in English: NTV Uganda
NTV Uganda on 31 October ran a story on population growth, again with our Assistant Rep. Dr. Wilfred Ochan being interviewed. View in English: NTV Uganda
WBS-TV and several other outlets on 1 November broadcast an interview with UNFPA Population Officer Nelly Badaru. Read and view in English: WBS-TV
URUGUAY: Several media outlets reported on 31 October and 1 November that Uruguay made a symbolic welcoming act to the Uruguayan 7 billionth inhabitant. His name is Leonel Ezequiel. The event took place at the Hospital Pereira Rossell, the largest maternity in the country, where on average around 25 newborns are born every day. Hospital authorities gave to all 31 October newborns letters written by school students from around the country in which they had sent their wishes to the world inhabitant number 7 billion. Most media outlets took the opportunity to reflect on world demographic challenges. El Observador for instance highlighted, using UNFPA sources, that a world of 7 billion is moving at two different speeds as a result of inequalities. Read and watch more in Spanish: TNU, Canal 10, Canal 4, El País, El Observador (1), El Observador (2) El País, La República
UNITED STATES: The New York Times on 31 October published an article on the world of 7 billion and the importance of population control. "We see reluctance and fear to deal with this [the population] issue," said UNFPA Representative Jose Miguel Guzman. Read in English: The New York Times
VENEZUELA: Venezolana de Television broadcast a program on 1 November on the World of 7 Billion, featuring UNFPA LAC Regional Director Marcela Suazo, and Assistant Rep Jorge Gonzalez. View in Spanish: VTV and VTV
VIET NAM: Viet Nam News reported on 4 November that the world population reached 7 billion on 31 October. This milestone gives rise to opportunities as well as great challenges. Data from the 2009 census and other surveys showed that Viet Nam has made very impressive progress towards achieving the MDGs and has been successful in meeting most of them. However, wide disparities between urban and rural areas, geographical areas and vulnerable groups, especially ethnic minority people still exist. Viet Nam now faces a period known as the Demographic Bonus, which provides a “golden” opportunity to use the abundant and young labour force for the next phase of economic growth. However, this “bonus” could also pose employment and social security challenges in the future if the young labor force is not provided with high quality education and training opportunities as well as job opportunities now that, in turn, will ensure the improved well-being of the whole population. “Young people are our future. They are our present, too. It is today, and not tomorrow, that we must invest in young people and include them in solving the great challenges of our times,” said Bruce Campbell, UNFPA representative in Viet Nam. Read in English: Viet Nam News
ZAMBIA: The Zambian Post, Zambia Daily Mail and the Times of Zambia reported on 1 November reported on the gift presentation to the 7 billionth baby/babies at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. The First Lady of Zambia with the UNFPA Representative did the presentation.
UNITED STATES: Encouraging Reproductive Health for Migrants
El Nuevo Herald published on 29 an op-ed by Elena Zuñiga. In the piece, UNFPA’s regional initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean Reproductive Health for Migrant Youth and Women is mentioned. Read in Spanish: El Nuevo Herald
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD OF 7 BILLION
BANGLADESH: The Daily Star on 21 October reported on a roundtable entitled, "Bangldesh in a World of 7 Billion: Opportunities and Challenges." Topics of discussion included population management and family planning programmes, the early marriage problem and urban and agriculatural planning. The roundtable was jointly organized by the Daily Star and UNFPA. UNFPA representative Arthur Erken was heavily quoted in the piece. Read in English: The Daily Star
BELARUS: Naviny.by and 21.by reported on 20 October that the world population will reach 7 billion on 31 October. Tatyana Pronko, UNFPA programme associate, in her interview said that the 7 billionth citizen will most likely be an Indian boy. The choice will be very relative, because 10 thousand babies are born every hour on our planet. Read in Russian: Naviny.by and 21.by.
Tut.by published on 17 October a description of аn average Belarusian citizen on base of UNFPA information. It’s compared with typical world citizen’s portray given earlier on the National Geographic web site. The author names common and different features of these two persons, including age and gender, language and religion, occupation and place of living. Read in Russian: Tut.by.
Kyky.org announced on 17 October new materials from the UNFPA resource center on the “World of 7 Billion.” These are articles on longevity and healthy ageing, violence and its prevention, demographic prognoses, and a comparison of аn average Belarusian citizen and typical world citizen. Read in Russian: Kyky.org.
CUBA: Multiple media outlets reported between 17 and 23 October the arrival of the planet’s seven billionth inhabitant on 31 October. They also announced the presentation of The State of World Population 2011 on 26 October. Read in Spanish: Agencia de Información Nacional, Televisión Camagüey, TV Yumurí
GHANA: Ghana News Agency on 23 October reported on a UNFPA organized workshop to provide the National House of Chiefs with a comprehensive overview of the seven billion population campaign. Read in English: Ghana News Agency
INDONESIA: The Jakarta Post on 22 October published an article stating, "Nobuke Horibe, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia-Pacific regional director, surprised hundreds of guests attending a “World at 7 Billion” reception on Thursday evening by highlighting their lack of awareness in respect of this growth during the last few centuries." Read in English: The Jakarta Post
JORDAN: Al Rai and Al-Arab Al-Yawm newspapers reported on 24 October that according to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, the world’s population will top seven billion people by the end of October 2011. This unique moment in human history represents both an achievement and a challenge, and will have an impact on every single person on the planet. A world of seven billion has implications for sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth empowerment – however, it also offers a rare call-to-action opportunity to renew the global commitment for a healthy and sustainable world.
As the United Nations agency responsible for marking this milestone, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is leading an innovative global campaign—7 Billion Actions—to build awareness around the opportunities and challenges of a world of seven billion people. UNFPA has enlisted a wide group of corporations, organizations, and individuals to deliver this unique initiative, using online, mobile and offline actions to tell the story of the people behind the number. The 7 Billion Actions also aims to inspire governments, NGOs, private sector, media, academia and individuals to take actions that will have a socially positive impact. Read in Arabic: Al Rai and Al-Arab Al-Yawm
LEBANON: Al Balad published “For your Information,” a statistical section on the 7 Billion Campaign on 16 October. The article is part of the media-UNFPA Lebanon partnership to increase understanding of the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by a world population of 7 billion. This article is the second section in a series of 5 weekly sections. Entitled “Women and Girls Empowerment Key to Development,” the article provides a statistical snapshot on the situation of women in Lebanon in terms of access to education, inclusion in the labour market and political participation. The article also addresses Lebanon’s reservations on CEDAW articles as an obstacle to gender equality and mentions UNFPA Lebanon’s efforts in empowering women.
Al Moustaqbal published an article on World at 7 Billion campaign on 20 October. The article is part of the partnership UNFPA Lebanon is implementing with the media to draw attention to the significance of the event and to increase understanding of the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by this population milestone. This article is the first one in a series of two. Entitled “Challenges of a World of 7 billion: the Numbers,” the article provides a global approach to a number of themes, namely poverty, women, youth and population ageing. Each theme is corroborated by statistical evidence. The sequel article will be published on 2 November, on the eve of the 7 Billion day and will address the challenges from a country-specific perspective. Read in Arabic: Al Moustaqbal
As Safir published a one-page article on World at 7 Billion campaign on 20 October. The article is part of the partnership UNFPA Lebanon is implementing with the media to draw attention to the significance of the event and to increase understanding of the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by this population milestone. Entitled “The Future of Life Depends on the Control of Population Increase, Poverty and Consumption,” the article provides a global approach to a number of themes, namely poverty, women, youth, environmental sustainability, ageing and urbanization. Read in Arabic: As Safir
Al Balad published “For your Information,” a statistical section on the 7 Billion Campaign on 23 October. This article is part of the media-UNFPA Lebanon partnership to increase understanding of the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by a world population of 7 billion. This article is the third in a series of 5 weekly sections. Entitled “Population Ageing: an unprecedented challenge,” the article provides a statistical snapshot on the situation of the elderly in Lebanon in terms of numbers, access to care and policies. The article also mentions UNFPA Lebanon’s efforts in establishing national standards for elderly quality care services. Read in Arabic: Al Balad (page 27)
El Nashra published an article on the World at 7 Billion Campaign on 23 October. The article is part of the partnership UNFPA Lebanon is implementing with the media to draw attention to the significance of the event and to increase understanding of the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by this population milestone. Entitled “Lebanese population to reach 5 Million in 2050,” the one page article provides a global and a national approach to the themes of the campaign with a focus on poverty and food security. Read in Arabic: El Nashra
SWAZILAND: The Times of Swaziland on 21 October published an article focused on a statement by Minister of Economic Planning and Development Prince Hlangusemphi. Prince Hlangusemphi emphasized the importance of the nation working together to determine how the population situation impacts development. The Minister also said that on 31 October the Minister of Health Benedict Xaba and UNFPA Resident Representative Dr. Hassan Mohtashami will assist in bringing into the world Swaziland’s own ‘seventh billion baby’. Read in English: Times of Swaziland
TANZANIA: Daily News, The Citizen, Harbari Leo, Uhuru and Mwananchi on 19 October reported that as the global population reaches seven billion this month, Tanzania must improve its economy to accommodate population growth currently standing at 2.9 percent, an increase of 1.3 million people each year. Speaking during a media forum on 7 Billion, UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Julitta Onabanjo said there was a need to review Tanzania’s population policy as it is key in planning for development. UNFPA has asked Tanzanians to set strong strategies to face the high population growth in the country.
UNITED KINGDOM: The Herald Scotland published an article on the 7 billion on 23 October and quotes UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin saying, "“It’s an opportunity to bring the issues of population, women’s rights and family planning back to centre stage,” he said. “There are 215 million women worldwide who need family planning and don’t get it. If we can change that, and these women can take charge of their lives, we’ll have a better world.” Read in English: Herald Scotland
UNITED STATES: The Washington Post on 18 October published a blog asking, "Who's Going to Be the World's 7 Billionth Person?" The piece cited UNFPA and included a link to the 7 Billion Actions website. Read in English: Washington Post
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published on 19 October a piece on the 7 billion using UNFPA statistics. Read in English: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Associated Press on 19 October published an article on the challenges facing a world of 7 billion stating, "as of Oct. 31, according to the U.N. Population Fund, there will be 7 billion people sharing Earth's land and resources." Read in English: Associated Press
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD OF 7 BILLION
CANADA: CTV published on 16 October an article and video on the upcoming 7 billion population milestone predicted by UNFPA. Read and view in English: CTV
GLOBAL: Multiple media outlets picked up the Associated Press report on 17 October that, “As of Oct. 31, according to the U.N. Population Fund, there will be 7 billion people sharing Earth's land and resources.” Read in English: NPR, The Telegraph, Contra Costa Times
GLOBAL: The Associated Press on 17 October published a piece on the 7 billion quoting UNFPA Deputy Representative in Nigeria Ndyanabangi Bannet who noted that 60 per cent of the population is under 30 and needs to be accommodated with education, training and health care. “It is a plus if it is taken advantage of,” he said of Nigeria’s youth. “But if it is not harnessed, it can be a challenge, because imagine what hordes of unemployed young people can do.” Read in English: Associated Press
GLOBAL: Raleigh International on 17 October published a blog on the approaching population milestone of 7 billion. UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin is quoted saying the event is, “It's an opportunity to bring the issues of population, women's rights and family planning back to centre stage.” Read in English: Raleigh International
GLOBAL: The Press Association on 17 October reported on UNFPA’s 7 billion milestone prediction. Read in English: The Press Association
GLOBAL: Digital Journal on 17 October published an article on the upcoming 7 billion mark and highlighting the upcoming State of World Population report. Read in English: Digital Journal
NIGERIA: The Nigerian Tribune on 17 October reported that worldwide, 215 million women have an unmet need for family planning – a need that will only increase as the population grows. “A world of seven billion people is a distinctive moment in history. It represents an achievement, as well as an unprecedented challenge for the future of the planet and its inhabitants,” said UNFPA’s Babatunde Osotimehin. From 29 November to 2 December an International Conference on Family Planning will convene nearly 2,000 policymakers, scientists and advocates to galvanize action. Read in English: Nigerian Tribune
SRI LANKA: The Daily Mirror reported on 12 October that UNFPA sources revealed a number of socio-economic challenges the country would face as the world approached 7 billion such as a rapidly ageing population and rising unemployment. Read in English: Daily Mirror
UNITED KINGDOM: The Belfast Telegraph on 17 October cited the UNFPA prediction that the population milestone of 7 billion will be hit on 31 October. Read in English: Belfast Telegraph
UNITED STATES: The Harvard Crimson reported on 13 October on a lecture given by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin and hosted by the Harvard Centre for Population and Development Studies. Dr. Osotimehin stressed that in a world of seven billion, "We must ask ourselves how to engage with young people in different contexts so as to make them equal partners in the development of their countries.” Read in English: Harvard Crimson
UNITED STATES: Forbes.com published a column on 24 October by Elizabeth Kolbert. “Sometime on October 31st, the world’s population will hit seven billion. The baby who does the trick will most likely appear in India, where the number of births per minute—fifty-one—is higher than in any other nation. But he or she could also be born in China—the world’s most populous country—or in a fast-growing nation like Nigeria or Guatemala or, really, anywhere. The idea that a particular child will on a particular day bring the global population to a particular number is, of course, a fiction; nobody can say, within tens of millions, how many people there are on earth at any given time. The United Nations Population Fund has picked October 31st as its best estimate. That this date is Halloween is presumably just a coincidence.” Read in English: Forbes.com
UNITED STATES: Forbes.com published a blog on 17 October entitled “Too Many People?” The blog cites UNFPA several times stating, “The United Nations has been analyzing and forecasting the world’s demographics for decades.” Read in English: Forbes.com
UNITED STATES: McClatchy Newspapers on 9 October published a column on the importance of family planning in a world of 7 billion and global family planning has declined. “International donations of foreign aid to UNFPA to curb population growth have stagnated at $400 million per year, down from a peak of $700 million in 2002.”
UNITED STATES: The Post Standard on 17 October reiterated UNFPA’s Dr. Osotimehin’s description of the 7 billion milestone as a call to action. Read in English: The Post Standard
UNITED STATES: MSNBC on 15 October published a photoblog saying, “By the end of October, it is expected that there will be 7 billion people living on the planet, according to the U.N. Population Fund. We are hitting this milestone, even though Western Europe, Japan and Russia are currently facing population declines as a result of low birthrates and aging populations.” Read in English: MSNBC
UNITED STATES: Madagascar Women Seek to Slow Population Growth
Medical News on 14 October published an IRIN report on women’s efforts to curb population growth in Madagascar. "According to UNFPA, the percentage of women using contraceptives rose by 11 per cent between 2004 and 2009 to reach 29 percent. Despite this increase, birth control is still not always available, even in urban areas, and one in four births occurs less than 24 months after the preceding one." Read in English: Medical News
UNITED STATES: Seven Billion and Counting
McClatchy Newspapers on 9 October published commentary by Ben Barber on the need for birth control and "political and religious mine field" family planning agencies in the US are walking through. "The gun shy approach to family planning comes after the George W. Bush administration cut funding for UNFPA over dubious reports that UN family planning teams in China shared office space with Chinese officials engaged in forced abortions and sterilizations. The anti birth control backlash in the last 15 years has undermined the global effort that was getting population growth under control in the 1980s and 1990s." Read in English: Star-Telegram
UNITED STATES: Safe Birth Kits Distributed to Developing Countries
The New York Times on 27 September published a piece on the safe birth kits, usually containing soap, a plastic sheet, a razor blade to cut the umbilical cord, tape, gloves, a towel to wrap the baby in and a pictorial instruction sheet, distributed by the UNFPA and numbers aid organizations. “Since 2006, the Population Fund has distributed more than 800,000 birth kits in countries like Mozambique, India, Yemen, Liberia and Sierra Leone.” Read in English: The New York Times
CANADA: Global Pop Will Soon Hit 7 Billion
The Star reported on 25 September on UNFPA predicting an October date for the birth of Earth’s seven billionth inhabitant. The piece stressed empowering women to defuse the population bomb. “When we’re looking at solutions to population growth, we should start at the level of individual women,” says Guttmacher Institute Vice President of Government Affairs Susan Cohen, adding that reproductive choice has ripple effects that improve the economic outlook not just for families and communities, but also for nations. “It would end up leading to a much slower rate of population growth to the point that population would actually stabilize by the middle of the century based on the demographic models that are out there,” she said. Read in English: The Star