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.
BRAZIL: Itaipu and UNFPA Formalize Healthcare Partnership
Click Foz published on 23 October that UNFPA and Itaipu Binacional (the world's largest producer of hydroelectric energy) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalizes the partnership between the two institutions. The MoU is aimed at joint cooperation on indigenous health, reproductive health and rights, men's health and ageing, through the Itaipu Health Working Group.
The MoU will guide the cooperation activities between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay within the “Triple Frontier” region, where Itaipu is located. Harold Robinson, UNFPA Representative in Brazil and Director of UNFPA in Argentina and Paraguay was quoted saying that “South-South Cooperation is one of the main strategies adopted by UNFPA in Brazil to promote the exchange of experiences between Brazil and especially Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, and advances in the population and development agenda, with primary focus on reproductive health and rights, and participation rights of young people." Read in Portuguese: Click Foz Portal
BRAZIL: Demography Not Destiny According to UNFPA Head
Folha de S.Paulo published on 28 September an exclusive interview with UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, in which Dr. Osotimehin shares his views on the ICPD agenda and addressing the importance of ensuring women the means to decide whether and when to have children as a way to achieve better quality of life and contribute to sustainable development. There are 222 million women worldwide willing to avoid pregnancy but lacking access to modern contraceptive methods. Of these, 162 million are in the 69 poorest countries in the world, especially in rural areas. Read in Portuguese: Folha de S.Paulo
BRAZIL: On the Female Condom Day, Organizations Launch Booklet On Product
HIV News Agency (Agencia de Noticias da AIDS) reported on 12 September that the Center for Population Studies (Nepo/Unicamp), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association (ABIA) launched this 12 September the booklet “Female Condom: From Global Policies to the Brazilian Reality,” available in Portuguese. The publication addresses the current context of the female condom, from production and distribution to the results of a systematic review of their efficacy, effectiveness and acceptability. The study aims also to contribute to the promotion of universal and equitable access. Read in Portuguese: Agencia de Noticias da AIDS
BRAZIL: IBGE Holds Knowledge-Transfer Seminar on Census
Agencia Brasil and other outlets reported on 28 August that IBGE, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, are promoting an international seminar in Rio de Janeiro with support from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at sharing experiences on demographics and census with 10 African and Latin American countries. It includes census experiences with countries in emergency or post-crisis situations. For the UNFPA Representative in Brazil, Harold Robinson, the IBGE census is at the forefront of methodologies and technologies application that can help census surveys in other nations. "The Brazilian census has much legitimacy as the country is very complex. Moreover, IBGE is a worldwide reference and has a tradition of sharing knowledge with developing countries for many years." Read in Portuguese: Agencia Brasil, Terra Portal, ESP Brasil
BRAZIL: Discussions Held on Gender, Race and Ethnicity
Agencia Brasil and other outlets reported on 17 August that UNFPA and other UN agencies, together with the Brazilian and Spanish governments, examined the results of a joint programme aimed at the promotion of gender, race and ethnic equality in Brazil. The assessment was made on the two-day seminar “Intersectionality of Gender, Race and Ethnicity: The Joint Work on the Preparation and Implementation of Public Policies." The seminar discussed opportunities for future cooperation between the UN and governments, as well as innovative Brazilian practices, such as training courses for public managers on gender, race and ethnicity and a course for journalists on these subjects, held in eight capital cities. The Interagency Programme for Promotion of Gender, Race and Ethnicity was the first UN initiative that brought together various UN agencies (UNFPA, UNDP, ILO, UNICEF, UN Habitat) and governments in this area. Read in Portuguese: Agencia Brasil
GLOBAL: World Population Day
ALGERIA: Le Soir d'Algerie, El Moudjahid and Horizons on 12 July reported on the country's World Population Day celebration which took place in the National Institute of Public Health with the participation of the Minister of Health Dr. Djamel Ould Abbes and the UNFPA Representative. According to UNFPA, family planning is a basic human right. However, it remains meaningless unless individuals and couples have access to contraceptives, information and services to enable them to exercise that right. We have to meet the needs of the 222 million women who want to delay or avoid pregnancy but have no access to modern contraceptives. Read in French: Le Soir d'Algerie, El Moudjahid and Horizons
ARMENIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on World Population Day and the event organized by UNFPA Armenia to mark it. Garik Hayrapetyan, UNFPA Armenia Assistant Representative, addressed the participants in his welcome notes. Following the introduction, Meri Khachikyan, Director of "For Family and Health" the Pan-Armenian Association NGO, made a presentation on "Key Factors Influencing Contraceptive Behavior in Eastern Europe and Central Asia." The presentation covered a 2011 study conducted in seven countries of the region, including Armenia, which was aimed at increasing the understanding of the low use of modern contraception and the key factors influencing contraceptive behavior in the region. Read in English: Public Radio of Armenia, Ankakh.com, A1plus News, Panorama.am, Lurer.com. Read in Russian: 7 Days News, Armenpress News Agency, Slaq.am, Panorama.am. Read in Armenian: 7 Days News, 7 Days News, Panorama.am, Panorama.am, Aysor.am, MediaLab, Henaran Press Club, Armenpress News Agency, Armenpress News Agency, Lurer.com, A1plus News, Ankakh.com, Hraparak Daily. Listen in Armenian: Radio Liberty
AZERBAIJAN: AzerTAc reported on 11 July that UNFPA and he Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Azerbaijan conducted a round table devoted to the “Role of Communication in Access to Reproductive Health Services.” The event was chaired by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Elmira Suleymanova and the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Fikret Akcura.
Mr. Akcura commended the economic advance and the high pace with which Azerbaijan was resolving poverty at the national level, hereby investing in human capital, as well as furthering gender equality and other MDG targets. As the UNFPA Representative in Azerbaijan, he reemphasized the importance of proper communication and dissemination of unbiased, evidence-based information on reproductive health and family planning services. The high-ranked representatives from the Ministry of Health, National Reproductive Health Office (NRHO), the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry of Youth and Sport, and other long-standing partners of UNFPA once again thanked the organization for its technical assistance in realization of the advanced programmes in the country targeting the unmet RH/FP needs of the population. Read in Azerbaijani: AzerTAc
BANGLADESH: The Daily Star on 11 July published an op-ed by UNFPA Representative Arthur Erken on World Population Day urging an increase in family planning. "So yes, Bangladesh has done remarkably well when it comes to reducing its population growth rate, and in reducing the number of children a woman has these days. But, providing universal access to quality family planning information and services to all those who want to plan their families remains the greatest unfinished agenda of Bangladesh! So, on this World Population Day, let us redouble our efforts to make family planning again our top priority" he said. Read in English: Daily Star
The Daily Star on 12 July reported that as a result of the government's move to control overpopulation, 60 percent of women across the country have access to family planning. However the Prime Minister's Adviser for Health and Family Welfare Affairs Syed Modasser Ali noted that, “Although we have brought sixty percent women under the family planning services in order to reduce birth rate, we can not claim it as a success because we have to ensure hundred percent success." He was the chief guest at a discussion to mark World Population Day. UNFPA Representative in Bangldesh Arthur Erken also addressed the programme. Read in English: Daily Star
Gulf Times, News Today, UNF Connect and The Daily Star on 8-13 July published stories on a parliamentary debate competition jointly organized by UNFPA Bangladesh and Debate for Democracy to mark World Population Day and foster discussion of population issues amongst youth. Eight renowned schools from Dhaka took part in the competition, while 800 students enjoyed the competition. UNFPA Bangladesh Representative Arthur Erken is quoted saying, “Over the period of three decades, the total fertility rate has come down from 7 to 2.3. But, as 1/4th of the populace is young, they should have sufficient knowledge and skills on adolescent sexual reproductive health." Read in English: Gulf Times, News Today, UNB Connect and The Daily Star
BELIZE: Channel 5 on 11 July broadcast a TV programme, Open Your Eyes, featuring Erika Goldson, Assistant Representative in Belize for UNFPA. She discussed the intricacies of World Population Day and the activities taking place in Belize. Read in English: Channel 5 and LoveFM
BENIN: Multiple media outlets on 11 and 12 July reported that the United Nations Population Fund, in cooperation with the Benin Government, celebrated World Population Day under the theme "Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services," at Djakotomey. This municipality has one of the lowest rates of contraception use (1.6 % according to the sanitary statistics of 2011).
BOLIVIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July that UNFPA Bolivia celebrated World Population Day in close coordination with the Ministry of Health. A new plan to reduce maternal mortality was launched. The main event took place in La Paz, with similar local presentations in the cities of Cochabamba, Sucre and Potosi. Jaime Nadal, UNFPA Representative, highlighted the need for universal access to reproductive health in order to achieve MDG 5. Read in Spanish: Página Siete, La Razón, Los Tiempos, Los Tiempos, Opinión, Correo del Sur, Gaia Noticias, Jornada, ERBOL, ERBOL, PIEB, Radio FM Bolivia, Radio FM Bolivia, El Diario, El Deber, Bolivia.com, Infanciahoy.com, peopledaily.com, Opinion, La Razon
BRAZIL: Jornal do Brasil and other outlets reported on 11 July that the United Nations celebrated World Population Day by calling for more action in the area of reproductive health. UNFPA Executive, Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, stressed that 222 million women who do not want to become pregnant have no access to contraceptives. Lack of access to reproductive health continues to cause deaths for women of reproductive age. Dr. Osotimehin also said that 1.8 billion young people worldwide have no access to information and services while making decisions about reproductive health. Read in Portuguese: Jornal do Brasil and Sidneyrezende
BURKINA FASO: Observateur Paalga on 12 July reported on World Population Day celebrations in Burkina Faso. According to the newspaper, the acting representative of UNFPA, Pascal Karorero, who delivered the message of UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, said that, "it is time for leaders to renew their commitment to ensure universal access to services for reproductive health, especially to voluntary family planning." The newspaper said that the technical advisor to the Minister of Economy and Finance, who chaired the ceremony, called on all actors in society to work for the theme of the day, "Universal access to reproductive health services" a reality.
CHINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on World Population Day and its theme of "Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services." Read in Chinese: Xinhua Net
CNTV English Channel and CNTV Chinese reported on 11 July on the Asian Symposium on Building Sustainable Aging Society convened in Changchun of Jilin Province on 5 July. Mr Arie Hoekman, Representative of UNFPA China, attended the opening ceremony and selected sessions. He was interviewed by national media during the meeting and quoted saying, "China’s population is ageing more rapidly than most countries in the world. France has doubled its aged population, which is over 60 years old, to 14% from 7% within 115 years, in Sweden within 85 years. But China made it in only 27 years. It is estimated that there will be 332 million people over the age of 60 in China in 2050. Such severe ageing problems require improvement and diversity of community retirement services for the elderly."
The story was broadcasted as a major piece on the World Population Day on 11 July on CCTV. Watch in English: CNTV Watch in Chinese: CNTV Chinese
Sohu on 11 July a UNFPA China sponsored World Population Day event entitled, "Voices of Youth, Initiative of Cooperation” co-organized by the China Family Planning Association (CFPA) and China Youth Network in Shenzhen on 10 July. Mr. Arie Hoekman, Representative of UNFPA China attended the opening ceremony and gave a speech. Local media outlets were invited and a joint press release was prepared. Mr. Hoekman was quoted saying, “Every young person has the right to comprehensive sexuality education, and access to youth-friendly reproductive health services. With the right policies, investments and social support, young people can enjoy healthier lives free of poverty, violence and exploitation.” UNFPA-supported survey findings on youth access to sexual and reproductive health were provided to the media. Read in Chinese: Sohu, Oeee, and China.com
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: Tele-Congo reported on 12 July on the celebration of World Population Day on 11 July in Kinkala, in the Pool region, and specifically on a debate on Universal access to reproductive health. UNFPA Representative, David Lawson, and Health Minister Chief of Staff, Alexandre Alumba, were keynote speakers at this event. While outlining progress made in Congo on maternal mortality reduction over the past three years, Mr. Lawson called on the government for free family planning services in Congo. He said, "while free c-section has brought tremendous progress in maternal health, free family planning would enhance further this positive trend and help reach MDG5." Watch in French: Daily Motion
Tele-Congo and DRTV broadcast on 11 July the UNFPA Executive Director's message on World Population Day delivered by UNFPA Representative in Congo David Lawson. In line with the London Summit on Family Planning, the message focuses on this year's theme “Universal Access to Reproductive Health” and calls for greater action on family planning to reduce maternal mortality. Watch in French: Daily Motion
CUBA: Multiple media reported on 12 July on the celebrations of World Population Day in Cuba dedicated to universal access to reproductive health. The media published reports organized by the Scientific Scrub Cuban School of Public Health (ENSAP) and about the intervention of Jesus Robles, International Coordinator of the UNFPA Program in Cuba. Read in Spanish: Granma, Juventud Rebelde, CubaAhora, Radio Reloj, Revista Mujeres
Several media outlets on 11 July reported that the celebration of World Population Day in Cuba, promoted by UNFPA, was an opportunity to reflect on long-term population dynamics on the island and the challenges it poses to society. Cuba’s low fertility and rapid ageing process pose challenges to the island’s sustainable development. Read in Spanish: Revista Mujeres, Telecrentro Solvision, Tribuna de La Habana
Emisora CMHW reported on 10 July that Rolando Garcia Quiñones, Cuba's Assistant Representative of UNFPA, said youth participation is crucial to the success of the Greater Antilles in the field of sexual and reproductive health and protection of vulnerable demographic sectors. Read in Spanish: Emisora CMHW
DENMARK: Berlingske Tidende on 11 July published a joint op-ed by the Chief of UNFPA Nordic Office Pernille Fenger and Executive Director of the Danish Family Planning Association Bjarne B. Christensen. In the op-ed they discussed the realities of poor, young women not being able to decide when to have children. They point to the fact that with concerted efforts poor countries have obtained remarkable results in meeting women’s rights. The op-ed was a lead up to the London Summit on Family Planning. Read in Dutch: Berlingske Tidende
U-landsnyt.dk on 11 July published a joint press release by the UNFPA Nordic Office and the Danish FPA on the London Summit on Family Planning, with quotes from the Danish Minister for Development Corporation Christian Friis Bach, Chief of UNFPA Nordic Office, Pernille Fenger and Executive Director of the Danish FPA Bjarne B. Christensen. The release highlights the goal of meeting the needs of 120 million women and the renewed focus on family planning which the London Summit is an indication of. Read in Dutch: U-landsnyt.dk
Berlingske Tidende on 11 July, as well as several regional newspapers, published an article on a new large-scale initiative to give 120 million women access to contraception. The article quotes UNFPA's Executive Director stating that, “there is no excuse, neither cultural nor religious, that women should not be able to use contraception.” Read in Dutch: Berlingske Tidende, Berlingske Tidende, and JV.dk
Information on 11 July featured an article on the numbers from adding it up and the information – including a quote from the Chief of the UNFPA Nordic Office – on the London Summit. Read in Dutch: Information
Information on 11 July mentioned UNFPA and the London Summit in a human interest story. Read in Dutch: Information
Kristeligt Dagblad on 13 July reported on the outcome of the London Summit and quotes the Chief of the UNFPA Nordic Office (based on an interview conducted 12 July). In addition to telling about the commitments made at the conference, the article discusses how this renewed focus on family planning, the significant commitments by developing countries themselves and the involvement of a Catholic woman like Melinda Gates may serve to alleviate the controversy and add a more pragmatic approach to the subject.
EL SALVADOR: Multiple media outlets reported on World Population, and UNFPA-related activities around the theme of "Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services." Read in Spanish: La Prensa Gráfica, Equilibrium, Diario CoLatino (news 1), Diario CoLatino (news 2) and Website of the Institute of Youth in El Salvador - CONJUVE
Diario CoLatino on 12 July that this World Population Day, UNFPA stressed its speech on universal access to reproductive health services as an important goal for human development. Read in Spanish: Diario CoLatino and Diario CoLatino
La Prensa Grafica on 12 July reported that UNFPA celebrated World Population Day by remembering the day of 7 billion. Read in Spanish: La Prensa Grafica
La Palabra Universitaria on 13 July reported that UNFPA and the Ministry of Health celebrated World Population Day by focusing on the need for univeral access to reproductive health services. Read in Spanish: La Palabra Universitaria
UNFPA collaborated with several partners to publish pieces on World Population Day. Read in Spanish: Caminando hacia la Igualdad Sustantiva, INJUVE and Instituto Salvadoreno Del Seguro Social
ETHIOPIA: The Daily Monitor on 12 July reported that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for more to be done to help those who most need access to reproductive health care. “I call for urgent concerted action by member states to bridge the gap between demand and supply for reproductive health care,” Mr. Ban said.
“Reproductive health and rights are integral to sustainable development and poverty reduction. Investing in universal access to reproductive health is a crucial investment in healthy societies and a more sustainable future,” he added.
The theme for this year is ‘Universal access to Reproductive Health Services,’ aimed at highlighting the essential part that reproductive health plays in creating a just and equitable world. “Working for the survival and the well-being of women and girls is a human right imperative. And in order to take advantage of women’s full potential in the development of their nations, they must be able to plan their lives and families,” the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund Babatunde Osotimehin said.
GABON: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 July on the celebrations of World Population Day, held in Libreville. UNFPA Representative Nadir Hadj-Hammou, Vice Health Minister Alice Bikissa Nembe and Social Affairs Honorine Nzet Bitheghe made statements on the theme of the day "Universal access to reproductive health." The Vice Health Minister affirmed that this matter was among President Bongo's priorities. Mr. Hammou lamented that, despite its resources, the country had a maternal mortality (519 deaths for 100,000 live births) above the African average rate. He called for the need to strengthen efforts to address the family planning needs of 222 million women willing to avoid or delay pregnancy and reduce maternal mortality.
GEORGIA:Multiple media outlets reported on 11-13 July on World Population Day and published the message for World Population Day 2012 made by UNFPA's Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. Georgia Today interviewed Tamar Khomasuridze, UNFPA/Georgia assistant representative, focusing on the theme of universal access to reproductive health services in Georgia. According to her, in recent years, Georgia has made considerable progress with regard to improving capacity to provide reproductive health services and that universal access to reproductive health services, in some parts of Georgia, has now come close to reaching the Millendium Development Goals targets by 2015. The Assistant Representative also spoke about the major achievements, namely the results of the Georgia Reproductive Health Survey 2010, that showed the improvements in the reproductive health status of the population. In particular, for the first time since 1999, the birth-rate has surpassed the abortion rate in Georgia. Read in English: Georgia Today, Georgia Today and Inter Press News Read in Georgian: Radio Tavisupleba
GUATEMALA: Various national media on 11 July reported on public activities to commemorate World Population Day and that family planning is a key factor to achieving the objectives of the governmental program, "Zero Hunger," which fights chronic malnutrition among the poorest families in the country. The media also referred to the number of pregnancies in girls and adolescents, a reality that leads to malnutrition and the decreased development for adolescent girls. UNFPA Representative Leonor Calderón is mentioned in several pieces. Read in Spanish:Prensa Libre, Siglo 21,La Hora, La Hora, Diario de Centroamérica, CERIGUA, CERIGUA (Nota Babatunde Osotimehin), EDG Noticias
GUINEA: Goha Guinee on 10 July reported on a family planning advocacy day for religious authorities. Prior to World Population Day, the workshop brought together twenty imams, religious leaders and administrative authorities of Labe. On this occasion, verses from the Koran promoting family planning were identified. The participants proposed activities and committed themselves to promote family planning at meetings and during social ceremonies. Read in French: Goha Guinee
GUYANA: Stabroek News on 12 July published a story on the launch of a new report recommending the upgrade of government-run hospitals performing deliveries in order to boost maternal and newborn care. The report, lauch 11 July, under the theme “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services,” at the Ocean View Convention Centre, East Coast Demerara, coincided with World Population Day. The report, which gives a detailed assessment of all maternity facilities in Guyana during the year 2010, was supported by non-governmental organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Pan American Health Organisa-tion (PAHO) among others. Read in English: Stabroek News and Guyana Chronicle
INDONESIA: Mediaindonesia.com on 11 July reported that, “the level of maternal and infant mortality in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province is far higher than the average of national rate. In 2011, the MMR was reported at 306 per 100,000 live births, well above the national figure of 228. UNFPA Representative, Mr. Jose Ferraris, said that the high level of MMR and IMR have driven UNFPA to focus its programmes in NTT to address issues related to mother and child health. UNFPA works in three programmes of family planning revitalization, improving the universal access to reproductive health in general and implementing a model for friendly health service for youth and adolescents. “ Read in Indonesian: Mediaindonesia.com
The Jakarta Post on 12 July reported that “The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will assist the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) administration to provide reproductive health services for teens, aged 15 to 19, following a recent report by the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (SDKI) that only 45.4 per cent of married teens had access to contraception. “There are many cases that young women who get married early still face discrimination. There are even women who get pregnant before marriage and do not have access to basic health services, as they are the black sheep of the family,” said Moudy Taopan of UNFPA’s Youth Advisory Panel (YAP), on Wednesday."
Mediaindonesia.com on 12 July reported “men’s participation in family planning through condom usage remains low in Indonesia, as the condom is still associated with a negative connotation (of having extra marital sex). This perception is just one of many other misperceptions in the area of reproductive sex such as that providing reproductive health service to young people will lead to increasing their sexual activities, said UNFPA Representative Jose Ferraris in a seminar on Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services held to commemorate World Population Day in Indonesia. The seminar took place in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara on Wednesday, 11 July. Read in Indonesian: Mediaindonesia.com
Timorexpress.com on 13 July reported that, “World Population Day is celebrated this day each year by UN member states around the world to focus attention on the urgency and importance of issues related to population. This year’s theme of “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services” was selected to accelerate progress and reenergize commitments toward achievement of this goal. UNFPA Representative, Jose Ferraris, said in his speech for the opening ceremony in Ima Hotel in Kupang on Wednesday, 11 July, that based on the population structure in Indonesia, the number of people aged 15-29 accounted at 126 million people at the moment. This number means opportunity but also challenge for the country.” Read in Indonesian: Timorexpress.com
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN: Multiple media outlets from 2 July on reported on World Population Day events including speeches by the Minister of Health and Medical Education, the Deputy Minister of Health and UNFPA's Ms. Soudabeh Ahmadzadeh. Read in Farsi: Ghatreh, Ghatreh, IRNA, Ghatreh, IRNA, Ghatreh, Ghatreh, Ghatreh, Salamat News, Salamat News, Salamat News
JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets from 10-15 July reported on World Population observance in Jamaica. In her opening remarks at a symposium celebrating the day, Director of the UNFPA Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean Ms. Geeta Sethi, urged governments to invest in reproductive health services. “People are the most important resource of a country and given the Caribbean’s large youth population, half of which is below 25 years old, special emphasis must be placed on meaningful investment in young people’s education, health, and in equipping them to make responsible choices,” she stated. Several print and electronic media covered the event including the Jamaica Observer, the Gleaner, and the Jamaica Information Service. Read in English: Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Observer and Jamaica Observer
JORDAN: Al Rai, Petra News Agency and multiple news agencies reported on 11 July that Jordan joined the world in celebrating World Population Day 2012. Media outlets talked about this year's theme and how UNFPA Jordan is working with the Government of Jordan to achieve greater access to reproductive health services.
The articles concluded with a quotation of Dr. Osotimehin, “Today, as we commemorate World Population Day, it is time to re-energize our commitment to universal access to reproductive health services, especially family planning services. This commitment is as relevant today as it was when world leaders made it at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo.” Read in Arabic: Al Rai, Petra News Agency, Ammon News, Almadenah News, Al Arabiya, Jordanzad.
KYRGYZSTAN: CentralAsia, KNEWS, 24KG, VB, Akipress reported on 11 July that UNFPA held a press conference with the participation of the Resident Coordinator and a representative of the Ministry of Health. “Availability of affordable life-saving medicines, contraceptives and other essential health supplies is a vital part of well-functioning health systems that can serve people in an equitable manner,” said Alexander Avanessov, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic. “Access to voluntary family planning alone can also reduce unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths and disabilities, saving women's lives and those of their children,” added Mr. Avanessov.
In Kyrgyzstan, the young segment aged 14 to 28 represent 30.2% of the whole population. In this context, it is crucial to invest in young people’s health and education, improve access to sexual reproductive health services and age-appropriate, friendly services. “When young people can exercise their right to health and education, and have a decent job, they can contribute to improving their nations and escape poverty,” said Alexander Avanessov. Read in Russian: 24KG, Namba, 24KG, Namba, Centrasia, VB, KNEWS, KNEWS, 24KG, 24KG, Akipress
LIBERIA: The Daily Observer on 13 July reported that the Chairman of the Liberia Traditional Council, at a World Population Day celebration, has cautioned youth not to engage in risky sexual behaviour. UNFPA-Liberia’s Resident Representative, Esperance Fundira, read a message on behalf of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin at the event. Read in English: Daily Observer
The Inquirer on 11 July reported that UNFPA has disclosed that teenage pregnancy in Liberia stands at 38 per cent; unmet needs for family planning stand at 36 per cent while conceptive prevalence is only 11 per cent. Read in English: The Inquirer
The Inquirer on 13 July reported that according to the United Nations 2012 report, Trends in maternal mortality, Liberia's maternal mortality ratio has reduced from 994 out of every 100,000 live births to 770 out of every 100,000 live births, down by 224. UNFPA UNFPA Representative, Esperance Fundira, speaking during the Observance of World Population Day said, “To make greater progress, every woman needs access to basic package of reproductive health services.” Read in English: The Inquirer
The News on 13 July reported that, while speaking at a one-day World Population Day seminar organized by the National Lutheran Church Women Fellowship in Monrovia, UNFPA representative Madam Fundira said the choice one makes in his/her life in the bearing of children determines their future and should not be blamed on the civil war in Liberia. Read in English: The News
The News reported on 12 July that more than 800 women died daily in pregnancy or childbirth from complications that are very often preventable, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Babatunde Osotinmehin has revealed. Read in English: The News
The Informer on 12 July reported that UNFPA has lauded what it calls Liberia's progress in reducing maternal mortality in the country. UNFPA Liberia Resident Representative, Esperance Fundira, made the commendation yesterday at the program marking the 2012 World Population Day held at the SKD complex outside Monrovia. Read in English: The Informer
Front Page on 12 July reported that the Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund has expressed alarmed over the high level of unwanted pregnancies in Liberia. Read in English: Front Page
MEXICO: More than 50 media outlets such as Excelsior, La Jornada, Reforma, CNN México, El Universal, Milenio, Cronica, Pulsoslp, , Noticias Yahoo, Info7, El Arsenal, OEM, el Golfo, Síntesis, Informativo Chiapas, Chiapas Hoy, El Heraldo de Chiapas, Expreso Chiapas, El Pendulo de Chiapas, Cuarto Poder, Tabasco Hoy, Quadratin, Cambio de Michoacan, El mundo de Córdoba, Noticias Terra, Vocero Quintana Roo, Diario La Verdad, Rotativo, Pulso DF reported on the several activities, such as a press conference, journalist workshop and study tour to a project in Chiapas organized by UNFPA Mexico, on the occasion of the World Population Day. Diego Palacios Jaramillo, UNFPA Mexico Representative pointed out that access to reproductive health should be a priority for the next Mexican government and for the international community as a whole. During the press conference he also mentioned that today, pregnancy and childbirth-related complications are the major cause of death among girls 10 to 19 years old in most developing countries, while the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections are among young people aged 15 to 24. Read in Spanish: Excelsior, La Jornada, Reforma, CNN México, El Universal, Milenio, Cronica, Pulsoslp, Noticias Yahoo, Info7, El Arsenal, OEM, el Golfo, Síntesis, Informativo Chiapas, Chiapas Hoy, El Heraldo de Chiapas, Expreso Chiapas, El Pendulo de Chiapas, Cuarto Poder, Tabasco Hoy, Quadratin, Cambio de Michoacan, El mundo de Córdoba, Noticias Terra, Vocero Quintana Roo, Diario La Verdad, Rotativo, Pulso DF, OEM, Guerrero, Ciudad y Poder, Jornada, Cuarto poder, Chiapas Hoy, Jornada, El Herald o de Chiapas, Es Diario, OEM, Noticias de Chiapas, Imparcial Chiapas, Diario de Chiapas, OEM, El Cuarto Deguerra, Yucatan, Yucatan, Diario Portal, Omnia, e-Tlaxcala, El Mundo, Jornada, Milenio, Reforma, Cuarto Poder, NL, Jornada, Comunicacion Chiapas
MOLDOVA: Radio Chisinau on 11 July reported on the UNFPA press conference organized in celebration of the World Population Day. The article talked about the demographic situation in Moldova as well as about reproductive health issues, especially on universal access to reproductive health services. Read in Romanian: Radio Chisinau.
24h.md reported on 11 July on the importance of reproductive health education as well as universal access to RH services and quoted Mr. Boris Gilca, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Moldova and other speakers at the conference several times. Read in Romanian: 24h.md
Pro TV Moldova reported on 11 July on the flash mob, Informed and Protected, organized by Y-Peers to inform people on reproductive and sexual health to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. The demographic situation in the country was highlighted. Read in Romanian: Pro TV Moldova
Radio Free Europe on 11 July reported on the demographic crisis in Moldova, quoting Boris Gilca, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Moldova, on the issue. Read in Romanian: Radio Free Europe
Radio Free Europe on 11 July interviewed Mr. Mihai Moldovanu, deputy prime minister, Head of the National Commission for Population and Development, who participated in the UNFPA press conference on World Population Day, on the demographic situation in Moldova. Read in Romanian: Radio Free Europe
Teleradio Moldova on 11 July reported on WPD and the alarming statistics on the current issues presented by UNFPA Moldova. Read in Romanian: Teleradio Moldova
EuroTv on 11 July reported that the new priority of the Moldovan Government in population development is to provide access to reproductive health to the entire population. The Government wants to assure the access to reproductive Health Offices and Youth Friendly Service Clinics. Read in Romanian: EuroTV
Radio Free Europe on 12 July conducted an interview with Boris Gilca, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Moldova, on WPD and concerns about the demographic future of Moldova. Read in Romanian: Radio Free Europe
Privesc on 11 July broadcast a live transmission of the UNFPA World Population Day press conference. Watch in Romanian: Prevesc
View the widely broadcast video spots: YouTube1, YouTube2, YouTube3
MONGOLIA: The Mongol News on 4 July reported that the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labour, Ministry and Health and UNFPA in Mongolia jointly organized a press conference on World Population Day. The joint press release was printed in the UB Post on 9 July. The Mongolian version of the press release was published in the Unuudur Daily on 10 July.
MOROCCO: Le Soir on 11 July reported on UNFPA-supported activities for World Population Day.
MOZAMBIQUE: Radio Mocambique, TVM, STV, Lusa, and Angola Press reported on 11 and 12 July that the main commemoration of World Population Day in Mozambique was held in the district of Gongola, in the central province of Manica. All reports say that the event was led by UNFPA’s Representative, Bettina Maas, and Manica Governor, Ms. Ana Comoane. Ms. Maas is quoted by Lusa (Portuguese news agency) saying that there is a need (in Mozambique) to scale up reproductive health services, in particular family planning. “Everyone wishes to live in a world were delivering a baby is a sign of happiness for women, parents and family. We cannot continue living in a world were delivering a baby is a sign of uncertainty or something a family remembers sadly.” Read in Portugese: Noticias, and Portalangop
MYANMAR: The Myanmar Times on 9 July reported on a family planning conference convened in honor of World Population Day as part of a global push to improve access to family planning in developing countries. and the New Light of Myanmar on 12 July reported on World Population Day celebrations. UNFPA Representative Mohamed Abdel-Ahad is quoted saying, "By enabling young women to delay childbearing until they have achieved education and training, reproductive health services contribute toward improving women's social position and increasing their community and political participation."
The New Light of Myanmar on 12 July published an article on the commemorative ceremony held at Thingaha Hotel in honour of World Population Day. Mohamed Abdel Ahad, UNFPA representative spoke about UNFPA's activities in the country.
The New Light of Myanmar on 12 July published an article annoucing UNFPA is part of a coalition of organizations dedicated to improving maternal and child health globally and in Myanmar.
Mizzima on 11 July reported that the country will focus on women's health, family planning and contraceptives following a funding intiative by the UK’s development agency, the Department for International Development (DFID), Marie Stopes International, and UNFPA. A press briefing was organized in Naypyitaw to announce the commitment. Read in English: Mizzima
PARAGUAY: ABC Color on 7 July reported that on 10 July, to celebrate World Population Day, which this year has the theme "Universal access to reproductive health services," the initiative Presencia Joven, boys and girls working towards peer education, will organize an event in the Plaza de Armas. The event, also hosted by the NGO Kuna Roga, with support from UNFPA, will be held from 9:00 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 17:00. Read in Spanish: ABC Color
La Nación reported on 9 July that through theater, graffiti and various activities, adolescents and youth of the Presencia Joven will celebrate World Population Day. The event, held in the Plaza de Armas is driven by NGO Kuna Roga and has the support of UNFPA. Read in Spanish: La Nación
Radio Ñanduti on 13 July reported on the activity organized by Presencia Joven as part of the World Population Day in the city of Encarnación. The Advocacy and Communication Advisor for UNFPA Carolina Ravera, said on behalf of the Assistant Representative of this agency, Manuela Escobar, that "UNFPA would like to emphasize the theme before us today and really make everyone realize their right to information, services and supplies in sexual and reproductive health.” Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti
Portal Paraguayo de Noticias reported on 13 July that Sergio Gonzalez (16), a member of Presencia Joven, an organization of teens working in peer education and supported by UNFPA, organized a fun activity to celebrate World Population Day. Boys and girls were invited to come to the Plaza de Armas "so that together we reflect on our rights, especially when it comes to sexual and reproductive health.” Read more in Spanish: PPN
Itapúa en Noticias broadcast on 11 July, an interview with Sara González, a member of Presencia Joven, which, for World Population Day, organized with support from UNFPA, an event in the Plaza de Armas. During the day, adolescents, through activities such as games, theater and graffiti, shared information on sexual and reproductive health and promoting friendly health services in the city's hospital. Watch in Spanish: Itapúa en Noticias
PHILIPPINES: The Philippine Star on 13 July printed an editorial saying, “the theme of this year’s observance of World Population Day cannot be any more direct: “universal access to reproductive health care.” United Nations statistics show that every day around the world, nearly 800 women die of complications from pregnancy or childbirth. For every death, according to the UN Population Fund, 20 more women suffer debilitating childbirth injuries. UNFPA reported that in most developing countries, pregnancy and complications from childbirth are the leading causes of death of girls aged 10 to 19. The highest rates of sexually transmitted infections are recorded among youths aged 15 to 24 in developing countries, according to the UNFPA." Read in English: Philippine Star
The Inquirer on 12 July printed an opinion piece by Rina Jimenez-David. “In her statement issued on World Population Day last Wednesday, Senator Pia Cayetano appealed to everyone to “prioritize the plight and burden of Filipino mothers. They are the ones who risk their life to bear new life, carry the primary burden of ensuring the health, education and welfare of their children, and balance the family’s meager resources to survive from day to day.” Saying “the situation of our mothers has gone from bad to worse” with rising maternal death statistics, the senator said “any fair-minded legislator [should] support the enactment of the RH bill, which would allow mothers universal access to reproductive health services of the government.”” Read in English: The Inquirer
The Philippine Information Agency reported on 13 July that “the Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Population (PopCom) has pushed for universal access to Reproductive Health (RH) services and the utilization of family planning. RH problems remain as the leading cause of illnesses and death for women of childbearing age locally and globally. Maternal mortality rate in Cordillera based on the 2009 data, is 79 per 100,000 live births. PopCom, in partnership with DOH, spearheaded July 11’s Kapihan Media Forum in observance of the World Population Day 2012, which adopts the theme “Universal Access to Reproductive Health.”” Read in English: Philippine Information Agency
The Philippine Star on 11 July printed an editorial saying, “the World Bank has joined the International Monetary Fund and rating agencies in projecting an economic contraction this year for the Philippines. As the global economic crisis deepens, the United Nations is expecting women and children in developing countries to bear the brunt of the impact. The crisis gives more urgency to the implementation of measures that will promote education and health care for women and children. This is the message of the United Nations Population Fund as the 20th World Population Day is marked today. The UNFPA points out that investments in education and health of women and girls have been linked to higher national productivity, agricultural yield and income, all of which contribute to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals.” Read in English: Philippine Star
The Manila Bulletin on 10 July printed an editorial, “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services” is the theme of this year’s celebration of World Population Day, in support of the attainment of the 5th Millennium Development Goal (MDG) which is to improve maternal health. Despite progress in this area, there is still much to be done to realize the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) vision of “a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.”” Read in English: Manila Bulletin
The Gulf Times on 12 July published that, “Jonalyn Corpuz struggled to hold on to her three-month-old son throwing a tantrum as she waited in line for free contraceptive implants in Manila’s slum district of Tondo. Corpuz was among hundreds of mothers who signed up for free implants and injections, ligation, birth control pills and other reproductive health services at a family planning fair in Baseco, the largest slum village in Tondo. The fair was organised by the Manila-based Likhaan Centre for Women’s Health in partnership with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the European Union and other local groups to mark World Population Day yesterday.” Read in English: Gulf Times
Negros Daily Bulletin on 12 July reported that, “Dr. Eden Divinagracia, Executive Director of the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare, Inc. (PNGOC) cited the recent statistics, that the unmet needs for Family Planning increased from 15.7% in 2006 to 19.3% in 2011 at the World Population Day event with the theme, Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services. The objective of the celebration was to raise awareness among stakeholders the importance of addressing population issues and their relationship to health and development.” Read in English: Negros Daily Bulletin
The Inquirer on 11 July reported that, “Senator Pia Cayetano on Wednesday renewed her call for the passing of the Reproductive Health Bill in time with the commemoration of World Population Day. “On World Population Day, let’s prioritize the plight and burden of Filipino mothers. They are the ones who risk their life to bear new life, carry the primary burden of ensuring the health, education and welfare of their children, and balance the family’s meager resources to survive from day-to-day,” said Cayetano.” Read in English: The Inquirer and InterAksyon.com
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SIERRA LEONE: AWOKO and New Vision reported on 12 July that at a press conference to commemorate World Population Day in Freetown on 11 July, the Acting Director of UNFPA sub-regional office in Dakar, Idrissa Ouedraogo, said that family planning is a basic human right. Giving birth, he said, is typically the most joyful moment in a woman’s life, yet this very process takes the life of so many women worldwide.
Mr. Ouedraogo further stated that for every woman who dies, around 20 more suffer debilitating childbirth conditions such as fistula, and that working for the survival and the well-being of women and girls is a human rights imperative. He said that as we commemorate World Population Day, it is time to re-energize our commitment to universal access to reproductive health services, especially voluntary family planning.
The Component Manager for Population and Development at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mohamed Lebbie, observed that the theme for this year’s celebration: Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services, is clearly an important one and the timing is opportune particularly when government is now committed to formulating a comprehensive national population policy within socio-economic planning.
SRI LANKA: The Daily Mirror, Daily News, Sinhala 'Ada', Daily Lankadeepa Sinhala and Veerakesari Tamil on 11 July reported on World Population Day and UNFPA. The Daily Mirror did a three-page spread on the topic.
SUDAN: Sudan Vision Daily published on 12 July the message by Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, on World Population Day 2012. In the message Dr. Osotimehin reaffirmed UNFPA’s human rights approach to reproductive health by affirming that working for the survival and well-being of women and girls is a human rights imperative. In order to take advantage of women’s full potential in the development of their nations, they must be able to plan their lives and families. This is why the international community is determined to making universal access to reproductive health a priority. Read in English: Sudan Vision Daily
Al Sahafa Daily reported on 10 July about the planned celebrations of World Population Day on 16 July at Genaina, West Darfur. The events are organized by the Reproductive Health Directorate of the Federal Ministry of Health, West Darfur Ministry of Health and UNFPA Sudan. Dr. Sawsan Eltahir of the Federal Ministry of Health was quoted as saying this year’s celebrations advocate for efforts to provide quality integrated reproductive health services that include midwifery, emergency maternal services in addition to information and services on spacing children. Read in Arabic: Al Sahafa Daily
TAJIKISTAN: Khovar reported on 13 July on the UNFPA-conducted press conference on World Population Day. Mr. Alexander Zuev, UNFPA Representative in Tajikistan spoke on the occasion. Read in Russian: Khovar
TIMOR-LESTE: The Timor-Post on 11 July reported that UNFPA celebrated World Population Day with government representatives, development partners, and students at Canossa School in Dili. UNFPA has been working the Ministry of Health and International Agencies in Timor-Leste for the past 10 years to strengthen education and capacity on reproductive health and progress is being made. This year’s global theme ‘Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services’ is of particular relevance to Timor-Leste, a country with a high fertility rate and a high maternal mortality ratio. A Timorese woman will have, on average, 5.7 births during her lifetime with one in 44 women likely to die as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth, according to the Demographic Health Survey 2009-2010. Through the celebration of World Population Day, UNFPA hopes to raise awareness among young people on key reproductive health issues, so they can make informed decisions concerning their health and their future. UNFPA Representative Pornchai Suchitta pledged UNFPA’s commitment to work with all of its partners to ensure that universal access to reproductive health, especially voluntary family planning, is a key element of the international development agenda and poverty reduction policies. Mr. Pornchai said that, “only then would countries be able to reduce poverty and social and economic inequality, improve the well-being of their people and safeguard the health and rights of women, men, and young people.”
The Independente on 12 July reported that the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon called on United Nations member states to highlight the key role of access to reproductive health care. “I call for urgent concerted action by the member states to bridge the gap between demand and supply for reproductive health care,” said Ban. The paper also quoted the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, who stated that reproductive health problems remain the leading cause of ill health and death for women of childbearing age worldwide.
The Timor Post on 12 July published a photo of the First Lady of Timor-Leste, Mrs. Isabel Ferreira, ribbon cutting at the UNFPA exhibition on the celebration of World Population Day with UNFPA Representative Mr. Pornchai at Canossa Community School.
TOGO: Multiple media outlets reported on 11 and 12 July on the country’s World Population Day celebrations. The Minister in Charge of the Planning of Development and Regional Planning, Dédé Ahouéfa EKOUE, launched World Population Day on 10 July in the Medico-social Center of Tokoin Doumasséssé at Lome. She had by her side, the Ministers of Health, Security and Civil Protection, the representative of the Office of the UNFPA in Togo, Cécile MUKARUBUGA, the representatives of other agencies such as the United Nations’ representative Khardiata Lo Ndiaye, the resident Coordinator of the United Nations System and resident Representative of the UNDP in Togo, members of the diplomatic corps, high personalities in charge of the engineering departments and a crowd made up of women who came to listen.
The celebration was also an opportunity for the UNFPA Togo to offer five motorbikes to the medical districts of the maritime area through the Ministry of Health. In collaboration with the Management of Family Health, services for family planning were offered free on the site of the demonstration to surrounding populations. Parallel to the celebration, the media diffused and published the message of the Executive Director in their columns and on the airwaves.
A day before this celebration, a press conference, hosted by the Togolese Government and the Office of the UNFPA in Togo, enlightened journalists on World Population Day, the current efforts of the government regarding reproductive health, and the importance of demography and development. Read in French: Togo En Vogue, Togo En Vogue, Pa-L'Union, Pa-L'Union, Savoir News, Sante Education and Afriscoop
TURKMENISTAN: Neutral Turkmenistan reported on 11 July on the celebration by the international community of World Population Day. In the article, the author shared the history of World Population Day and extensively described the cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNFPA since 1992, particularly in the area of reproductive health, given the theme of the 2012 World Population Day. Quoting the Secretary-General’s World Population Day message on the importance of mainstreaming reproductive health and rights into all development plans, the article highlights the achievements of Turkmenistan in the area of reproductive health with the support of UNFPA, including the adoption, among the first in the region to do so, of national development programmes and strategies on reproductive health, safe motherhood and others.
Neutral Turkmenistan, Dashoguz Habarlary, and Maru-Shahu-Jahan newspapers reported on 12, 13 and 14 July that UNFPA jointly with the National Clinical Center for Mother and Child Health (NCCMC) held a series of roundtables dedicated to the World Population Day theme in the capital city and in two cities in the regions. The roundtables served as a platform to recognize the medical specialists working in the field of reproductive health, and to create a dialogue between the service providers and users on the existing reproductive health services, safe motherhood, adolescent reproductive health and reproductive rights of women, including those living with disabilities, and young people. Medical specialists, representatives of the non-governmental organizations and mass media, as well as couples, women of fertile age and young people participated at the round-tables.
UGANDA: New Vision on 11 July reported on a dialogue organized by the UNFPA country office in preparation for World Population Day. With the theme: “Make Access to Reproductive Health Services a Priority: Address Key Challenges,” the dialogue attracted youths from across Kampala city and beyond. Read in English: New Vision
New Vision on 11 July published an interview with UNFPA Country Representative Janet Jackson about World Population, family planning and other key issues affecting the population. Read in English: New Vision
The Daily Monitor on 12 July published an article about the London Family Planning Summit. UNFPA Country Representative Janet Jackson is mentioned in the article saying, making access to reproductive health services shoul dbe a priority. Read in English: Daily Monitor
URUGUAY: Several media outlets reported from 11-14 July on different aspects of the celebration of World Population Day. El País reported that Uruguayan authorities were to announce that the country would host the first meeting of the Regional Conference on Population in August 2013. That Conference would focus on the Programme of Action of the International Conference for Population and Development (ICPD) advancements. La diaria and Radio Uruguay highlighted that the Uruguayan model to eliminate maternal mortality for unsafe abortions, which follows the commitments signed in the ICPD, will be shared with other Latin American countries. La Republica focused on growing inequalities as the world population rises. Trends on sexual and reproductive health, including maternal mortality, were presented and debated by several media. Read more in Spanish: El País, La Diaria, La República, UNI Radio, Radio Uruguay, Radio Universal, Montevideo.com, Presidencia, Fray Bentina Digital, El Pueblo de Salto, El País de los Niños, Prensa Latina
UZBEKISTAN: UzDaily, Gazeta.uz and numerous other outlets reported on 12 July that on 11 July, the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan and UNFPA (UN Population Fund) together celebrated World Population Day 2012. The day, which was held under the motto “Healthy Families – Healthy Societies,” was celebrated with an open-air event at Gofur Gulom Park in Tashkent. The celebration featured a family marathon, as well as a kids’ chalk drawing contest on the theme of “Healthy Families.” Winners and participants of the contest were awarded with souvenirs. Participants of the event and guests also enjoyed the performance of amateur folk dance and song groups. Read in Russian: UzDaily, Gazeta.uz, and ca-news Read in English: UzDaily
e-Tashkent reported on 12 July that on 13 July, the UN Information Centre (UNIC) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) planned to co-host a traditional UN Friday to highlight one of UN’s flagship observances, World Population Day. The programme featured Feruza Fazilova, National Programme Officer on Reproductive Health at UNFPA, Diloram Melikova, family physician at Tashkent International Clinic, Davron Mirsagatov, and representative of the youth education network Y-PEER, Vojtech Hledik, UNAIDS Country Office in Uzbekistan. Read in Russian: e-Tashkent
BRAZIL: Report Shows Inequalities and Discrimination
Multiple media outlets reported between 16 and 20 November that young people of African descent in Latin America and the Caribbean are among the population groups that face the greatest disadvantage, exclusion and discrimination, as stated in the report "Afro-descendant youth in Latin America: diverse realities and (un)fulfilled rights," launched by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Salvador, Brazil on 18 November as part of Afro XXI – Latin American Meeting of the International Year of African descent. It is estimated that in Latin America, according to information available from the 9 countries surveyed, there are about 24 million young people of African descent, on a total of 81 million people of African descent. With 22 million, Brazil is the country that brings together the largest number of African descent in both relative and absolute terms. Other countries include Colombia, Ecuador and Panama, which together reported nearly 1.4 million. Marcela Suazo, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Population Fund, was quoted saying that "one of the challenges is the lack of disaggregated, systematic and reliable data on African descendent population," adding that "the availability of these data would highlight the inequities faced by this population and thus contribute to the development of affirmative policies for Afro-descendants."
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2011 REPORT
BRAZIL: Multiple TV news programs covered the launch of SWOP and the day of 7 billion between 26 and 31 October. View in Spanish: Jornal Hoje, Jornal da Globo, Bom Dia Brasil and Jornal Globo News, Jornal Nacional and Jornal Hoje
CAMBODIA: The Phnom Penh Post reported on 1 November that as the world’s population hits seven billion, the latest statistics from the UN Population Fund’s State of the Population report show the number of Cambodians decreased by five per cent in the past year. The report puts the total population of Cambodia at 14.3 million compared with 15.1 million in 2010.
COMOROS: La Gazette on 2 November reported that At the current pace of growth, 78 million people are added annually to the world's population. "This population is recorded for a large part in the least developed countries, some of which are already struggling to meet the needs of their populations," said the Resident Coordinator System UN Comoros, at the launch of report on the State of World Population 2011
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Tele-Pointe-Noire, Radio-Pointe-Noire Agence d'Information Congolaise, and Africa No. 1 reported on 2 November on a press conference by UNFPA Representative David Lawson in Pointe-Noire, to present the UNFPA 2011 State of the World Population, the 7 billion people milestone and its implications for Congo. Mr. Lawson talked on some global challenges, the fight against poverty and hunger through economic growth and investments in agriculture, environmental protection, urbanization, youth employment and social policies to address ageing and support vulnerable populations, development aid, and combating inequalities, including among women and men, valid and disabled.
La Semaine africaine reported on 2 November on the UNFPA SWOP launch in Brazzaville by UNFPA Representative David Lawson, in the presence of the State Economy Minister Pierre Moussa, Youth Minister, Health Minister, Small and Middle Enterprises Minister, Vice Economy Minister, parliamentarians, ambassadors, UN agency heads, civil society leaders and the media in the context of the 7 billion world. Mr. Lawson outlined the challenges and opportunities at such a milestone for the world and Congo. He thus focused on urbanization, youth, ageing, agriculture, health and education and financing for development. The State Economy Minister outlined the Government policies implemented to address the challenges of global demographic growth. Read in French: La Semaine africaine
CUBA: Between 31 October and 6 November, Cuban media reported activities related to the arrival of the planet to the 7 billion people and the launching of The State of World Population 2011, pointing out some of its most important aspects. Read and View in Spanish: Cuba TV, Sitio Web del Sistema Informativo de la TV Cubana, Cuba TV, Sitio Web del Sistema Informativo de la TV Cubana, Mujeres, Publicación semanal, Cuba Sí (Tomado de la Agencia de Información Nacional), Radio Surco (Tomado de la Agencia de Información Nacional), La Demajagua digital, Prensa Latina, GIS XXI, Radio Reloj, Solvisión, Cuba Vision, Juventud Rebelde, Radio Rebelde, IPS, IPS, Granma, Periódico 26, Asociación Cubana de las Naciones (ACNU).
DPR OF KOREA: The Korean Central News Agency on 1 November and Pyongyang Times on 5 November reported on the UNFPA country office advocacy event celebrating the day of 7 billion and the release of the State of World Population report. The event was held at Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang. Participants viewed the video, “United World.”
FINLAND: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. Local partners including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN Associations, who participated in organizing the launch events, also published information about the SWOP launch events. Read, view and listen in Finnish: Helsingin Sanomat, Helsingin Sanomat, Maailma, Hufvudstadsbladet, YLE, Finnish Broadcasting Services, MTV3, Nelonen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Global Finland portal, UNA-Finland, Väestöliitto-Finnish Family Planning Association
GUATEMALA: Prensa Libre on 31 October published an op-ed by Carolina Vasquez Araya which quoted figures provided by the UNFPA during the launch of The State of World Population 2011 which revealed that of the 14,713,000 people in Guatemala, 7.4 million are poor, and of these, 2.2 million people survive in abject poverty. 75 percent of the Maya, Garifuna and Xinca are living in poverty, and most women are excluded from the benefits of development. Read in Spanish Prensa Libre
GUYANA: The Guyana Chronicle on 1 November reported on the launch of the SWOP report at the Georgetown Club. Ms. La Fleur was a featured speaker at the event. Read in English: Guyana Chronicle
JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets reported on 31 October to 5 November on the State of World Population report launch in Jamaica. Read in English: Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Observer, The Gleaner and TV Jamaica
LEBANON: The Daily Star reported on 31 October on the 7 billion Campaign. The article adopts a global approach and describes UNFPA’s campaign and its main themes. The article provides global statistics illustrating population trends and quotes UN Secretary general and UNFPA Executive Director and mentions the 2011 State of World Population Report. Read in English: Daily Star.
MONGOLIA: Multiple media outlets from 26 October to 31 October reported on the release of the State of World Population 2011. The UB Post, Mongol Messenger and Unuudur printed the statement of UNFPA Mongolia Representative Ms. Argentina Matavel Piccin. The Mongol News Press broadcast the press conference to launch SWOP. Mr. S. Mendsaikhan, Chairman of the National Statistics Office, Ms. Argentina Matavel Piccin, UNFPA Representative, Ms. B. Oyun, UNFPA NPO and Mr. A. Amarbal, Chairman of the Census Bureau participated in the press conference.
NAMBIA: The Nambian on 1 November published an article on the challenges and opportunities facing a world of seven billion. The SWOP report is briefly mentioned in the article saying that the report, “report highlights how the world will face growing problems finding jobs for the new army of young people, especially in poor countries. It also sounds alarms over how climate change and population growth are adding to drought and famine crises; the management of megacities like Tokyo; and ageing populations such as Europe’s.” Read in English: The Namibian
NORWAY: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These stories included quotes from UNFPA Exexutive Director Babatunde Osotimehin and Rep. Mr. Rune Fröseth and citings of UNFPA data. Information about the SWOP launch events was also published by local partners including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN Associations, who participated in organizing the launch events.Read, view and listen in Norwegian: Bistandsaktuelt, Adressa.no, Pd.no, Hadeland, Arbeits rett, Vestby avis,Ringblad.no, Namdalsavisen, Hordaland, Demokraten, FVN.no, Smp.no, Agder posten,Tidens Krav ,Glåm dalen, Dagsavisen, Dagbladet, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, TV2 News, Dagsavisen, Aftenposten, ABCNyheter, Dagsavisen, Hegnar online, Dagbladet, TV2 News, NRK Norwegian national TV, NRK, Dagsavisen/TV daily news, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Press release, UNA-Norway
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY: Multiple media outlets reported on 2 November on the press conference, organized by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and UNFPA on the occasion of the launching of the “State of World Population Report 2011” by UNFPA and “The State of Palestinian Population Report” by PCBS. The press conference touched various issues related to population through history and projections until 2025. “UNFPA expects population growth until 2050. The increase is especially noticed in Gaza Strip as 1.7m live in Gaza in a 360 km2 area; the world’s most populated area” said Ms. Barbara Piazza-Georgi, UNFPA Representative. “In the next 20 years, the figure is expected to double in Gaza alone” she continued. The press conference was followed by an exhibition that was organized by Sharek Youth Forum and funded by UNFPA entitled “Palestine in the world of Seven Billion: Faces & Numbers" which was a display of Palestinian faces from different sects of the population, and facts about the Palestinian population on various indicators. Read in Arabic: Wafa News Agency, Maan News, Panet, Al Arab, Al Ayyam Newspaper, Manar Radio, PalToday, Al-Quds Newspaper
RWANDA: Imvaho Nshya and New Times on 1 November reported on the launch of SWOP 2011. UN Resident Coordinator, Aurélien Agbénonci,is quoted in the piece saying “The issue of the ‘World at 7 billion’ entails concerns of poverty and inequality, women and girls, young people, reproductive health and rights, environment, aging and urbanization.”
SIERRA LEONE: New Vision on 4 November reported that the Administrative Manager for Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) disclosed to journalists that the UNFPA Country Representative, Md. Ratidzai Ndhlovu is most outstanding in the fight for women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone. Mr. Ahmed Saybon Kanu agreed with the UNFPA Rep. in her speech on the launch of the World Population Report for women’s protection and empowerment. On the issue of population growth in the world at seven billion, Mr. Kanu said population growth is critical for humanity adding that the population question is one of human equity and opportunity that is evaluated along sustainable development lines.
New Citizen on 3 November reported that the Administrative Manager of Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) has, on behalf of SSL, acclaimed the UNFPA through the Country Representative for being the leading financier of SSL.
Addressing journalists and a cross section of SSL staff at its headquarters on Tuesday 1 November, Mr. Ahmed Saybon Kanu re-echoed the speech of the UNFPA Country Representation during the launch of the World Population Report which among others underscored that the global population reached 7 billion on 31 October. According to Mr. Kanu, the pace of population growth is both a challenge and an opportunity for Sierra Leone to continue and even strengthen its free health care delivery service within the framework of the Agenda for Change with support from UNFPA and other development partners.
SWEDEN: Multiple, web, radio and broadcasting media outlets reported on the world of 7 billion referring to the State of World Population report and UNFPA between 23 and 31 October. Most of the articles conveyed a balanced message on challenges and possibilities related to population dynamics. These included a joint Op-Ed Babatunde Osotimehin and Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Ms. Gunilla Carlsson, an interview with ED Babatunde Osotimehin, an interview with UNFPA demographer Ralph Hakkert, and an interview with Mr. Heimo Laakkonen of UNFPA. Information about the SWOP launch events was also published by local partners including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national UN Associations, who participated in organizing the launch events. Read, view and listen in Swedish: Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Dagens Nyheter; Svenska Dagbladet, Svenska Dagbladet, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Services, Svenska Dagbladet, Expressen, Sydsvenska Dagbladet, Aftonbladet, Göteborgsposten, Swedish National TV News Service, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko; Sveriges Radio Dagens Eko, Sveriges Radio Sisuradio, Sveriges Radio Klartext, Sveriges Radio Studio Ett, Sveriges Radio P1-Morgon, Swedish National TV: SVT 1 Rapport, TV4 Nyheterna, Ministry for Foreign Affairs: SWOP launch, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Minister Carlsson’s speech, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Joint Op Ed Babatunde Osotimehin and Minister Carlsson, UNA-Sweden: SWOP launch, RFSU-Swedish Family Planning Association: SWOP launch
TAJIKISTAN: Avesta.Tj on 31 October reported that according to The State of World Population 2011 report, published by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, on 31 October the world population reached the 7 billion mark. Read in Russian: Avesta.Tj
Khovar on 31 October reported on the birth of the country’s 7 billion baby and quoted statistics from the State of World Population 2011 report. Read in Russian: Khovar
Asia Plus on 31 October published a quote by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin who said that achieving the seven billion population mark "may be considered a challenge, opportunity and a call for action." The article also used information for the SWOP 2011 report. Read in Russian: AsiaPlus
TIMOR-LESTE: Suara Timor Lorosae on 31 October announced the launch of the 2011 State of World Population Report and welcoming the 7 billionth baby in Timor-Leste at the Auditorium of the Dili National Hospital. The article also quoted the UNFPA ED in his message “The issue of population is a critical one for our humanity and for the earth. But let us be clear: it is not a matter of space. The population question is one of human equity and opportunity.”
The Dilli Weekly on 1 November covered the day of 7 billion as well as the launch of UNFPA’s State of World Population report. The story included a quote from UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin.
TUNISIA: Assabah, TAP Press Agency, MAP Press Agency, Binaa News Agency, Tunisie Numérique and Al Maghrib Al Siyasi, reported on 31 October, and 1 and 3 November that UNFPA launched the State of World Population 2011 report, entitled “People and possibilities in a world of 7 billion.” The articles provide an overview of the seven messages of the report, as well as global trends and population issues and mention the 7 Billion Campaign accompanying the launch of the report. Read in French: TAP, Tunisie Numérique Read in Arabic: Assabah
Hannibal TV, Nessma TV, Al Hiwar Al Tounisi and Télevion Nationale Tunisienne I broadcast on 2 November different statements quoted from the press conference organized in the United Nations Information Center in Tunis. The official presentation of the SWOP report was delivered by Assistant Representative of the UNFPA in Tunisia Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane. Dr. Joudane gave, in her opening speech, a summary presentation of the report components while emphasizing the potential of Tunisian youth. Watch in Arabic: TNT I, Nessma TV and Hannibal TV
Shems FM, Mosaique FM, Express FM, Radio Gafsa, RTCI and Radio Jeunes reported on 2 November the various interviews of Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane, Assistant Representative in Tunisia, who presented the SWOP report and the trends and population dynamics that define a world of 7 billion people advocating for additional investments in youth and increased participation of women and youth in all areas. She emphasized that reinforcing gender equality is essential to the world's future and that we cannot afford to lose the full potential of half the world’s population.
URUGUAY: Several media outlets reported on 31 October and 1 November that UNFPA presented, at the Pereira Rossell Hospital, the State of World Population 2011 analyzing population and demographic trends worldwide. Several media cited Fernando Filgueira, UNFPA’s assistant representative, on national demographic challenges including establishing mechanisms to ensure care services for dependant population groups (children 0-3, older people and people with disabilities) to unleash women’s participation in the workforce. In addition, the role of guaranteeing access to sexual and reproductive rights was reinforced. Read and watch more in Spanish: Canal 10, VTV (1), VTV (2), Oceano FM, Telégrafo
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2011 REPORT
ARGENTINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 26, 27 and 28 October on the State of World Population 2011. Some of them analyzed the trends and population dynamics that define a world of 7 billion people. Most of the articles highlighted Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin’s statements in which he remarked that the milestone today reminds us that we must act immediately, because we also are 7 billion of opportunities. Read in Spanish: Diario Clarín, La Nación; Página 12; TELAM Noticias; La Capital de Rosario; El Ciudadano Santa Fe; La Opinion de Santa Fe; La Voz de Córdoba; La Gaceta de Tucumán; La Nueva Rioja; Misiones4.com; Los Andes de Mendoza; Rio Negro.com.ar; Diario Jornada de Trelew; Punto Aparte San Luis; La Nueva Provincia Bs As; TERRA Argentina; Sitio Andino; El país 24; Urgente24; TELAM Audiovisual
Multiple radio programs from 27 to 31 October discussed the State of World Population 2011 report including Radio Ciudad AM 1110, Radio Mitre AM 790, Radio America AM 1190 and Radio Belgrano AM 950.
AUSTRALIA: Radio Australia on 26 October interviewed Dirk Jenna, the Director of the United Nation's Population Funds' Pacific Sub-Regional Office in Fiji on the implications of the 7 billion milestones on migration as an important aspect of economic development for Pacific Island Countries and how urban drift in the Pacific places a strain on services. Read/Listen in English: Radio Australia
BANGLADESH: Multiple media outlets including The New Today, The Bangladesh Today and The Daily Star on 27 October reported on the release of the State of World Population report which estimates the country's population at 150.5 million.
BOLIVIA: Multiple media outlets and web information services reported on the launching of UNFPA’s SWOP in Bolivia. Media highlighted subjects such as youth, life expectancy, gender equality and environmental and economic impacts. Read in Spanish: Correo del Sur, El Cambio, El Deber, Erbol, Erbol, Erbol, La Patria, La Prensa, La Razón, La Razón, Los Tiempos
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 26 and 27 October about the official launch of the State of World Population 2011 report. The stories focused on the current state of the world’s population and future actions we need to take to create a better future for all. Media placed focus on youth by quoting Dr. Osotimehin “Young people hold the key to the future, with the potential to transform the global political landscape and to propel economies through their creativity and capacities for innovation.” In addition to print media, Al-Jazeera Balkans and TV Sarajevo interviewed Mr. Faris Hadrovic, UNFPA assistant representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he further explained the meaning of the SWOP2011 report and the situation in the world and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He warned that the fertility rate for Bosnia and Herzegovina presents a big problem for the country’s future. Read in Bosnian: Sarajevo-x.com, RadioSarajevo.ba
BRAZIL: Diário de S.Paulo reported on 29 October that the birth of the seven billionth person will not be an impediment to achieving a better quality of life on the planet, if some actions are taken, such as the empowerment of women, according to the State of World Population 2011 report. Published by the United Nations Population Fund, the report states that women are a key asset to avoiding a population explosion in the coming years. Better educated women can have a crucial role in family planning, and, because they live longer, they will also play a fundamental role on caring for the elderly, whose numbers have been increasing worldwide. UNFPA Assistant Representative in Brazil Tais Santos is quoted as saying that population ageing is a new subject in Brazil, where a bill to protect elderly rights has recently passed in Congress, but “there is still much to do.” Read in Portuguese: Diário de S.Paulo
Correio Braziliense, Diário de Natal and several other media outlets reported on 27 October onwards that on 31 October, possibly somewhere in India, a very symbolic citizen will be born. He or she will probably not know, but will carry the title of Earth’s inhabitant number 7 billion. In a world increasingly crowded, it is necessary to create a more sustainable pattern of development, states the State of World Population 2011 Report: People and possibilities in a world with 7 billion, released yesterday by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The UNFPA Representative in Brazil, Harold Robinson, is quoted saying that "the 7 billion milestone appears as a double challenge as it presents numerous opportunities for development, but can also deepen inequalities that currently exist between countries". Read in Portuguese: Correio Braziliense, Diário de Natal, Ariquemes Online, Circuito Mato Grosso
O Estado de S.Paulo and several outlets reported on 27 October that the population of 7 billion brings 'formidable challenges' to the world in general and Brazil in particular such as reducing inequality, increasing access to education and health and ensuring sustainable growth; life conditions improved, but there are still large disparities between regions and countries, and ethnic and gender discrimination. These are the main findings of the report People and Possibilities in a World of 7 billion, released yesterday by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). According to the report, the world population is still increasing at an accelerating rate, but the current trend is the growth rate to reduce. The report also shows that the world population has never been so young and so old at the same time. Out of the 7 billion people, 43% (3.01 billion) are under 25. Meanwhile, people who are over 60 years, who were 384 million in 1990, now are 893 million and are expected to reach 2.4 billion by 2050. Read in Portuguese: O Estado de S.Paulo, Maranhao em Alerta, SIM News, R7, Nova FM 103 Radio Online
Folha de S.Paulo and several outlets reported on 27 October that five days before the world population reaches 7 billion, the United Nations Population Fund released a report demanding greater efforts by governments to ensure populations in developing countries the right to family planning. "When the right of access to family planning is respected, people, free from any coercion from governments, naturally evolve to stable fertility rates on their own choices, resulting in more affluent societies," said Harold Robinson, UNFPA Representative in Brazil, during the launching of the State of World Population 2011 at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Read in Portuguese: Folha S.Paulo, Observatorio de Genero
Multiple media outlets reported on 26 October that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund launched the State of World Population 2011 report, entitled “People and possibilities in a world of 7 billion.” UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin and UNFPA Representative Harold Robinson are quoted in several pieces. Read in Portuguese: Ecoagencia, Educa, O Globo, G1, Interativa FM Radio Online, Extra, Extra, BOL, A Verdade, RD Noticias and Jornal da Cidade.Net
CAMBODIA: Voice of Democracy (VOD) Radio reported on 27 October that a population of 7 billion would bring more challenges. The UNFPA in Cambodia warned that developing countries like Cambodia are facing greater challenges such as employment, environment, and health issues as the world hits 7 billion on 31 October. UNFPA Representative in Cambodia Derveeuw Marc noted at the launch of the SWoP report yesterday that population growth is high in poor or developing countries. He warned that this growth has implications on the environment such as climate change, lack of health care, if they are poor, and the movement of unskilled migrants seeking employment.
Bayon and Apsara Televisions reported on 27 October that H.E. Mrs. Men Sam An, Deputy Prime Minister attended the launch of the State of World Population Report 2011 of the United Nations Population Fund under the theme “The world at 7 billion.” The report highlights a challenge facing the world now and ahead as the population reaches 7 billion in 5 days. Dr. Derveeuw Marc, UNFPA representative in Cambodia noted that the report looks at implications of population growth such as poverty, access to health services, environment, young people and ageing issues.” He added that this report alerts and calls for actions from everyone to address population issues.
CAMEROON: Cameroon Tribune reported on 27 October that the 2011 State of the World Population report was launched by UNFPA and the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) with emphasis on the achievements, setbacks and paradoxes of a population of seven billion people. While presenting the report, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System Michel Balima said that "we have to ensure equitable distribution of the resources available amongst all sectors in the society". Read in English: Cameroon Tribune
COLOMBIA: El Tiempo, Semana, El Colombiano and El Universal reported the launch of the State of World Population in London on 26 October. All media published the statements of UNFPA Executive Director, Babatunde Osotimehin, and revealed the “achievements and challenges” this new milestone represents for humanity. Read in Spanish: El Tiempo, El Tiempo, Semana, Semana, El Colombiano and El Universal
El Tiempo reported on 29 October, the information shared by Tania Patriota, UNFPA Representative in Colombia, on the launch of State of World Population, held 28 October at Externado University. “That we can or can´t live together on a healthy planet depends on decisions we make today. With a growing population, we need to be supportive”. Read in Spanish: El Tiempo
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): DRTV, Top TV, Canal Benedictions, Radio-Congo, and Congo-site reported on 27 October on UNFPA’s SWOP launch in Brazzaville by UNFPA Representative David Lawson, in the presence of State Economy Minister Pierre Moussa, as well as the Youth Minister, Health Minister, Small and Middle Enterprises Minister, Vice Economy Minister, parliamentarians, ambassadors, UN agency heads, civil society leaders and the media in the context of the 7 billion people on earth. Read in French: Congo-site Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Congo-site reported on 27 October on a statement by UNFPA in its 2011 State of the World Population report inviting UN Member States to invest more in youth, in the context of a world at seven billion people, as youth represent the largest segment of the world population and will ensure the world's future economic and social progress. Read in French: Congo-site
CUBA: CubaAhora and Trabajadores reported between 24 and 30 October on the 7 billion milestone and the importance of the State of World Population 2011, detailing some of the most important statistics. Read in Spanish: CubaAhora, Trabajadores and Trabajadores
EGYPT: The Daily News Egypt reported on 26 October on the launch of UNFPA's SWOP report at the Arab League. The piece highlighted that the report found that additional investments in youth and reinforcing equality between the sexes is essential to the world's future. Read in English: Daily News Egypt
ETHIOPIA: Multiple media outlets from 26 October on covered the release of the State of World Population 2011 report including the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency, Fana Broadcasting Corporate, Voice of America, The Sub-Saharan Informer, Capital, Addis Admas, and The Daily Monitor. Read in English: AFRO 15.3 FM, The Ethiopian News Agency, and Walta Info
FIJI: Science Media Centre on 28 October reported the launch of the State of World Population 2011: People and Possibilities in a World of 7 billion. Dirk Jena, the Fiji-based Pacific director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was in New Zealand to address the cross-party New Zealand Parliamentarians’ Group on Population and Development as well as Government agencies. Read in English: Science Media Centre
GABON: Gabon-Matin and l'Union reported on 27 October on the launch of UNFPA’s 2011 State of the World Population report in the rural city of Oyem, by UNDP/UNFPA Representative Nadir Hadj Hammou with local authorities. The event underlined the need for the world at 7 billion to commit to protecting the planet Earth for future generations. The UNDP/UNFPA Representative said “We must invest in youth, cities and agriculture to foster future economic growth." The event ended with a voluntary HIV testing and counselling.
GEORGIA: Georgia Today and Interpressnews reported on 26 October that UNFPA Georgia CO launched the State of World Population 2011 report “People and Possibilities in the World of 7 Billion.” Through personal stories, this report sheds light on the real-life challenges we face in our world of 7 billion. The report explores some of the challenges and opportunities from the perspective of individuals and describes the obstacles they confront— and overcome—in trying to build better lives for themselves, their families, communities and nations. Read in English: Georgia Today and InterPressNews
GUATEMALA: CERIGUA on 28 October reported that humanity reproduced at a rate of 9,000,513 people per minute worldwide. Though the fertility rate has declined in recent years, the main challenges are in the redistribution of wealth, equal access to natural resources and increased participation of women and youth in all areas, according to the SWOP report prepared by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Read in Spanish: CERIGUA
CERIGUA on 28 October reported that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has given awards to 10 leaders nationwide who have made significant contributions for the people, including former indigenous Mayor Julajuj Dominga Vasquez, current regional delegate of Defence of Indigenous Women (DEMI), at the National Palace of Culture, during the launch of the State of World Population 2011 report. Read in Spanish: CERIGUA
CERIGUA on 27 October quoted Leonor Calderón, representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Guatemala, who said that it is necessary to rethink new ways of producing and distributing wealth in the world. Read in Spanish: CERIGUA
Unidas on 27 October reported on the release of a report by the United Nations Population Fund. UNFPA Rep. Leonor Calderón called on public officials to reflect on the excessive increase in population and inequality worldwide, and urged leaders to take immediate action on the issue. Listen in Spanish: Emisoras Unidas
El Periódico on 27 October reported on the release of the international report "State of World Population" and emphasized the great challenges that await Guatemala in this century. "How we have such large numbers? How many people can sustain our Earth? These are important questions, but perhaps not the right ones” according to the State of World Population 2011, which was presented yesterday. Read in Spanish: El Periódico
Reportaje De on 27 October reported that as part of a global launch, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) presented the report State of World Population 2011. Read in Spanish: Reportaje De
CINU on 26 October reported that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has submitted the report of the State of World Population 2011, under the title "7 billion people, your world, your possibilities," referring to the overall population figure that will be reached on 31 October. Read in Spanish: CINU
INDONESIA: World Population at Seven Billion Campaign
Kompas.com reported on 30 October a story about youth and the World at 7 Billion Campaign held by UNFPA Indonesia. The campaign aimed to raise awareness amongst the wider public, especially young people, about the opportunities, challenges and action needed as the world population reaches 7 billion at the end of the month. Read in Indonesian: Kompas.com
INDONESIA: The Jakarta Post reported on 27 October on the release of the State of World Population report in Jakarta that was opened by the Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, Dr. Agung Laksono. The article focused on urbanization issues, especially in the Indonesian context, drawn from the seminar that followed the launch. Other key issues discussed in the SWOP report that related to the world at 7 billion were also discussed in the article.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in Indonesia Jose Ferraris said on Wednesday that as the world’s population was approaching 7 billion, more people were presently living in cities. Therefore, improving the quality of life of people living in urban areas, some of whom were living in informal settlements and slums, would be an unavoidable need.
“This is really a big challenge,” said Ferraris at the launch of The State of World Population (SWOP) 2011, an annual population report released by the UNFPA. The report launch aimed to commemorate a global milestone billed as “The World at 7 Billion”, which will fall on 31 October. Read in English: The Jakarta Post
Media Indonesia, Suara Pembaruan, Voice of Indonesia radio and other national news outlets reported on the State of World Population report release.
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN: IRNA reported on 27 October on the State of World Population 2011 report and the implications in a world of 7 billion. The piece heavily quotes UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin who stated that, "Young people hold the key to the future, with the potential to transform the global political landscape and to propel economies through their creativity and capacities for innovation. But the opportunity to realize youth’s great potential must be seized now." Read in English: IRNA
JORDAN: AlRai, Addustour and Al-Arab Al-Yawm reported on 26 October and Jordan Times on 27 October that UNFPA has launched its 2011 World Population Report, entitled “People and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion.” The media outlets also gave a brief on the report, its chapters and the countries it is focusing on, in addition to quotes from the Executive director’s statements. Read in Arabic: AlRai, Addustour, Al-Arab Al-Yawm and Jordan Times
LEBANON: Several media outlets reported on 26 and 30 October on the launch of the 2011 State of World Population. The articles provide an overview of the seven messages of the report, as well as global trends and population counts in some countries. The articles mention the 7 Billion Campaign accompanying the launch of the report. Read in Arabic: Al Diyar, Al Sharq El Awsat, Al Balad and Al Moustaqbal
LIBERIA: The News reported on 27 October that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released the State of World Population 2011 report stating that the population would reach seven billion on 31 October. Read in English: The News
The Probe reported on 27 October that “the State of the World Population released by the UNFPA which projects the world population to hit the seven billion mark by 31 October places Liberia among countries in sub-Saharan Africa with the high adolescent birth rates”. Read in English: The Probe
West Africa Democracy Radio reported on 27 October that “the State of the World Population released by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) indicates that Liberia remains among countries with the highest maternal mortality rates, with 990 deaths from every hundred thousand live births”. Read in English: West Africa Democracy Radio
MALAWI: Africa News reported on 28 October that as the world's population is set to shoot to seven billion by 31 October, poor nations, like Malawi, will be negatively affected economically.
Launching the State of the World Population 2011 report themed, “People and Possibilities in a World of 7 billion” in Lilongwe, the country’s UNFPA deputy representative Gift Malunga said it is a challenge because the current pace of population growth increases the demand for natural resources and puts increased pressure on the planet. “Most of this growth is occurring in less developed countries like Malawi. Gaps between rich and poor are growing. While Malawi has made tremendous progress in food security due to sustained maize production following the implementation of the agriculture Farm Subsidy Input Programme introduced in 2005, a number of people remain vulnerable to other challenges like water shortages and climate-related disasters. ’’
“On the other hand, the 7 billion population provides an opportunity to work together in developing our continent. In this regard each country has a role to play capacitating its citizens with the right education, skills and healthy lives. Otherwise, the growing population will be a burden than a resource,” said Malunga. Read in English: Africa News
The Nation reported on 28 October that UNFPA and the government of Malawi launched the 2011 State of the World Population Report which indicates that the world population will reach the seven billion mark on 31 October 31.
Speaking at the launch, UNFPA Malawi Deputy Representative Gift Malunga said the seven billion milestone will be marked by achievements, setbacks and paradoxes, and also presents a challenge, an opportunity and a call to action.
Malunga said one of the challenges is the rapid growth of the population which, she said, is exerting pressure on resources and the entire planet. She observed that most of this growth is occurring in less developed countries such as Malawi where the gaps between the rich and the poor are also growing.
Malawi’s Finance and Development Planning Minister Ken Lipenga said at the launch event that while Malawi government encourages few children per family, it would not force people to have only two children as per current campaign. Read in English: The Nation
MEXICO: A.M., La Crónica, Diario de México,El Economista,Excelsior, El Sol de México, El Universal, La Jornada, Milenio, Once TV,Proceso, Publimetro, Punto Crítico, Radio Fórmula, and Reforma reported from 25 to 31 October that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched the State of World Population 2011 entitled “People and possibilities in a world of 7 billion,” which shows that the challenges ahead are formidable. Mr. Diego Palacios Jaramillo, UNFPA Mexico Representative mentioned during a press conference that the report contains snapshots from nine countries, including Mexico, where ordinary people, national demographic experts, and policymakers talked about the challenges they face and how they are confronting them. Read in Spanish: A.M., La Crónica, Diario de México,El Economista,Excelsior, Excelsior, Excelsior, El Sol de México, El Sol de México, El Sol de México, El Universal, La Jornada, La Jornada, La Jornada, La Jornada, La Jornada, La Jornada, Milenio, Milenio, Milenio, Milenio, Milenio, Milenio, Once TV, Proceso, Publimetro, Punto Crítico, Radio Fórmula, and Reforma
MOLDOVA: Info-Prim Neo reported on 26 October on the launch of the State of the World Population report at the Balti-based state university Alecu Russo. The report was presented by UNFPA Assistant Representative in Moldova Boris Gilca. Mr. Gilca spoke about the various activities, organized by UNFPA Moldova, around the occasion of the Day of 7 Billion including a nationally broadcast video themed, "Let's Help Moldova Grow!"
Various media outlets including the news agencies Info-Prim Neo and esp.md, as well as the newspaper Ziarul de Garda reported on 26 October, about the public launch of the State of World Population 2011 report worldwide. In Moldova the report was launched in Balti, the so-called north capital of the country, at the UN Documentation Center within the State University “Aleco Russo.” The report was presented by Boris Gilca, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Moldova, who mentioned that unlike the world situation of 7 billion, in Moldova, on the contrary, the population is decreasing continuously, one of the main causes of this phenomenon being the low fertility rate. This is a result of various processes, among them the increase of the average marriage age, the delay of childbirth, the increase of the mothers’ age at the first childbirth, fewer children in young families, the increase of the photogenes period, uncontrolled migration phenomenon etc. As a result the country is facing a massive process of population ageing.
Also, Boris Gilca mentioned about special anniversary certificates from UNFPA, that will be handed to all babies born in Moldova on 31 October, as part of activities organized to celebrate the 7 billion event. Read in Romanian: Info-Prim Neo and Ziarul de Garda Read in English: Info-Prim Read in Russian: esp.md
MOZAMBIQUE: TIM, TVM, Rádio Moçambique, RTP-Africa and RDP-Africa reported on 27 October, that the world population will reach 7 billion by the end of the month. All stories mentioned that the new UNFPA world population report discusses the challenges and opportunities of living in a world of 7 billion. RTP quoted Patricia Guzman, UNFPA representative in Mozambique, saying that in order to build a better world for all, it’s necessary to invest in youth education and health, and reduce inequalities between men and women. Guzman, who was interviewed during the launch of the SWOP, also told RTP-Africa that the report had a particular focus on Mozambique, as it featured stories about UNFPA-related interventions in the country. RDP-Africa noted that according to the report, in the community of Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa, Guinea - Bissau, Angola and Mozambique register higher under five mortality rates.
NAMIBIA: MySinchew.com on 28 October reported on the launch on the State of World Population report. UNFPA Country Representative Fabian Byomuhangi gave the announcement launching the report. Read in English: MySinchew.com
NEW ZEALAND: Radio New Zealand on 28 October interviewed Dirk Jenna, the Director of the United Nation's Population Funds' Pacific Sub-Regional Office in Fiji on the emphasis on the rights of women and the need for increased investment in young people - labeled the “new global power” by the State of World Population 2011: People and Possibilities in a World of 7 billion. Listen in English: Radio New Zealand
NICARAGUA: La Prensa on 27 October reported on the SWOP release. “It’s not a question of space, but of equal opportunity and social justice,” said Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA in the presentation of the “State of World Population 2011.” Read in Spanish: La Prensa
PARAGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 26-27 October about the State of World Population 2011 report, which analyzes trends and dynamics that define a world of 7 billion people. Also published were the declarations of Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, who remarked that the milestone reminds us that we must act immediately. Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti – Portal digital, Neike – Periodismo Digital Paraguayo, La Nación Digital, Portal Paraguayo de Noticias, ABC Color Digital, Viva Paraguay, Radio Viva, 5 días, La Nación - edición impresa
Última Hora reported on 28 October that the milestone of 7 billion people, which officially will be reached on 31 October, "is a challenge and a call to action (...) reminds us that we must act now," said Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in London at the presentation of The State of World Population 2011. Read in Spanish: Diario Última Hora, edición impresa
ABC Color on 20 October reported that the milestone of 7,000 million, which officially will be reached on 31 October, "is a challenge and a call to action (...) reminds us that we must act now," according to Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the Population Fund (UNFPA) at the presentation in London of The State of World Population 2011. Read in Spanish: ABC Color, edición impresa.
PHILIPPINES: The Inquirer on 27 October reported that the good news about the world population reaching 7 billion is that the average life expectancy has soared to 68, infant mortality has dropped to 46 per 1,000, and the average number of children in a family has plunged by more than half at 2.5. The bad news: Carbon emissions are expected to rise and the gap between the rich and the poor will continue to grow with more people migrating to the cities from the rural areas, among other challenges. This was the report released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Wednesday, launching the five-day countdown to a “global population milestone” of 7 billion estimated to hit by October 31. Read in English: Inquirer
The Philippine Star on 27 October reported that the world population will reach seven billion by Oct. 31 with the Philippines being the 12th most populous country, a report of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFA) showed. At the launch of the “2011 State of the World Population Report” yesterday, UNFA Representative Ugochi Daniels said that while women worldwide are having fewer children, global population continues to rise, partly because of higher life expectancy. “While our world of seven billion presents a complex picture of trends and paradoxes, there are some essential global truths we observe. Conversely, there is no one global population outlook,” Daniels said. Read in English: Philippine Star
Business World on 26 October reported that the United Nations has presented ways by which countries can address poverty issues in the face of a steadily increasing population that is projected by demographers to reach seven billion by the end of this month. “The issue of population is a critical one for our humanity and for the Earth. But let us be clear: It is not a matter of space. The population question is one of human equity and opportunity,” Ugochi Daniels, Population Fund (UNFPA) representative to the Philippines, said at yesterday’s launch of “The State of the World Population 2011” report. The report basically states that while the fast growth of the global population means more children survive and people live longer, this presents challenges such as lack of employment opportunities, gender inequality, dwindling resources and environmental degradation. Read in English: Business World
InterAksyon reported on 26 October that empowering women and girls remains a crucial factor in poverty alleviation as world population turns 7 billion by the end of October, according to the State of the World Population released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Tuesday. Another billion people are estimated to add up to the world population in 14 years. The SWPR, an annual report by the UNFPA, looks at the world’s demographics and studies its implications in the quality of life-economy, environmental condition, health, and other factors affecting the global population. Almost half of the world’ people or 43 percent, is under 25. In the Philippines, 54 percent of the population falls on this age group. Read in English: InterAksyon
Manila Bulletin on 26 October reported that the world’s population now stands at seven billion, and Asia remains home to 60 percent of the world’s people, the 2011 State of the World Population report by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) revealed Wednesday. The report retains the Philippines as the 12th most populous country in the world with 94.9-million people while China continues to be the most populous nation at 1.35 billion, followed by India at 1.24 billion. UNFPA projects that the global figure of seven billion will take place at the end of October. Read in English: Manila Bulletin
SOUTH AFRICA: The Mail & Guardian reported on 26 October on the release of the UNFPA's SWOP report in Cape Town. Read in English: Mail & Guardian
City Press on 26 October published a listing of facts from UNFPA’s State of World Population 2011 report. Read in English: City Press
SPAIN: El Mundo in October 2011 created a special report on 7 Billion and featured SWOP information. Read and View in Spanish: El Mundo
TUNISIA: Assabah reported on 26 October the presentation of The State of World Population 2011.
UGANDA: NTV Uganda on 26 October highlighted the country's the growing numbers and featured UNFPA's Assistant Representative Dr. Wilfred Ochan explaining we need to “invest in people.” Watch in English: NTV Uganda
New Vision on 26 October focused on population growth and mentioned the launch of SWOP report. Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin was quoted saying, "Our record population size can be viewed in many ways as a success for humanity: People are living longer, healthier lives. But not everyone has benefited from this achievement or the higher quality of life that this implies." Read in English: New Vision
The Monitor on 29 October extensively quoted UNFPA’s data on the 7 billion and dedicated a large part of the article on an interview with the Assistant Representative of the UNFPA in Uganda, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, who said the organisation intends to follow up with the government on the report’s findings. Read in English: The Monitor
The Monitor on 29 October featured an articled entitled “UN: World can “thrive” as population hits 7 billion” stating that “with planning and the right investments in people now ... our world of 7 billion can have thriving, sustainable cities, productive labour forces that can fuel economic growth, youth populations that contribute to the well-being of economies and societies, and a generation of older people who are healthy and actively engaged in the social and economic affairs of their communities, UNFPA said in a new report.” The article continues to summarize the report.
The East African Business Week highlighted SWOP on 30 October making the report its front page and editorial page. UNFPA and Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin were quoted. “With planning and the right investments in people now – to empower them to make choices that are not only good for themselves, but also for our global commons – our world of 7 billion can have thriving sustainable cities, productive labour forces that fuel economies, and youth populations that contribute to the well-being of their societies” he said. Read in English: East African Business Week
UNITED KINGDOM: MSN reported on 30 October on the release of the State of World Population report and its prediction that the poorest regions of the world will be worst hit as the population hits seven billion. Read in English: MSN
The Daily Monitor on 27 October mention the launch of the SWOP report alongside Uganda's 2011 State of Population Report. Read in English: Daily Monitor
URUGUAY: Several media outlets reported on 27 to 29 October that UNFPA has presented the State of World Population 2011 analyzing population and demographic trends in several countries. These articles cited Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin on the need to address inequality and investing in youth people. Read more in Spanish: El País, El Telégrafo, El Diario, La República and 180.com.
VIET NAM: Multiple media outlets reported on 27-28 October that the world population is projected to reach 7 billion on 31 October. How we respond now will determine whether we have a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future or one that is marked by inequalities, environmental decline and economic setbacks, according to The State of World Population 2011 report, published today by UNFPA.
The 7 billion milestones is a challenge, it is also an opportunity and a call for action. In Viet Nam, the population growth rate has decreased significantly from 1.7 percent between 1989 and 1999 to 1.2 percent between 1999 and 2009. Although Viet Nam’s fertility rate has already fallen below the replacement level, the population will still increase by an estimated 9 million people over the next ten years due to population momentum created from past decades of high fertility. At the same time, as a result of sharp reductions in fertility and mortality and increased life expectancy, the size of the elderly population is also increasing. The profile of poverty is also changing. “While poverty rates have consistently fallen below 14 percent, poverty reduction among certain vulnerable groups, such as ethnic minorities, including women and girls, has been much slower. To reduce inequities and improve living standards today – as well as for generations to follow, requires immediate, concerted and evidence-based engagement of policy makers, planners and managers at national, provincial and community levels ,” said Bruce Campbell, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam.
Data from the 2009 Census shows that Viet Nam has entered a period known as the "demographic bonus," recording the highest proportional level of young people who are entering the workforce in Viet Nam’s history. Today, young people between 10 to 24 years represent almost a third of the total population. “While this demographic window is open, Viet Nam can benefit from this tremendous resource by ensuring that every young person has access to quality social services, including health, education and training, so that they are well prepared to make a significant contribution to Viet Nam's continued socio-economic growth and development,” added Mr. Campbell. Read in English: Viet Nam Plus, Peoples’ Army, The Peoples, Young People and Youth. Read in Vietnamese: VTV, Viet Nam Laws, Family and Society, Great Unity, Women and Sport and Culture
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD OF 7 BILLION
ALBANIA: Top Channel on 23 October broadcast a feature piece on the 7 billion milestone. View with English subtitles: Top Channel
Top Channel on 28 October featured an interview of UNFPA Albania PDS Programme Analyst Ms. Flora Ismaili talking about the 7 billion and UNFPA. View in Albanian: Top Channel
BANGLADESH: New Age on 26 October published a photo of the National Youth Forum forming a human chain in front of the National Press Club to create awareness of planned and nuclear families. The event was part of UNFPA's 7 Billion Actions Campaign.
BRAZIL: Veja magazine reported on 31 October that a child born this day in Brazil will live on a planet with more than 7 billion people. In 2100, when he or she turns 89 the elderly over 80 years will represent the largest portion of the population (13.3% of Brazilians). Is Brazil prepared to grow old with this baby? UNFPA Representative in Brazil, Harold Robinson, who recently launched the State of World Population 2011 report, is quoted saying that Brazil is in a good moment and is relatively ahead of the rest of the world in this regard, “even though there are many steps ahead." In his interview, Robinson stressed that, "Brazil now has more people of working age than dependents - children and elderly, who do not work. This window of opportunity must be seized, because there will come a time when the picture begins to change. With the increase in life expectancy the proportion of elderly will increase a lot. " Read in Portuguese: Veja
Isto É magazine reported on 28 October that Bosnian boy Adnan Nevic is one of the few celebrities of Visoko, a town near the capital Sarajevo. His fame is the result of a decision made by the UN in 1999, when he was chosen from the rubble of the Bosnian War to represent the population of 6 billion in our planet. More than a decade later the arrival of his successor is predicted for 31 October. "The world population will continue to grow and we need to be prepared for it," says Richard Kollodge, editor of a United Nations report on population released last week. Read in Portuguese: Isto É
BURKINA FASO: Le Pays and Sidwaya on 26 October reported on the cycle race, which took place on 23 October. This race is the launch of the countdown of the day of the 7 billion inhabitants. It was chaired by the Secretary Permanent of National Council of Population (CONAPO) in the presence of the Representative of the UNFPA/Burkina Dr Mamadou KANTE and the Technical Adviser of the Ministry of the Economy and Finances, representing the Minister of the Economy and Finances. Twenty-five women participated in the race. Their participation was greeted by the Representative of the UNFPA Dr. Mamadou Kanté who in his interview pointed out that an educated woman can change the world.
CAMBODIA: Voice of Democracy (VOD) Radio reported on 26 October that investing in young people is needed as the world reaches 7 billion people, according to a UNFPA press release.
Dr. Osotimehin, UNFPA executive director noted in the press statement that as the world tops 7 billion, it is important to plan and invest in human issues and empower people – it’s not only good for themselves but also for the world. He continued that the world can have sustainable city development and that young people can contribute to the labour force and a productive economy.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Le Pari africain reported on 26 October on a series of activities initiated by UNFPA from 24 October until World Human Rights Day on 10 December in conjunction with the milestone of a world at 7 billion people to be reached by 31 October 2011, worldwide and in several cities of the Republic of Congo. These activities included the launch of the 2011 State of the World Population report, TV spots and clips, media events, population-related activities and conferences around the country.
EGYPT: Almasry Alyoum reported on 26 October on the 7 billion milestone and quotes UNFPA Egypt Technical Advisor on Population and Development Abdullah Zoubi and mentions a UNFPA-sponsored art exhibit entitled, "Youth in Arab States: Changing the World for the Better" and featuring the work of members of Y-Peer. Read in English: Almasry Alyoum
GEORGIA: Various media outlets reported that on 24 October, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Georgia and the Georgian National Museum held an event “Georgia in the World of 7 Billion” at the National Museum of Georgia. Mr. George Tsereteli, Deputy Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Mr. Jamie McGoldrick, UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Tamar Khomasuridze, UNFPA Assistant Representative Mr. Zaza Chelidze, Executive Director of the National Statistics Office of Georgia, Ms. Manana Kavtaradze, Head of International Relations Division, Ministry of Youth and Sports and Mr. David Lortkipanidze, Director of the National Museum made the speeches at the event highlighting the paramount significance of the 7 billion world population for Georgia and the whole planet.
The event was concluded with the awarding ceremony of the journalists participating in the contest on the best media coverage on Youth Issues in Georgia, 2011 organized by UNFPA/Georgia and conducted in the framework of a global initiative – The 7 Billion Actions Campaign. Watch in Georgian: PalitraTV, ITV. Read in English: Georgia Today, InterPressNews, Parliament. Read in Georgian: EPN, Heretifm, Mtavari, Trialeti. Read in Russian: News Georgia
GUATEMALA: CERIGUA on 24 October reported that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched the world anthem "Unite," which was conducted by 50 musicians from 13 countries, to commemorate the beginning of the countdown to 31 October when it is projected that the world population will reach seven billion. Read in Spanish: CERIGUA
CERIGUA on 27 October reported that the few people who own the planet are destroying the resources that belongs to all, so on the milestone to of 7 billion people it is necessary to rethink new ways of producing and distributing wealth in the world according to Leonor Calderón, representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Guatemala. Read in Spanish: CERIGUA
INDONESIA: The Jakarta Post published an article on 22 October on the commemoration of the World at 7 Billion in Yogyakarta, entitled: Global demographic challenges remain unresolved: UNFPA. The article quoted Nobuko Horibe, the UNFPA Asia Pacific Director, as saying that despite its huge impact in various sectors, population growth is a relatively recent phenomenon. In 1804, the global population was at one billion. Only recently has it increased significantly. In 2020, India will overtake China as the most populous country in the world. “If we look at the Asia-Pacific region, its population is currently at about 4 billion, or about 60 percent of the world population. Our share of 60 percent will go down gradually by 2050, while Africa will continue to increase,” said Horibe.
She added that population growth was not just a matter of figures. “It’s much more about how we are educated and employed, how boys and girls are treated and how much access we have to sexual and reproductive health services.”
Despite the commitment made in the ICPD in Cairo in 1994, the reality is still far from what we promise to do. Former UNFPA executive Director and currently Special Envoy to the HIV/AIDS in Asia and Pacific highlighted that many promises in the area of reproductive and sexual health remained undelivered. “After the ICPD, the issue of gender equality showed some progress but there were still some challenges that still had to be quickly overcome.” Read in English: The Jakarta Post
LEBANON: LBC reported on 30 October on the imminent birth of the 7 billion baby. The 2-minute report was screened within the peek-time news bulletin. It featured two newborn Lebanese girls and addressed the main challenges awaiting future generations in Lebanon. The report provided national statistics on poverty, women and youth. UNFPA was directly mentioned with a screenshot of the UNFPA CO website. Watch in Arabic: LBC
MTV reported on 30 October on water scarcity in a world of 7 billion. The 2-minute report was screened within the peek-time news bulletin and provided global UNFPA statistics on the availability of drinking water in light of population projections in the coming years.
Several media outlets reported on 26 October on the initiative UNFPA is leading to welcome Lebanese newborn babies on 31 October, which marks the day the world will be reaching 7 Billion people. This event aims to concretize the symbolic importance of the 7 Billion day and is organized jointly with the Ministry of Public Health and the Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 17 public hospitals throughout Lebanon. On that day, midwives will be distributing welcome packages to newborns and their mothers. The package includes promotional material centered 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: El Nashra, UPI, Vision News, Arabs Today, Al Ittihad, Al Markazia, Al Haraka
Al Hayat reported on 26 October on the 7 Billion Campaign. This article is part of the media-UNFPA Lebanon partnership to increase understanding about the specific challenges implied on Lebanon by a world population of 7 billion. This article is the first in a series of three. It provides a general approach to the campaign and to its rationale, in addition to a number of global trends on several issues, such as life expectancy, fertility and inequality. Read in Arabic: Al Hayat
Al Diyar reported on 24 October on the start of countdown to 7 billion. The article also included a brief overview of the campaign’s main themes. Read in Arabic: Al Diyar
Lebanon Files reported on 29 and 30 October on UNFPA’s 7 Billion Campaign. This one-page article appeared in the website’s special corner. The article describes the campaign led by UNFPA and focuses on the challenges facing Lebanon. The article 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. Read in Arabic: Lebanon Files
Al Balad published “For your Information,” a statistical section on the 7 Billion Campaign on 30 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 last section in a series of 4 weekly sections. Entitled “Reproductive Health: A Basic Right”, the article provides a statistical snapshot on maternal health in Lebanon. The article also mentions UNFPA Lebanon’s efforts for empowering women making quality SRH services and information available and in preventing gender Based Violence.
MALAWI: The Nation reported on 26 October that on 31 October the world’s population will reach seven billion and that UNFPA country representative Athanase Nzokirishaka said his organisation has since unveiled a new website called 7 Billion Actions as part of its activities to mark the event. The website, according to UNFPA, will give the UN, local governments, economists and NGOs access to data predicting population growth over time. Read in English: The Nation
NAMIBIA: The Namibian on 27 October reported on the impacts of a 7 billion population. “The world population will reach seven billion on October 31, said the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which country representative Fabian Byomuhangi said presents a serious challenge, opportunity and call to manage the world’s resources more prudently.” Read in English: The Namibian
NICARAGUA: Semanario Confidencial reported on 28 October that while population growth is measured mainly in terms of its impact on food security, resources, reproductive health, international migration, unemployment and environmental sustainability, the Executive Director of UNFPA, Babatunde Osotimehin, prefers to see it more positively. Read in Spanish: Semanario Confidencial
PHILIPPINES: The Manila Bulletin on 30 October published an op-ed saying that sometime Sunday, a baby was born, and the world’s population reached seven billion. The birth came a day ahead of what the United Nations has proclaimed as The Day of 7 Billion. It as much a milestone in human history as it is a worldwide cause for deep concern. In the UN World Population Fund’s (UNFPA) list of the world’s most populous countries, the Philippines ranks 12th. That means one in every 73 persons on the planet live here. To Ugochi Daniels, the UNFPA’s country representative in the Philippines, “the challenge is responding to the needs of these young people by providing them with life skills, including proper information about their sexuality, that will allow them to better plan their lives and contribute to nation-building.” Read in English: Manila Bulletin
The Manila Bulletin on 30 October published an editorial saying there will be seven billion people sharing Earth’s land and other resources by October 31, 2011, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). UNFPA is leading a global campaign to build awareness on the opportunities and challenges of a world of seven billion people, to be launched on October 31, 2011 – “7 Billion Day” – when it will also release its annual State of World Population report, titled “People and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion.” Read in English: Manila Bulletin
SIERRA LEONE: Standard Times published on 28 September that late in October, a child will be born, the 7th billion citizen of planet earth. We will never know the circumstance into which he or she will be born. We know that the baby will enter a world of vast unpredictable change.
The world population has tripled since the United Nations was created in 1945. And our numbers keep growing and corresponding pressure on land, energy, food and water. The global economy is generating pressures as well: these trends link the fate and future of today’s seven billion people as never before. No nation alone can solve the great global challenges of the twenty first century. International cooperation is a universal need.
SOUTH AFRICA: Sowetan reported on 26 October on the UNFPA's 31 October 7 billion milestone. Read in English: Sowetan
TANZANIA: The Citizen on 26 October reported that Tanzanians have been strongly urged to take responsibility and act for the good of development as the world's population reaches 7 billion at the end of this month. This was said by UNFPA Representative Dr. Julita Onabanjo on the official countdown of towards the birth of the 7 billionth child.
The Sunday Guardian on 30 October reported that Tanzanian families too large. With projections that the world population will hit seven billion on 31 October, UNFPA has revealed that many Tanzanians have larger families than they can afford.
TOGO: Togo Presse on 26 October highlighted the celebrations of the 66th anniversary of the United Nations on 24 October under the “7 Billion Actions Campaign.” The celebration, held at a dinner party in the gardens of the Hotel Sarakawa in Lomé witnessed the presence of a cross-section of Togo’s political, traditional and economic elites as well as United Nations’ Representatives and Personnel. In her welcoming speech, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations’ System in Togo, Ms. Khardiata Lo N’diaye, expressed felicitation to the President of the Republic and his Head of Government on the occasion on the election of Togo as a non-permanent member state of the UN Security Council. She further underscored the historic aspect of the year 2011; a year where, according to UNFPA statistics, the world will be counting 7billion inhabitants. Ms. Lo N’diaye concluded by stressing the necessity of putting into place strategic orientation plans in order to face the challenges that a world of 7billion inhabitants would present.
TURKEY: The Hürriyet Daily News reported on 30 October that the day the world population reaches 7 billion is not a cause for alarm. “Our projection is that if current trends continue, the population of Turkey will reach 100 million by 2050, so I’m not very worried. But if you push too hard to have more children it could lead to issues. Many cities like Istanbul are so crowded already,” Dr. Zahidul Huque, the U.N. Population Fund’s (UNFPA) representative in Ankara, said in an interview with the Hürriyet Daily News. Read in English: Hürriyet Daily News
UGANDA: The Observer on 30 October published an article quoting UNFPA Uganda Country Representative Janet Jackson. “We need to stop and ponder on how we can make this space which we all share together a better place,” Jackson said. “There is need to ensure families are planned and that every child is wanted. This will lead to families that are cared for. Individual decisions are very important in determining global population growth.” Jackson also advises that priority be given to women and girls because “when women are healthy and educated they trigger progress in their families, communities and nations.” Read in English: The Observer
New Vision published an editorial on 28 October urging Uganda to “tackle causes of high population growth.” “If we want to pay more than lip service to reducing our population growth rates – among the fastest in the world, we need to pay particular attention to women’s welfare and encourage their empowerment.” UNFPA data is quoted throughout.
UNITED STATES: PBS' "To the Contrary"on 28 October broadcast an interview with UNFPA Executive Director on the 7 billion. His piece starts at the 16:04 mark. View in English: PBS
UNITED KINGDOM: BBC on 28 October broadcast a programme on the 7 billion featuring UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde. Listen in English: BBC
URUGUAY: Several media outlets reported on 29 October that the world population was to reach 7 billion, and coinciding with this occasion UNFPA and Montevideo City Council organized a parade of candombe, a musical genre with African roots that was declared humankind heritage by UNESCO. Hundreds of drums and dancers took to Montevideo’s city center. In addition, a population counter was installed in a public screen on Intendencia’s Square from which Montevideans could follow population reaching 7 billion. Read more in Spanish: Canal 10, La República, Subrayado y Causa Abierta.
Several media outlets reported on 28 October that while the world was expecting its 7 billionth inhabitant, several web applications allowed individuals to discover how many people lived at the moment of every person’s birth. Read more in Spanish: Montevideo.com, El País, Subrayado and El Observador.
VIET NAM: Multiple media outlets reported on 28 October that the world population is projected to reach 7 billion on 31 October. To mark this important milestone, a gala night on “The World at 7 Billion – Counting on Each Other” was held in Ha Noi on 27 October, by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations in Viet Nam. Speaking at the gala night, the Minister of Health, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said “This gala shows a commitment from the government of Viet Nam on joining efforts for a healthy planet and healthy people”.
The 7 billion milestone is a challenge, it is an opportunity and it is a call to action. “We are here today – different ages, careers, cultures, nationalities and languages – but let the power of music brings us together. I am one of 7 billion. You are one of 7 billion. Each of us has a unique role and shared responsibility to address issues that affect us all towards inclusive, equitable and sustainable development,” said Mr. Bruce Campbell, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam. Read the in Vietnamese: Gia Dinh va Xa Hoi (Family and Society), Song Tre, Tien Phong and Nhan Dan
BRAZIL: Country will have national system of indicators on human rights
Sociedade Sustentável reported on 5 October that Brazil will develop a national system of indicators on human rights, in areas such as civil and political rights, social security (pension and social assistance), employment and income generation, health and education. The new system is part of the project Information on Human Rights: Building and Identifying Potential Indicators, developed by the Human Rights Secretariat of the Presidency in partnership with the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), United Nations Population Fund and United Nations Development Programme. "The creation of this national system will help deepen and qualify the discussions on the theme," says the General Coordinator of Information and Indicators on Human Rights office, Jorge Teles. Read in Portuguese: Sociedade Sustentável
BRAZIL: 1.1 million Brazilians turn 60 every year
O Globo newspaper and several outlets reported on 4 October onwards that the Brazilian population is ageing rapidly: 1.1 million Brazilians age 60 are added to the population every year. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in 40 years the elderly population will increase by 45 million people, of whom 15 million have more than 80 years. Currently, only 2.8 million Brazilians are past their 80s. Longevity can be explained by advances in medicine and practices associated with quality of life, including exercise and balanced diet. According to the United Nations Population Fund, in 1980 Brazilians' life expectancy at birth was 63.4 years. Now it stands at 74. In 2050, it will reach 79.4. UNFPA Assistant Representative in Brazil, Tais Santos, is quoted saying that, “If there were no public policy for elderly care, people aged 70 or 80 will have to care for people aged 100, as the group of centenarians also increases.” Changes have impacts on health and welfare systems as well as the cities themselves. In large cities, even the streets crossing time at traffic lights is suitable for pedestrians, let alone those who move around more slowly than normal. Read in Portuguese: O Globo, Brasil em Foco, and O Presente
BRAZIL: World Loses Two Million Women a Year Due to Selective Abortion
O Globo newspaper reported on 2 October that according to the latest World Bank report "Gender Equality and Development," each year 1.4 million female babies are lost due to sex-selective abortion, and 617,000 girls die before reaching age 5 of neglect worldwide, trapped by a gender and poverty context in which parents prefer to devote their scarce resources to sons. The study shows an increased number of sex-selective abortions in China and India from 1990 to 2008; figures are increasing also in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus for a variety of reasons, including male dowry in India to the expectation of a male heir to carry on the family name in countries like Armenia. The UNFPA coordinator in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Anuja Gulati, is quoted revealing that there are about 1,600 selective abortions every day in India. “If it continues at the rate, we will get just 900 girls per thousand boys in 2012, warned Anuja.”
Read in Portuguese: O Globo
BRAZIL: UN Promotes Health Workshops in the Island of Maré
Itapoan On Line and Bahia reported on 26 September that 50 community leaders of the island of Maré, located near the capital city of Salvador, State of Bahia, will have the opportunity to participate in two workshops, on sexual and reproductive rights and on promotion of maternal health. The workshops are an initiative of the Racial Equality Promotion Office (Aspers) of the Municipal Health Service (SMS) of Salvador, in conjunction with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Both activities aim to raise awareness on these issues and guide participants to become local multipliers of such an agenda. According to Silvia Augustus, social worker and coordinator of the Aspers, the island was chosen because of the local black population and its health issues. The workshops offer the possibility of strengthening the dialogue between health officials, midwives and the traditional local knowledge. Read in Portuguese: Itapoan On Line
BRAZIL: Ministry Promotes AIDS Prevention in the City of Rock
Agencia Brasil and Correio Braziliense news portals on 24 September reported that during the 7-day music festival Rock in Rio, the Ministry of Health will distribute 250,000 condoms and offer a free fast testing scheme for early HIV diagnosis, available to the public in a special stand at the concert venue, the City of Rock. The “Be Aware” initiative was developed in partnership with the State Government of Rio de Janeiro and is supported by UNFPA. It aims to alert the public on the importance of preventing sexually transmitted diseases by providing access to information, prevention, diagnosis and assistance. Health professionals are prepared to perform approximately 300 HIV tests per day, and results will be delivered by counseling experts. Read in Portuguese: Agência Brasil and Correio Braziliense
BRAZIL: The Educational Spring
Cruzeiro do Sul and Jornal da Paraiba newspapers reproduced on 22 September an op-ed by João Guilherme Ometto, vice-president of the Sao Paulo State Federation of Industries, calling for an “educational spring” in Brazil, similar to the libertarian movements that emerged from universities around the world in the 1960’s where knowledge was the major driving force of popular mobilization. According to UNFPA projections, the world will reach seven billion people in October this year; by 2050, there will be nine billion people, all of which need to be provided with employment, health, food, drinking water and full citizenship. The article states that only proper education on all levels can produce new generations aware of the environmental, family planning and productive challenges Brazil is facing ahead. Read in Portuguese: Cruzeiro do Sul and Jornal da Paraiba
BRAZIL: Slave Labour in Clothing and Construction
Correio do Brasil reported on 14 September that some clothing and construction businesses in Brazil are involved with slave labor. The problem was discussed in a public hearing held on the Commission on Human Rights of the Congress, which addressed the exploitation of foreign workers in Brazil, as well as Brazilian victims of trafficking and slave labour in other countries. UNFPA’s State of World Population 2006 report was quoted by stating that there are approximately 70,000 Brazilians working as prostitutes in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan and South American countries. According to the report, most women are between 18 and 25 years old and belong to low-income families. Most were victims of human trafficking - a network that moves, worldwide, between $17 billion and $18 billion per year. Read in Portuguese: Correio do Brasil
BRAZIL: UN Event Discusses Fertility Decline in Brazil
Jornal do Brasil reported on 13 September that the drastic fall in fertility rates in Brazil will be the subject of a meeting sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, and National Geographic magazine. The meeting takes place in Washington, DC. According to the report, Brazil has registered a lower number of births in recent decades, even without population control policies like the ones adopted in China and India. Among the reasons for the fall is the change of women’s role in society. According to UNFPA, there are now more Brazilian women in the labour market and new patterns of consumption and attitude towards family. Read in Portuguese: Jornal do Brasil
BRAZIL: Audience Discusses Exploitation of Citizens Abroad
Camara News Agency reported on 12 September that the Brazilian Congress held a public hearing focusing on human rights violations of foreign workers in Brazil and the trafficking of Brazilian women for exploitation in other countries. According to the State of World Population 2006, published by UNFPA, there are approximately 70,000 Brazilians working as prostitutes in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan and South American countries. According to the report, most women are between 18 and 25 years old and belong to low-income families; most were victims of human trafficking - a network that moves, worldwide, between $ 17 billion and 18 billion per year. Read in Portuguese: Camara News Agency
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON YEAR OF SEVEN BILLION
BRAZIL: Folha do Meio Ambiente reported on 22 August that according to UNFPA the Earth will pass the mark of seven billion people on October 31, 2011, a reason to celebrate as it is the result of increasing life expectancy, reduced child mortality, improved basic sanitation and medical developments. Growth is expected to continue throughout the 21st century; according to UN projections, the world population would stabilize around 10.1 billion people by 2100. The challenge is still to define the environmental impact of a population this size; for many scientists, a population of 7 billion is a new technological challenge. Read in Portuguese: Folha do Meio Ambiente
PARAGUAY: Paraguay al Instante and Prensa Indígena reported on 22 and 24 August that in order to promote the campaign "7 Billion People. 7 Billion Actions," UNFPA did a presentation on it to journalists in the city of Encarnación, a distance of 370 kilometers from the capital. The Governor of the Department of Itapúa, Juan Afara, and Carolina Castro Ravera, advocacy and communications adviser for UNFPA made opening remarks. Population and Development Officer for UNFPA, Aldo Natalizia, presented the information. Read in Spanish: Paraguay al Instante, Prensa Indígena
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON WORLD YOUTH DAY
BOLIVIA: El Cambio reported on 13 August on the situation of young people in the country and in the world. According to data from UNFPA, the worldwide youth population is now 1.8 billion, the highest figure in human history. Read in Spanish: Cambio
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 12 August on International Youth Day. UNFPA Assistant Representative Faris Hadrovic, invited representatives of the government to strengthen their work and dialogue with youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Young people have rights and they should be included in decision-making processes that directly involve them. Cooperation between the government and youth is very important in order to respond more successfully to the challenges of creating a better future for all. Inter-generation cooperation is the key to achieving promises made in the Millennium Declaration and MDGs to create a more prosperous environment for youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” Read in Bosnian: Sarajevo-x.com and radiosarajevo.ba
BRAZIL: Folha de Sao Paulo published a special report on 14 August analyzing the implications of the world population of 7 billion, due to be reached by October. Despite the fact that the population has doubled in only 39 years, rising from 3 billion in 1960 to 6 billion in 1999, the pace of growth has decreased and tends to stabilize around 2100 according to UN projections. Education and family planning are among the factors that are leading to this scenario, according to demographers, while technological innovation has played a key role by ensuring food supply and better living conditions. However, global warming is a new threat to be taken into account. UNFPA’s 2009 State of the World Population Report was quoted, among other UN studies, stressing the need for improved access to education and modern contraceptive methods as one long-term strategy to curb global warming.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): DRTV broadcast on 13 August the message of UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin, on the occasion of World Youth Day 2011, delivered in Congo by UNFPA Representative David Lawson. He stressed that youth constitute the largest portion of the population ever, and called on them to "Change our World," the theme of the international day.
Multiple media outlets reported on 13 August on a Youth Caucus jointly organized by the Youth Ministry, UNFPA and the National Youth Council for World Youth Day. A gathering of over 200 young people discussed how Congolese youth intends to "change its world" in Congo. In his opening remarks, UNFPA Representative David Lawson said, "Youth is the future of this planet and should reflect on how best contribute to making a safer more equitable and better world. Congo is in the middle of a societal transformation to which youth should contribute by seizing opportunities. It is your dreams that the world of tomorrow will be made of. UNFPA will support youth as one of its key priorities, including to enhance its ideas and institutional, organizational and advocacy capacity." Read in French: Congo-Site
LAO PDR: Xinhua reported on 12 August that UNFPA brought together 60 of the brightest young people from Laos' capital of Vientiane to celebrate International Youth Day (IYD). The theme "Youth Involvement: Opportunity for Development in Lao PDR," the event highlighted the contributions young people are making to society in order to promote their full and effective participation in the country's development. According to the UNFPA in Laos, the event included information sharing, group discussions and performances about youth-related issues. The young participants from the Lao government and international organizations, aged 16 to 24, came away from the event with practical plans for further action,
MEXICO: La Jornada, Milenio Diario, and Notimex reported on 12 August on celebrations of International Youth Day in Mexico and around the world. During a press conference on the occasion of International Youth Year closure, Mr. Ivan Castellanos, National Programme Associate on Population, Development and Youth of UNFPA pointed out that the current number of young-people between 15 and 24 years is the highest in history, and their present and future needs in education, sexual and reproductive health and access to employment, must be considered a priority. He also said that it is important to promote a decent job for young people, that they have access to social security and a contract. During the press conference UNFPA Mexico and Tendiendo Puentes launched the Fifth Photography Contest, “Mirada Joven” aimed to learn about the way young people think and feel about a world of seven billion people in the context of UNFPA’s campaign “Seven Billion Actions.” Read in Spanish: La Jornada (a), La Jornada (b) Milenio and Notimex
SOUTH SUDAN: Sudan Tribune reported on 12 August on an event marking World Youth Day, noting that UNFPA, one of the partners in the event, also reiterated its commitment to promote and protect the rights of adolescents and youth, whereby girls and boys have optimal opportunities to develop their full potential. “UNFPA promotes life-skills education and universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, and HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for young people. In addition, UNFPA acts to empower young women, including adolescent girls and to prevent all forms of gender-based violence,” partly reads a statement. Read: Sudan Tribune
URUGUAY: Sociedad Uruguaya published on 11 August the message from the UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin for International Youth Day. Read more in Spanish: Sociedad Uruguaya
VENEZUELA: El Mundo Economía y Negocio published an op-ed on 11 August by UNFPA Assistant Representative Jorge González Caro on International Youth Day. The article focused on the current situation of youth in Venezuela, pointing out that the proportion of young people under age 15 are increasing as a proportion of the youth population. Mr. Gonzalez Caro emphasized the relationship between adolescent pregnancies, low education level for girls, poverty and gender-based violence. Finally, he called on leaders and decision makers to understand the significance of redirecting societal resources and investing in young people today, in order to advance the rights, health and well-being of current and future generations.
BRAZIL: Campaign Educates Public About Violence Against Women
O Dia Online and Agencia Brasil reported on 5 August on the launch of the campaign “Women and Rights,” with three PSA films for television on the importance of reporting cases of violence against women. The objective is to contribute to public awareness aimed at reducing violence and promoting gender equity and women's health. The campaign is a joint initiative of UNAIDS, UN Women, UNICEF and UNFPA, in partnership with the Maria da Penha Institute. Read in Portuguese: O Dia
BRAZIL: City Council and UN Sign New Agreement
Multiple media outlets reported on 1 and 2 August that the Municipality of Salvador and UNFPA signed a new Technical Cooperation Agreement aiming to continue the ongoing actions to promote sexual and reproductive health, maternal mortality reduction, comprehensive sexuality education and improved health care for adult women and adolescents. Within the framework of this cooperation, UNFPA supports the City Hall in results-oriented public management, incorporating gender equity, race and age perspectives to the work. The agreement was signed by Mayor Joao Henrique and the head of UNFPA in Brazil, Harold Robinson. According to Mayor Joao Henrique, the main focus of this initiative with UNFPA is “to promote a constant exchange of knowledge and strengthening of management and institutional capacities." Read in Portuguese: JusBrasil, Bocao News and Salvador Diario
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD POPULATION DAY AND YEAR OF SEVEN BILLION
GLOBAL: Science published a special issue on population dynamics on 29 July, which included an editorial by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. He wrote, “As the world's population reaches 7 billion this year, we should reflect on the many ways in which population dynamics matter to the planet's future. Population growth patterns are linked to nearly every challenge confronting humanity, including poverty reduction, urban pollution, energy production, food and water scarcity, and health. With world population projected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, these issues and the desire to raise living standards at the same time will create a huge challenge. What immediate actions can be taken to deal with growth while ensuring a sustainable future for all of the world's inhabitants?” Read: Science
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Start published an interview with UNFPA Assistant Representative Faris Hadrovic on 26 July in light of the recent World Population Day. Mr. Hadrovic reflected on world population changes and population changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “The role of education of women is very important, especially in countries with high birth rates. Women have access to services thanks to the UN, UNFPA and other organizations concerning issues of contraception, reproductive health, education and family planning," explained Mr. Hadrovic. Population trends in Bosnia and Herzegovina differ from Western European countries. Mr. Hadrovic noted the difference being that “BiH does not substitute its low birthrate with introduction of a new labor force, such as Germany or France do with opening borders for immigrants. We have no such influx and this will present a huge problem in the upcoming years since social expenditures will rise due to an aging population"
BRAZIL: Correio Braziliense reported on 29 July and published a brief interview with UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin as the global population comes close to seven billion, as predicted by the UN and experts published in Science debate whether the Earth is able to accommodate so many people. Dr. Osotimehin remarked on food scarcity, saying, "Often the problem is not production, but availability," he said. He said the current food production is sufficient to meet the needs of all people, and population growth will be followed by a natural evolution in farming techniques. The big challenge has always been dealing with inequality. Today, many regions have too much food, while others struggle with hunger. If nothing is done in the coming decades, inequality tends to be intensified." Read in Portuguese: Correio Braziliense (a) and Correio Braziliense (b)
COSTA RICA: Telenoticias broadcast a series of reports from 26 -28 July on global population growth and the “7 Billion Actions” campaign. "The issue is not only about having a place on the planet, but the footprint we leave on it, the access to services, the quality of life we’ll have, and our neighbors will have," said Patricia Salgado, UNFPA." Read in Spanish: Telenoticias, Telenoticias and Telenoticias. Watch in Spanish: Telenoticias (a), Telenoticias (b), Telenoticias (c), Telenoticias (d) and Telenoticias (e)
Radio Nacional reported on 27 July on global population growth and dynamics, including ageing, and the “7 Billion Actions” campaign. Listen in Spanish: Radio Nacional
JORDAN: Multiple media outlets reported on 26 July that on the occasion of World Population Day, and under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal, UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, the “State of Jordan’s Population 2010” was launched for the first time in Jordan. This report was prepared by the Higher Population Council in cooperation with UNFPA. The report is considered to be the first comprehensive report that sheds light the structure, characteristics and historical development of the status of the Jordanian population. The report included population projections at the national and provincial level for the period 2009-2050, which will contribute in determining the future of development policies that leads us to the demographic window and later on, if well invested, to the "demographic bonus.” The launch of the report coincided with the launch of the "7 Billion Actions” campaign. Read: Jordan Times Read in Arabic: Al Rai, Ad Dustour and Al Arab Al Yawm
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY: Multiple media outlets reported on 27 July on a press conference that was organized in the Gaza Strip under the theme “Unleashing the power of women and girls will accelerate progress.” UNFPA Representative Barbara Piazza Georgi opened the conference with a statement that highlighted the challenges and opportunities in a world of seven billion, in addition to explaining the campaign’s objectives and themes. The Palestinian Bureau of Statistics provided an overview of the situation of the Palestinian population in 2011, followed by a statement on the situation of Palestinian women from the Culture and Free Thought Association, a long-standing partner of UNFPA. The conference was closed with an overview on the situation of the population in Gaza, provided by a national demographic expert. Read in Arabic: Ma'an News, Al Quds Net, Safa, Amad, PNN, Aswar Press, Al Sabah, Shehab and Palestine Now
UNITED STATES: Ms. published an op-ed by Suzanne Petroni on 29 July on the upcoming growth of the world population to seven billion, and highlighting the approach to population growth endorsed by the ICPD Programme of Action. She argued, “While the U.S. House vote to defund Planned Parenthood received much media attention earlier this year, similar attempts by House Republicans to defund the United Nations Population Fund have gone largely unnoticed. UNFPA works in some 150 countries, supporting programmes that help women deliver healthy babies and survive delivery, enable couples to determine the number and spacing of their children, reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, and end the harmful practice of female genital mutilation. The conservative excuse for defunding Planned Parenthood has been that part of the organization's mission is to provide safe abortions (although not with U.S. funds). But UNFPA, even though it doesn't promote or provide abortions, has still been the subject of a decades-long partisan game of ping-pong. Every Republican president since Ronald Reagan has withheld funding for this important agency, while every Democratic president has restored it. Employing the blatantly false pretext that UNFPA supports China's one-child policy and condones abortions and sterilizations, conservative politicians try to score points with their constituents, while the neediest women in the world suffer very real and tragic consequences.” Read: Ms.
BRAZIL: Brazil Announces Partnership To Promote Youth Initiatives
Multiple media outlets reported on 27 and 28 July that the Brazilian government announced a partnership agreement with UNFPA and the National Youth Inclusion Programme (ProJovem), on youth education and poverty reduction. The agreement was signed in New York by the Brazilian Ambassador to the UN, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti and the UNFPA Executive Director, Babatunde Osotimehim. Through the partnership with the UN, the ProJovem model will be taken to other developing countries with similarities to the demographic situation in Brazil. Read in Portuguese: Jornal do Brazil, UOL, Jornal Grande Bahia
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON WORLD POPULATION DAY AND YEAR OF SEVEN BILLION
Multiple media outlets published a blog post on 6 and 10 July by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin on the launch of the Seven Billion Actions Campaign on 11 July. He wrote, “UNFPA is launching a global campaign called Seven Billion Actions to create a more just and sustainable world. Currently about 78 million people are added to global population each year, increasing demand for natural resources and putting increased pressure on our planet. While poverty, inequality and increased stress on resources represent major challenges, the world is more interconnected than ever before, creating enormous possibilities. We now have new and unprecedented capacity to share information and ideas, and engage communities across the globe to solve problems that affect us.” Read: The Independent (UK) and The Observer (Uganda)
IPS reported on 7 July that the United Nations commemorates World Population Day next week against the backdrop of an upcoming landmark event: global population hitting the seven billion mark by late October this year. According to current projections, and with some of the world's poorest nations doubling their populations in the next decade, the second milestone will be in 2025: an eight billion population over the next 14 years. Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of UNFPA, said that seven billion represents a challenge, an opportunity and a call to action. On World Population Day, he will be launching a campaign called “Seven Billion Actions.” "It will engage people on what it means to live in a world with seven billion people and encourage action on issues that affect all of us," he added. Read: IPS and in Spanish: IPS
BRAZIL: Multiple media outlets reported on 9 and 10 July on UNFPA’s Seven Billion Actions campaign and World Population Day. The initiative aims to highlight the role of each person and institution in building a better world, sharing stories and individual or collective actions to respond to current challenges such as overcoming poverty and to discuss the role of youth in building the future, among other goals. The campaign refers to the world population of seven billion people to be reached in October. UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin, is quoted saying that in order to reduce inequalities and improve the quality of life a new, unprecedented global cooperation must be established. "The time to act is now. The individual actions, multiplied many times, can make a world of difference. Together we are seven billion people counting on each other." Read in Portuguese: Agencia Brasil and Jornal a Cidade
CANADA: CBC reported on 10 July that "Whether we can live together on a healthy planet will depend on the decisions we make now," Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of UNFPA, said in a news release. Dr. Osotimehin adds that 215 million women in developing countries don't have access to effective family planning. That's part of the message for World Population Day. UNFPA and its partners are kicking off a campaign to raise awareness of the seven key issues they've identified as the most important as the world's population hits seven billion. Read: CBC
COLOMBIA: Colprensa reported on 9 July on preparations for World Population Day, including an interview with Paulo Javier Lara, UNFPA Population and Development Advisor, who discussed steps to take advantage of the global demographic situation. Read in Spanish: Colprensa
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 9 July on a call by UNFPA to national leaders to reflect on the theme of World Population Day 2011, “A World at 7 Billion inhabitants.” UNFPA announced a series of activities from 11-14 July in four provincial capitals of the country: Brazzaville, Ewo, Loango and Pointe-Noire. Activities were to include high-level debates, television and media sensitization programmes; and health and vulnerable populations-focused activities. UNFPA also pointed out that that youth was the largest segment of the world population and its future. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
CUBA: Multiple media outlets reported on 6-10 July on preparations for World Population Day and statements by UNFPA officials in Cuba. The international coordinator of UNFPA in Cuba, Jesus Robles, extolled Cuba’s social policy in terms of the well-being of the population and their rights, and coverage also noted the youth focus of this year’s World Population Day. Read: Radio Cadena Agramonte, Cuba News, Juventud Rebelde, AIN, Prensa Latina, Trabajadores, Xinhua, Tiempo 21, Prensa Latina, Juventud Rebelde (a), Juventud Rebelde (b), Radio Rebelde and Radio Reloj
Multiple media reported between 3-10 July that Cuban singer David Torrens was to hold a concert on 10 July to mark the World Population Day in a downtown facility. The “troubadour” gave his image and music "to help UNFPA in whatever it needed" and transmit the messages "about family planning, women's equality, the promotion of humanistic values in young people and care for the environment." Read in Spanish: Tribuna de la Habana
GEORGIA: Interpress news, and Georgia Today reported on 7 and 8 July on World Population Day and published statements by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. Read: Georgia Today and Interpressnews
GUYANA: Guyana Chronicle reported on 10 July that the world´s population is projected to reach seven billion on 31 October this year. To raise awareness and engage the public, UNFPA launched “7 Billion Actions,” a global movement geared to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by a world of seven billion people, and mobilize individuals to take action in their community. Read: Guyana Chronicle
HONDURAS: La Prensa, La Tribuna reported on 8 July on UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s statement marking World Population Day and other UNFPA activities marking the year of seven billion. Read in Spanish: La Prensa and La Tribuna
INDONESIA: The Jakarta Globe reported on 7 July that with the United Nations warning of rapid world population growth, experts are calling on the government to increase people’s awareness of and access to family planning services. “The government should be able to guarantee that every family has access to birth control and that people from every region get the same service at facilities,” said Sonny Harmadi, director of the University of Indonesia’s Demographic Institute. UNFPA said that the world’s population would reach seven billion by the end of October. Indonesia ranked fifth in population growth rate after India, China, Nigeria and Pakistan, with four million babies born every year and approximately 700,000 deaths a year. Read: The Jakarta Globe
JORDAN: Al Ghad reported on 7 July on preparations for World Population Day. Read in Arabic: Al Ghad
LEBANON: Multiple media outlets reported on 7-10 July on World Population Day. Articles highlighted the importance of this year’s milestone and announced the launch of the Seven Billion Actions Campaign by UNFPA, as well as messages and statements by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. Coverage also included an interview with UNFPA Assistant Representative Asma Kurdahi, who discussed population and development issues in Lebanon. Read in Arabic: Al Mustaqbal, Houna Loubnan, 3poli, Al Mustaqbal, Al Balad (page 11), National News Agency, Lebanon Chat, El Nashra, UPI, Dar Al Hayat, Reuters and Al Balad
MOZAMBIQUE: TVM (Cabo Delgado) and Notícias reported on 8 July that World Population Day in Mozambique will be celebrated in the district of Montepuez, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Both reports noted that the World Population Day celebration is jointly organized by the Ministry of Planning and Development and UNFPA. TVM mentioned that Eliseu Machava, the provincial governor, will be joined in the event by the deputy minister of planning and development, Amélia Nakhare, and UNFPA Representative Patricia Guzman.
PAKISTAN: The News International reported on 8 July on the upcoming celebration of World Population Day, noting that in 1968 world leaders proclaimed that individuals had a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and timing of their children. About 40 years later modern contraception remains out of reach for millions of women, men and young people. The UN authorized the event as a vehicle to build an awareness of population issues and the impact they have on development and the environment. Since then, with UNFPA’s encouragement, governments, non-governmental organizations, institutions and individuals organize various educational activities to celebrate the annual event. Read: The News International
PARAGUAY: Radio Nanduti featured an interview on 10 July with UNFPA Population and Development Officer, Aldo Natalizia on World Population Day. Among the issues discussed were poverty, water and food shortages, urban planning, as well as the high rate of maternal mortality and teenage pregnancy. Watch in Spanish: Radio Nanduti (Part 1) and Radio Nanduti (Part 2)
Multiple media outlets reported on 9 of July that this year the number of people in the world will reach 7 billion and this will present new challenges for sustainable development. In commemoration of World Population Day, on Monday, 11 July, Aldo Natalizia Officer of Population and Development, UNFPA Paraguay reflected on how this process affects the world population and in particular the country, “where 1 in 3 people are poor”. Read in Spanish: IP Paraguay
QATAR: QNA reported on 10 July that UNFPA is preparing for the launch of a global campaign called Seven Billion Actions to create a more just and sustainable world. World population is estimated to hit seven billion by late October this year, says a UN report. The report suggests a fertility and population growth rate decline in most countries in contrast to least developed countries where the trend is opposite.
SRI LANKA: The Sunday Observer reported on 10 July that if you ask the question 'How many people inhabit Planet Earth?' the standard answer is 'six billion people'. But from 31 October, the answer would be seven billion. Yes, the world will be having one billion extra mouths to feed after October. (Around 80 million are added to the world population every year). This is especially interesting to us here in Sri Lanka, which will be conducting a census this year. This year's World Population Day, which falls on 11 July is even more significant in the light of this global milestone. UNFPA, the lead agency of the UN for World Population Day calls it a challenge as well as an opportunity. The UNFPA is launching a global campaign called Seven Billion Actions to create a more sustainable world with the tagline "We are seven billion people counting on each other." Incidentally, 1.8 billion of them are aged 10-24. Just 25 years ago, the world population was five billion. In fact, World Population Day is an outgrowth of the Day of Five Billion, which was observed on 11 July, 1987. The Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme later recommended that 11 July, be observed as World Population Day.
TAJIKISTAN: Asia-Plus reported on 9 July that on the occasion of World Population Day, the UNFPA country office in Tajikistan was to hold a news conference in cooperation with the Agency for Statistics under the President of Tajikistan. Read: Asia-Plus
TANZANIA: The Guardian and The Sunday News reported on 9 and 10 July on the projected timeline for the global population to reach seven billion as well as events n World Population Day. Events to be held in Tanzania included a youth forum, and articles also reported on remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s statement marking World Population Day and recent remarks calling for more engagement of men in family planning and reproductive health issues.
UGANDA: The Observer and the New Vision published on 10 July UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin's statement on World Population Day. He wrote, “This year’s World Population Day falls during a milestone year, when we anticipate the birth of the earth’s seven billionth inhabitant. This is an opportunity to celebrate our common humanity and our diversity. It is also a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for each other and our planet. Reaching a global population of seven billion is a numerical landmark, but our focus should always be on people. That is why I am pleased that the United Nations Population Fund is giving meaning to the number by launching its campaign for “Seven Billion Actions” to contribute to a better world. More than ever, individuals can make a difference by uniting together through social networks and working for change. We have seen many examples this year of the immense power of people to embrace hope over despair, to seek fair treatment where they are suffering discrimination, and to demand justice over tyranny.” Read: New Vision
The Observer reported on 10 July that to mark this year’s World Population Day, UNFPA and the Population Secretariat in Kampala have highlighted seven key population issues they say countries with high population growth rates such as Uganda must give serious consideration. These include involving youth in planning and decision-making; keeping girls in schools; involving males in family planning; and ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted and safe. Others are focusing on youth skills and development; ensuring a healthy environment for the people and their environment; and planning for urbanization. Read: The Observer
The New Vision reported on 7 July that Kayunga district will host this year's national celebrations to mark World Population Day on 11 July. Uganda will commemorate the day under the theme "Uganda at 33 million: Time to act." The event, organised by the Population Secretariat and UNFPA, will take place at Ndeeba Church of Uganda Primary School. Uganda's population currently stands at 33 million.
UNITED STATES: The Huffington Post published a blog by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Ostomehin on 7 July arguing for greater investment in adolescents and young people as the world population reaches seven billion. He wrote, “In a few days' time, world leaders and policy makers will convene at the United Nations for a special summit on young people. Given recent developments in many parts of the world, such a meeting is timely. . . Overall, people are living longer, healthier lives, and many couples are choosing to have fewer children. But we are faced with the largest ever group of potential parents. And great disparities exist between countries. While many wealthy and middle-income nations are concerned with low fertility rates and ageing citizens, the world's poorest nations struggle to meet the needs of young and rapidly growing populations. I am particularly concerned about the future of adolescents and youth: how can we ensure that younger generations inherit a world worth living in? The world's 1.8 billion young people aged 10 to 24 constitute more than a quarter of the world's population. Just below 90 percent live in developing countries. As parents of the next generation, their choices will help determine future population trends.” Read: The Huffington Post
URUGUAY: El País, La República, La Republiva and Causa Abierta reported on 8-10 July that on the upcoming World Population Day and launch of the Seven Billion Actions campaign, as well as issues related to census and other population statistics in Uruguay. Read in Spanish: El Pais (a), El Pais (b), La Republica and Causa Abierta
VENEZUELA: VTV reported on 8 July on UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin’s statement marking World Population Day on 11 July. Dr. Osotimehin said that to reduce inequities and improve the living standards of people living today and for generations to come, it will be necessary to adopt new ways of thinking and establish an unprecedented global partnership. Read in Spanish: VTV
YEMEN: Al-Thawra reported on 7 and 10 July on World Population Day, focusing on the preparation of Yemen, represented in the National Population Council, to mark World Population Day and the UNFPA campaign “Seven Billion Actions” and what it means to live in a world of seven billion. Read in Arabic: Al Thawra (10 July) and Al Thawra (7 July)
BRAZIL: UN Workshop to Strengthen Role of Women Living With HIV/AIDS In Brazil And Five Countries
Correio 24 Horas reported on 1 July that 35 women living with HIV/AIDS from nine states in the northeast of Brazil were to attend a workshop organized by the National Movement of Positive Women in partnership with UNAIDS, UNFPA and other UN agencies. This training workshop will also occur later this year in other regions of Brazil and Portuguese-speaking African countries (Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe). The event aims to strengthen the capacity of more than 150 women in these six countries and to promote experience exchanges and joint mobilization, enabling citizen participation in human rights, gender, advocacy and social control of public policies, thus contributing to the reduction of gender inequality and improved access of women living with HIV to prevention and treatment services. Read in Portuguese: Correio 24 Horas
GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON MIDWIFERY CONGRESS AND STATE OF WORLD’S MIDWIFERY REPORT
BBC2 (UK) reported on 22 June that a major report into the state of midwifery has found that traditional birth attendants alone will not stop women and babies dying. The three-year training course midwives undertake equips them with the skills to help save lives. And training just 112,000 new midwives could save the lives of 3.6 million mothers and babies by 2015. The UNFPA report says that this relatively low number of new midwives could have a big impact. But their presence in the community has to be supported with medical equipment and access to trained medical teams if there is a real emergency – like when a caesarean section or blood transfusion is needed. Read and Listen: BBC2
Associated Press (US) reported on 20 June that in Ethiopia, only 6 per cent of births are attended by a doctor, nurse or midwife. In Niger, many women have more pregnancies than is safe. In Botswana, the AIDS virus is linked to almost 80 per cent of maternal deaths. According to a UNFPA study, more and better trained midwives could help save millions of lives in these and scores of other countries with high mother and newborn death rates. Read: Associated Press
The Guardian (UK) reported on 20 June that the The State of the World's Midwifery 2011 report, launched at a meeting of the international confederation of midwives in Durban, South Africa, confirms a significant gap between the number of midwives practising and those needed to save lives. "The report points to an urgent need to train more health workers with midwifery skills and ensure equitable access to their life-saving services in communities to improve the health of women and children," said Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of UNFPA, which released the report. Read: The Guardian
IRIN reported on 20 June that up to 3.6 million maternal and child deaths could be avoided each year if midwifery services were upgraded, according to a new report released by UNFPA and partners at a conference in Durban, South Africa. "Public health advisors and practitioners are not relying on the key health professional that can improve maternal mortality - the midwife," said Vincent Fauveau, Senior Maternal Health Advisor with UNFPA, who led the drafting of the report. Read: IRIN
UN News Centre reported on 20 June that Up to 3.6 million deaths could be avoided each year in 58 developing countries if midwifery services are upgraded, according to a report released by UNFPA and partners. Read: UN News Centre
UN Radio reported on 20 June that midwives are playing a major role in preventing mother to baby transmission of HIV, according to UNFPA. HIV and AIDS have been responsible for the majority of maternal and newborn deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa. In a new report on the State of the World’s Midwifery 2011, released the agency is calling for the scaling up of midwifery service around the globe. Vincent Faveau, the UNFPA senior maternal health advisor said, “Currently less than half of all pregnant women in the world have access to a professional midwife. If 95 per cent of the pregnant women had access to a professional midwife, well equipped and authorized to perform these life saving and preventative measures, that would make a big difference in the AIDS epidemic in the world.” Read and Listen: UN Radio and in Spanish: UN Radio
VOA (US) reported on 20 June that The State of the World’s Midwifery 2011 was released in Durban, South Africa, at the Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives. It says because of a lack of midwives, nearly 360,000 women die while pregnant or giving birth each year; about two million newborns die within the first 24 hours of life; and over two and a half million infants are stillborn. “Midwives are very important because they provide services throughout the childbearing years of a woman. So, they cover all the needs that exist in families for reproductive health, for education, family planning, obviously everything to do with pregnancy and childbirth and, generally, sexual and reproductive health issues,” said Petra ten Hoope, midwifery adviser and a main author of the report. Read: VOA
AFRICA: Panapress reported on 20 June that the city of Durban welcomed the launch of the first report on the current state of midwifery practice around the world, through new data collected in 58 countries representing all regions and to help strengthen the practice of midwifery throughout the world. The State of the World’s Midwives 2011 was launched at a press conference by the Undersecretary-General of the UN and Executive Director of UNFPA, Babatunde Osotimehin, in the presence of President of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), Bridget Lynch. Read in French: Panapress
SAPA reported on 20 June that a report presented during a midwives' conference in Durban paints a gloomy picture about the state of midwifery in 58 developing countries. Up to 3.6 million deaths could be avoided each year in these countries if midwifery services were upgraded. The report was compiled by UNFPA and partners presented during the Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives in Durban. Read: SAPA
LATIN AMERICA: Reuters and EFE reported on 21 June on the release of the State of the World’s midwives 2011, and on remarks by UNFPA officials, including Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin at the World Congress of Midwives. Read in Spanish: EFE and Reuters
ARMENIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 21 June on the launch of The State of the World's Midwifery 2011, at the Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) underway in Durban, South Africa. The report unveils new data confirming there is a significant gap between the number of midwives practicing and those needed to save lives. Read: Tert.am, Armtown. Read in Armenian: Tert.am and News.am
AUSTRALIA: Radio Australia reported on 20 June that up to 3.6 million deaths could be avoided each year in 58 developing countries if midwifery services are upgraded, according to a United Nations report. The State of the World's Midwifery 2011 report, released by UNFPA and partner, says that 350,000 more midwives are still needed globally. The article included an interview with Della Sherrat, UNFPA's international coordinator for skilled birth attendants in Laos, who discussed maternal health and the role and need for skilled attendants in Laos and throughout Asia. Read: Radio Australia
BANGLADESH: Multiple media outlets published on 20 June an op-ed by UNFPA Representative Arthur Erken marking the release of “the State of the World’s Midwifery 2011.” Mr. Erken wrote, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina committed during the MDG Summit in September 2010 in New York to “doubling the per centage of births attended by a skilled health worker by 2015 through training an additional 3,000 midwives, staffing all 427 sub-district health centres to provide round-the-clock midwifery services, and upgrading all 59 district hospitals and 70 Mother and Child Welfare Centres as centres of excellence for emergency obstetric care services”. This commitment is highly laudable and will tremendously help in achieving further reductions in maternal mortality and morbidity to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 5 by 2015. To operationalise this strategic direction of the Honorable Prime Minister, the Government of Bangladesh, with the support from UNFPA and the WHO, initiated a midwifery education programme in alignment with international and national standards to produce midwives with the required competencies.” Read: Daily Sun
BdNews24 reported on 20 June that a report presented during a midwives' conference in Durban paints a gloomy picture about the state of midwifery in 58 developing countries. Up to 3.6 million deaths could be avoided each year in these countries if midwifery services were upgraded. The report was compiled by UNFPA and partners and presented during the Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives in Durban. Read: BdNews24
BdNews24 reported on 20 June on the opening of the international congress of midwives. Midwives from across the globe walked five kilometres along the Durban waterfront a day prior to the opening of the congress, to send the message across that "the world needs more midwives now than ever to save mothers.” UNFPA, which supports midwifery development, observes that competent midwives are cost-effective solution to cut maternal deaths. "But the point is midwives have to be supervised. Supervision is extremely important," a UNFPA coordinator for midwifery programme said earlier. Read: BdNews24
BELARUS: Interfax reported on 24 June that according to the World Health Organization there are not enough birth attendants in the world. 358,000 women and 3.6 million children die annually from pre- and post-natal complications, which can be prevented, states the Midwifery report. The whole report bears the idea of necessity to strengthen midwifery services in the world. The report is prepared on request of UNFPA and was presented on the International Midwifery Confederation Congress, which is held every three years. Read in Russian: Interfax
BRAZIL: Agencia Brasil reported on 20 June that nearly 3.6 million deaths could be prevented each year with appropriate child delivery care, indicated a report launched by UNFPA in South Africa, during an international event with midwives. The UN agency has evaluated the care provided to pregnant women and newborns in 58 countries accounting for 60 per cent of births worldwide and more than 90 per cent of maternal mortality. The report showed an overall deficit of 350,000 midwives worldwide. The organization warned that 38 countries surveyed must dramatically increase the number of midwives if they want to achieve the MDG target of 95 per cent of deliveries with skilled attendance by 2015. Read in Portuguese: Agencia Brasil
CAMBODIA: Phnom Penh Post reported on 21 June that Cambodia must increase the number of midwives working in the Kingdom in order to meet a goal of having 95 per cent of births supervised by a skilled birth attendant by 2015, according to a report released on 20 June. The State of the World’s Midwifery 2011 report, released by UNFPA and partners, found that an estimated 567 more midwives were needed in Cambodia to meet a projected Millennium Development Goal target of 2,481. Cambodia is one of 38 countries facing a “severe shortage” of midwives, with an average of six midwives per 1,000 live births, the report stated. The maternal mortality rate is 290 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to 2008 data. Read: Phnom Penh Post
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): DRTV, MNTV, Congo-site, Canal Benedictions and Radio-Congo reported on 21 June on a press conference held by UNFPA Representative David Lawson and Midwife Order President Adrienne Beatrice Guekele. Mr. Lawson presented the contents of the report, emphasizing the point that midwives not only give birth but also save life. 350,000 additional midwives are needed worldwide, as many as women are dying giving birth. Recalling the advocacy for government-initiated midwifery on the occasion of International Midwife Day 2011, he said, "In Congo midwives are an integral and strategic element to reduce maternal mortality, including through implementing free C-section. We need more midwives, better distributed in the country, and UNFPA is support the government efforts in this regard, but we also need a well structured Midwife National Order, more professionalism, dedication and commitment by midwives to saving lives." Ms. Guekele agreed that more training was necessary and support by UNFPA was welcome. Read in French: Congo-site
DENMARK: U-landsnyt.dk and Politiken reported on 20 and 21 June on the release of the midwifery report on 20 June, focusing on the shortage of midwives in 38 countries. The article noted that UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin said that the report exposes the urgent need to train more health workers to assist during pregnancy and childbirth and to ensure equal access to their services in local communities. It will improve women's and children's health. Read in Danish: Politiken and U-Landsnyt
ECUADOR: Andes reported on 20 June that a new report by UNFPA estimated that the deficit amounted to 350,000 midwives in 58 countries worldwide. Read in Spanish: Andes
FRANCE: Radio France International broadcast on 23 June a two-part discussion featuring Vincent Fauveau, Maternal Health Adviser, UNFPA, and coordinator of the State of the World’s Midwifery Report; Luc de Bernis, Senior Maternal Health Adviser, UNFPA; and Frédérique Teurnier, President of the (French) College of Midwives. The discussion addressed the report and work in countries with high maternal mortality. Read and listen in French: RFI and RFI
La Croix reported on 20 June that a UNFPA report focused on the “irreplaceable role of midwives against pregnancy-related mortality.” 58 countries representing close to six births in ten comprise the heart of the problem: only 17 per cent of midwives are practicing there. Read in French: La Croix
AFP reported on 20 June that close to 3.6 million deaths could be avoided each year in 58 developing countries if midwifery services are strengthened by 2015, according to a new report by UNFPA.
GERMANY: Saarland reported on 20 June that the 58 countries, which represent 60 per cent of all births worldwide, represent 17 per cent of all active midwives. This lack of professional birth attendance is one of the main reasons that these countries account for about 90 percent of all cases of maternal mortality and 80 percent of all stillbirths. In the State of the World's Midwifery 2011 UNFPA examines the situation of midwives in 58 developing countries. In order to achieve MDG5, reducing maternal mortality by three quarters by the year 2015, about 350,000 additional midwives must be trained in the world. Particularly dramatic is the need for obstetricians in sub-Saharan Africa - the region with the highest maternal mortality worldwide. For example, there are in Sierra Leone at 221,000 births per year, only 111 midwives. Read in German: Saarland
INDIA: Hindustan Times reported on 23 June that a major report released by UNFPA has revealed that up to 3.6 million lives could be saved every year if midwifery services were upgraded in 58 developing countries by 2015. The State of the World's Midwifery 2011 revealed new data confirming there is a significant gap between the numbers of midwives practising and those needed to save lives. "We collected completely new data on the midwifery workforces in 58 'resource poor' countries where nearly 60 per cent of the world's babies are born. What we found were three huge gaps,” said Southampton statistician and social scientist Zoe Matthews. "First, there are not enough midwives. Second, women often cannot access care. Third, and most crucially, there is an urgent need to upgrade midwives' competencies in places where education, regulation and support for the profession are not strong,” added Prof. Matthews. "The report points to an urgent need to train more health workers with midwifery skills and ensure equitable access to their life-saving services in communities to improve the health of women and children," said Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA.
The Indian Express reported on 21 June that according to the State of the World Midwifery 2011, a report by UNFPA, in India “ensuring availability of human resources for skilled attendance at birth in remote areas remains a challenge. In some regions the majority of midwifery services are provided by auxiliary nurse midwives, who lack full set of competencies.” Read: The Indian Express
ABC Live reported on 20 June that UNFPA’s first report on the state of midwifery was launched at the Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives in Durban, South Africa. The report highlights the critical role that midwives play in improving maternal and newborn health and survival and the shortage of skilled midwives in many low-income countries, stressing the need to train and deploy more midwives in all parts of a country - especially remote and rural areas. Read: ABC Live
MALAWI: The Guardian (UK) reported on 20 June that an innovative UNFPA report, The State of the World's Midwifery, focuses much needed attention on service providers, and will help to achieve MDGs 4 and 5. A recent paper on maternal health staff in a district referral hospital in Malawi concluded that burnout appears to be common among those providing antenatal, delivery and postnatal health services. Read: The Guardian
MÉXICO: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 and 21 June on the release of the State of the World's Midwifery. In Mexico, over 1,000 women die each year from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth as a result of a lack of access to skilled care, including midwives. This was reported by UNFPA Representative Diego Palacios, Patricia Veloz, Director ocf the National Centre for Gender Equality and Health, the Health Secretariat (SSA), and Maricruz Coronado, CEO of the Civil Association For Adolescents Centre San Miguel Allende, the first training school for midwives. Read in Spanish: Vanguardia, El Mercurio, La Jornada and Once TV
MOZAMBIQUE: Notícias reported on 23 June that a new UNFPA report says that births assisted by skilled professionals could save millions of lives in the world. According to the State of the World’s Midwifery-2011, if by 2015 midwifery services were upgraded in 58 countries maternal and child mortality rates would drop significantly.
NEPAL: Republica reported on 21 and 24 June on the release of the State of the World’s Midwifery report and the International Congress of Midwives, focusing on midwifery in Afghanistan, and quoting Geeta Lal, coordinator of the midwives programme at UNFPA, who cited Afghanistan as “one of the most successful countries in midwifery.” The coverage also included an interview with report coordinator Vincent Fauveau. Read: Republica and Republica
PARAGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 21 June on The State of the World’s Midwifery 2011, released by UNFPA and other international organizations. "This report highlights the urgent need to train more health workers with midwifery skills, and ensure equitable access to services in communities, to improve the health of women and children," said Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Radio Nanduti, La Nacion and Radio Viva
SOUTH AFRICA: The Times reported on 20 June that a report presented during a midwives' conference in Durban has painted a gloomy picture about the state of midwifery in 58 countries. Up to 3.6 million deaths could be avoided each year in 58 developing countries if midwifery services were upgraded, it said. The report was compiled by UNFPA and partners and presented during the Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives in Durban. The study surveyed 58 developing countries and found that 38 of them were in dire need of more midwives. The 38 countries will not meet their MDG5 targets without 112,000 more midwives, the reports stated. In the report's foreword, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urges countries to take bold steps to improve midwifery. Read: The Times
SWAZILAND: The Swazi Observer reported on 22 June that the first ever midwifery report was launched at the ongoing International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) congress in Durban. Coordinated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the report contains alarming statistics on how pregnant women and babies die all over the world because they do not have access to health facilities or qualified health professionals. Read: The Swazi Observer
The Swazi Observer reported on 21 June that midwives from over 100 countries were in Durban to attend the International Confederation of Midwives congress. Swazi midwives and a team of academics from the University of Swaziland are also participating in the congress. About 3000 delegates were participating in this mega event, whose major sponsors are Johnson & Johnson, UNFPA and other organizations. Prior to the official opening of the Congress, over 1,000 midwives participated in a 5km walk that began at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and ended at the U-Shaka Marine world, was aimed at drawing people’s attention to the important role played by midwives in societies. The article noted that UNFPA is clear in recommendations made in the report concerning midwifery by urging that: governments must recognize midwifery as a distinct profession, core to the provision of maternal and newborn health services and promote it as a career with posts at the national policy level; ensure that midwifery and midwives are specified in costed maternal and newborn health plans and aligned with human resources for health plans; ensure adequate availability and distribution of emergency obstetric and newborn care facilities, including midwife led units of care; and invest in human resource management to develop and maintain competencies, manage entries and exits, and improve data on the practising midwifery workforce. Read: The Swazi Observer
SWEDEN: Sveriges Radio reported on 20 June on the release of The State of the World’s Midwifery Report in their national news broadcast as well as on their website. The lead message was the lack of hundred thousand midwives in the world. A Swedish midwife, Ms. Anna af Ugglas, who works for UNFPA in Bangladesh, said “we can only gain from providing women with as much skilled attendance, support and help as possible during pregnancy and birth.” Read in Swedish: Sveriges Radio
Sveriges Radio Studio Ett, reported on 20 June on the lack of midwives in the developing world. Swedish UNFPA midwife Ms. Kristina Castell, who works in Nepal, was interviewed live from the midwifery congress in Durban. “The fact that this is not prioritized enough is closely linked to women’s low status,” she said, describing the situation in Nepal where the maternal death rate is high and access to midwives low, especially in rural areas. Mr. Anders Molin, Health Advisor at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) also participated in the programme.Sveriges Radio
Sydsvenskan, reported on 21 June on the midwifery report, including a full-page interview with Swedish midwife Anna af Ugglas, who works with UNFPA in Bangladesh. She said the situation is improving in Bangladesh, but much still needs to be done. The country’s first 60 midwives graduated this year, but another 60,000 midwives are still needed, she said. “An educated midwife can for example identify risks at an early stage during pregnancy,” she said. “[A midwife] can support women to seek help in a clinic and deal with the most urgent complications.”
TANZANIA: The Citizen reported on 25 June on the launch of the State of the World’s Midwives, citing examples of shortage of midwives in the East African region but mostly Tanzania, which has the lowest ration in the region.
UNITED STATES: Ms. reported on 21 June that The State of the World's Midwifery 2001, a report released yesterday by UNFPA, indicates that if midwifery services were improved by 2015, approximately 3.6 million lives could be saved each year. The report underscores the current disparity between the number of midwives currently practicing and the number needed to reduce infant and maternal mortality. Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of UNFPA, stated, "The report points to an urgent need to train more health workers with midwifery skills and ensure equitable access to their life-saving services in communities to improve the health of women and children." Read: Ms.
Mother Jones reported on 20 June that increased access to and training for midwives in developing countries could save millions of lives every year, according to a new report that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) issued Monday. Improved access to professional midwives could save 3.6 million lives in 58 developing countries by 2015, the report concludes. Read: Mother Jones
UZBEKISTAN: UzReport reported on 21 June that some 24,000 midwives play a key role in delivering antenatal care and assisting physicians during delivery in Uzbekistan. However, the division of responsibilities and tasks between obstetricians and midwives during delivery is sometimes unclear and presents a challenge in the work environment, according to the midwifery report. Problems, such as gaps in the training of midwives and lack of funding, persist. UNFPA is supporting the government by sharing good practices and providing international expertise on maternal health standards. "I think the government has made maternal health a major priority," said UNFPA Representative, Karl Kulessa. "The President has stressed that MDG5, on maternal health, is a big priority in this country, and we're working very closely with the government in realizing it."
UzReport reported on 20 June that the first State of the World's Midwifery report confirms the critical role midwives play in improving maternal and newborn health and survival. It highlights the shortage of skilled midwives in many low-income countries, stressing the need to train and deploy more midwives in all parts of a country - especially remote and rural areas. The report, commissioned and coordinated by UNFPA, was launched at the Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives in Durban, South Africa on 20 June. Read: UzReport
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON NEW GLOBAL POPULATION PROJECTIONS
BRAZIL: Jornal do Brasil reported on 31 May a story that the world population is expected to reach 7 billion people on 31 October, according to a 2010 review of World Population Prospects, the official population projection produced by the UN Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the UN. UNFPA is planning a series of activities during the year, involving partners and the public in general to highlight the importance of this milestone: on 11 July, World Population Day, UNFPA and several partners will launch a campaign using social media to engage people in the debate on different issues related to a world of 7 billion people, including urbanization, women's empowerment and environmental sustainability. Read in Portuguese: Jornal do Brasil
COSTA RICA: Canal 7 reported on 30 May that elaborates on the theme of the population reaching 7 billion. It is estimated that by 31 October this year there will be 7 billion people on planet Earth. The main question is: What will happen with us at this rate of growth? "This means a great achievement because there is a better life expectancy in many ways, there are better medical services, there are more possibilities for all people to reach an older age,” said UNFPA Representative Patricia Salgado. Watch in Spanish: Canal 7