BANGLADESH: Bangladesh Elected to UNDP Board
The Daily Star reported on 30 April that Bangladesh has been elected member in the executive board of from the Asian Group at an election held at the UN headquarters on 29 April. As the UNDP administrator coordinates the activities of four important agencies of the UN--UNDP, UNFPA, WFP and UNICEF, Bangladesh will get opportunity to play important role in policymaking level. As an elected member of the UNDP-UNFPA, Bangladesh would be able to use its development experience in the comity of nations, as well as playing a pioneering role in assessing the needs of developing countries and solving their problems. Read: The Daily Star
COVERAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE
GHANA: GNA reported on 30 April on an event marking the International Day of the Midwife. Speaking at the event, Ellias Sory, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, pledged to review policies governing medical training and Frederica Hanson, a representative of UNFPA, said her outfit has prioritized reduction in maternal mortality ratios and support specific safe motherhood interventions in approximately 90 countries. Read: GNA
YEMEN: Multiple media outlets reported on 3 May on an event marking the International Day of the Midwife. UNFPA Deputy Representative Zeljka Mudrovcic, pointed out in her speech that the death of more than 8000 Yemeni women every year due to causes related, directly or indirectly, to pregnancy and delivery. Therefore, “Yemen needs midwives now more than ever” Medrovich said."Yemen, with scattered population communities- most of them hard to reach, and Yemen with limited resource, not enough of Health Centers needs more than ever midwives” she added. Ms. Mudrovcic called on Yemen’s government, private sector, and donor community to address and resolve the shortage and the growing critical nneeds of Yemeni mothers, to help minimize child mortality, and to combat HIV in Yemen. Read in Arabic: News Yemen, Al Estakari, Al Tagheer, and Al Waten
MOZAMBIQUE: National Journalists Syndicate Backs Population and Development Communicators Network
Daily Notícias reported on 29 April that the National Syndicate of Journalists (SNJ) is backing the creation of a network of population and development communicators in Mozambique to foster coverage of issues otherwise neglected. Eduardo Constantino, SNJ Secretary General, said in a meeting with editors and head of news departments that a steering committee is working on a proposal that will lead to the formalization of the network. The process is supported by UNFPA.
MÉXICO: HIV/AIDS Campaign Targets Youth
Imagen de Golfo reported on 29 April that Carlos García de León, director of prevention and social participation announced a campaign aimed at reducing HIV/AIDS transmission among young people. The campaign’s slogan “the football gives you a rematch, not AIDS,” is aimed at the population between 15 and 24 years old because in this age group accounts for 45 percent of new infections globally. The project will be disseminated in media such as radio and television about a month, and is the result of a collaboration with UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Imagen de Golfo
ECUADOR: Dialogue for the Eradication Of Gender-Based Violence
Globedia reported on 29 April on a workshop on eradicating gender-based violence. The workshop aims to provide a space for dialogue on progress and challenges in ending gender-based violence and is part of a national plan for the eradication of violence against women and children. It is sponsored by the Ecuadorian Center for Alternative Development and Studies (CEDEAL) and supported by UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Globedia
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: UN Officials Call for Protection of Civilians
Pana reported on 29 April and UN News Service reported on 30 April that Margot Wallstrom, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, urged the UN Security Council to address gender-based violence, while John Holmes, the top United Nations humanitarian official visited the province of South Kivu in the troubled east of the DRC and stressed that protecting civilians and ensuring they have access to aid remains ultimately the responsibility of the national authorities. Both articles noted that, in 2009, according to the UNFPA, an estimated 8,300 rapes were committed against women, averaging 160 rapes per week. Read: Pana and UN News Service
YEMEN: UNFPA and NPC Discuss Cooperation and Partnership
Al Thawra reported on April 28 that UNFPA Deputy Representative Zeljka Mudrovcic, and Secretary General of the National Population Council (NPC), Ahmed Borji, discussed cooperation and coordination between UNFPA and NPC. They discussed how to develop population programming, raising awareness on reproductive health issues including family planning, achievements, challenges and obstacles. The two parties also discussed the possible contribution from UNFPA to support certain activities and population programs plan of NPC for this year. Read in Arabic: Al Thawra
MONGOLIA: Cross-Border HIV Prevention Project
Olloo reported on 28 April on a meeting organized jointly by Mongolian and Chinese counterparts on 25 and 26 April in Erlian city that was part of UNFPA’s efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. The main purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the collaboration of cross-border stakeholders in STI/HIV prevention and encourage owners of EE in this work. As a result of this meeting there was created an opportunity to work more closely with EE and get their support in some of the project activities. Read in Mongolian: Olloo
GABON: UNFPA To Strengthen NEX Efficiency
Gabon Matin reported on 28 April on a meeting led by UNFPA Country Director David Lawson with implementing partners of the UNFPA/Gabon Country programme (2007-2011) to review the 2009 NEX audit results. Pursuant to a similar meeting on the mid-term evaluation of the Country programme en 2009, and in light of recurrent NEX issues, Mr. Lawson announced measures to reverse the negative trend and strengthen NEX efficiency. He recalled that "gearing up at all levels is necessary to enhance NEX, reach results and ensure sustainable development and relies on the commitment and action by the entire national community, including the top but also at intermediary and basic levels."
CAMBODIA: The Important Messages Doctors Share
The Phnom Penh Post reported on 28 April that, as a goodwill ambassador for UNFPA, Dr. Chea Samnang, plays a vital role in spreading messages to young Cambodians about health issues. Read: Phnom Penh Post
LEBANON: UNFPA Participates in Education for All Week
Al Balad and As-Safir reported on 25-27 April on the launch of the UNCG “Teach-In’”operation during the “Education for All Week”. The “Teach-In” initiative consisted of UN officials and communication officers touring 35 public and private schools throughout the country to reach out to an estimated 3,000 students. The initiative's aim was to raise awareness about and engage Lebanese youth in dynamic discussions of the UN, its issues and operations. UNFPA Lebanon took part in this operation through the Y-PEERs. On 29 April, two Y-PEERs intervened in Khadija al Koubra /Al Makassed School in Beirut and provided around 50 secondary students with information about the peer to peer education network, its main objectives, methodologies and actions. Read in Arabic: Al Balad and As-Safir.
MALAWI: Reversing Maternal Deaths Through Community Involvement
The Daily Times reported on 27 April that an intensive project in the area of Chitowo has reversed the high levels of maternal death in the area. The project involved the community in reproductive health decisions, from conception to delivery, and promoting safe motherhood. It targeted traditional leaders and traditional birth attendants and addressed the common delays that lead to death. It lead to a slow change in mindsets and now community members do not believe that a woman dying in childbirth was a natural occurrence. According to UNFPA, 85 percent of maternal deaths take place in rural areas. UNFPA reproductive health officer Juliana Lunguzi said that a delay in receiving care is due to staff shortages, weak blood transfusion services and poorly trained medical personnel.
SIERRA LEONE: Initiative to Provide Free Health Care Launched
Cocorioko reported on 27 April and Awoko reported on 24 April on the launch of the Free Health Care Medical Insurance (FHCMI) program, covering the population’s most vulnerable in terms of health care. Ahead of the launch, President Dr. Ernest B. Koroma, Deputy Health Minister Hon Mohammed D. Koroma, medical doctors, officials, nurses, and members of some supporting international agencies including UNICEF and UNFPA criss-crossed the country inspecting hospitals. Read: Cocorioko and Awoko
UZBEKISTAN: Development Partners Enhance Youth Awareness Through Creativity
UzReport reported on 27 April that UNFPA initiated and supported a number of youth–related activities in cooperation with such partners as Kelajak Ovozi Youth Initiatives Centre, UNDP and the Uzbek Association for Reproductive Health. One of the activities in the chain of educational events is a 5-day peer education training for trainers on theater-based education, which aims to equip active volunteers of UNDP Information and Communication Technology Centres in Khorezm, Andijan, Surkhandarya, Ferghana, Jizzakh, and Navoi provinces and the volunteers of Kelajak Ovozi with skills and knowledge on training their peers in theater-based education with specific focus on equal rights of women and men and reproductive health. "This activity is one of the ways we plan to address gender and reproductive health issues among young people, who comprise approximately 65 percent of the country's population," said Ulugbek Zaribbaev, UNFPA Programme Associate on Reproductive Health.
UZBEKISTAN: UNFPA Continues to Fight Cervical Cancer
UzReport reported on 27 April that UNFPA in Uzbekistan supported an initiative of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan and a number of international organizations to organize the Second National Conference on Cervical Cancer. The event brought together experts in oncology, obstetrics and gynecology as well as specialists from provincial health departments to make conclusions on introduction of cervical cancer screening in the country, discuss challenges and lessons learned with regard to the process; and plan further large-scale interventions on reproductive system cancer prevention. “Cervical cancer is one of the leading reasons of morbidity and mortality in women of reproductive age in Uzbekistan," commented Feruza Fazilova, UNFPA National Programme Officer on Reproductive Health.
SIERRA LEONE: Continuing Coverage on Free Health Care Programme
BBC (UK) reported on 27 April that Sierra Leone has launched a free healthcare plan for pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and children under five years old. Ratiszai Ndlovo, Sierra Leone's UNFPA representative, said that although medical equipment had been ordered and some drugs distributed around the country, everything was still not in place for the launch of the healthcare plan. "It's not perfect, it's not 100 percent," she said. "But I think we cannot start the programme with everything in a perfect condition." Read: BBC
THE GAMBIA: Plans To Train More Staff On Disaster Management Policy
Today reported on 27 April that Binta Sey Jadama, coordinator of Kanifing Municipal Council Disaster Management Committee has revealed that more plans are in the pipeline to train the staff of the council on the National Disaster Management Agency Act and Policy including other disaster related issues that will enable them to be more equipped. To achieve its goals, the KMC has partnered with numerous other departments and institutions, including UNFPA. Read: Today
THE GAMBIA: NYC Donates Computer, Satellite Equipment to Farafenni Youth Centre
Today reported on 27 April that officials of the National Youth Council, led by Executive Secretary Marchel Mendy, presented desktop computers and accessories, satellite disk, receivers and a Jamano telephone to Farafenni Youth Centre in the North Bank Region. Executive secretary Marchel Mendy for his part commended the youths of the region for their active participation in promoting youth development. Mr. Mendy used the forum to acknowledge the support NYC continues to benefit from UNFPA and UNICEF in promoting the reproductive and sexual health of young people. Read: Today
YEMEN: Media Centre for Children and Youth Opens
Felix News reported on April 26 on the opening of the Media Centre for Children and Youth, which took place under the auspices of Youth and Sports Minister, Hamode Obad. The centre was established with the support of UNFPA and other international agencies. Read in Arabic: Felix news
LAO PDR: Asian Parliamentarians Meet in Lao PDR to Discuss Population and Climate Change
The Vientiane Times reported on 21 and 26 April that population issues, development, and adaptation to climate change are the topics of discussion among leading parliamentarians and experts from the Asia-Pacific region, at a meeting taking place in Vientiane. According to UNFPA, the 26th Asian Parliamentarians' statement on Population Issues and Adaptation to Climate Change is expected to be adopted at the conclusion of the meeting. Read: Vientiane Times
JAMAICA: Man Talk – Steering Men in the Right Direction
The Jamaica Gleaner reported on 26 April and published a column by Daviot Kelly on 19 April on a gender sensitisation workshop hosted by the Male Desk of the Bureau of Women's Affairs and UNFPA. The participants (mostly men between 13 and 25) were asked what they thought made them a man, in Jamaican terms. One of the main objectives of the workshop, and the main point of this article, is to help us break away from these stereotypes, as they are doing more harm than good. Read: The Jamaica Gleaner (26 April) and The Jamaica Gleaner (19 April)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: UNFPA Representative Visits Katanga Province
Le Potentiel reported on 26 April on a visit that UNFPA representative Richard Dackam- Ngatchou to the province of Katanga. During his visit, the Representative along with other UNFPA staff, participated at the ceremony of installation in its new building of the Unit of the National Police in charge of protecting women and children against sexual violence. The building was handed over by Mr. Dackam- Ngatchou to the Governor of the Province AND was renovated by UNFPA. Read in French: Le Potentiel
BANGLADESH: UNFPA Official Begins 6-Day Visit
The Daily Star reported on 26 April that Purnima Mane, deputy executive director of UNFPA, arrived for a six-day official visit to Bangladesh, which was set to include a board meeting of Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH). Read: The Daily Star
YEMEN: Life Association for Childhood and Motherhood Holds First Event
Al Hadath reported on April 26 that Life Foundation for Motherhood and Childhood organized in Sana’a symposium under title "Towards a better life for Yemeni women and children." UNFPA Deputy Representative Zeljka Mudrovcic presented a speech on behalf of international agencies working in Yemen in which she expressed support of international organizations for such activities including the Foundation’s activities to perform their mission that would like to convey it to the community. Read in Arabic: Alhadath
PARAGUAY: Reduction of Maternal Mortality Is A Challenge
Adital reported on 26 April that every minute, a woman dies from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. The information, provided by UNFPA, illustrated that even in 2010, women have no guarantee of equal rights. Read in Spanish: Adital
COSTA RICA: National Survey on Sexual and Reproductive Health
Revista Perfil reported on 26 April on the upcoming Survey on Sexual and Reproductive Health which will take place in Costa Rica in May and June 2010. Oscar Valverde, UNFPA Advisor on SRH said the country lags in the formulation of public policies that address sexual and reproductive rights, but it is impossible to work without the information this survey will provide (trends, risks, protective factors that should be strengthened, and so on). UNFPA has supported the development of this survey in all its stages. Read in Spanish: Revista Perfil
YEMEN: Undersecretary of Health Stresses Primary Health Services and Reproductive Health for IDPs
26 September reported on 25 April that Deputy Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Jamilah al-Raebi, stressed the importance of developing a strategy and a clear plan for reproductive health within the plan of public emergency. She confirmed in her speech in the opening training workshop on package primary services, which represent minimum reproductive health services during crises, the importance of training and qualifying health workers to provide emergency services in case of natural disasters or man-made crises occurrence like wars, and also provide reproductive health services and care for maternal and newborn health. The four-day workshop organized by Yemeni Family Care Association and supported by UNFPA for 30 participants from various governorates. Read in Arabic: 26 September
PERU: Advisory Committee Installed for The Estimation Of Poverty
Agencia Orbita reported 25 April that the National Institute of Statistics and Informative (INEI), performed the installation of the Advisory Committee on the Estimation of Poverty and other related indicators in the country. This commission, which aims to ensure the quality, transparency and trust of the information in the field of poverty measurement and other indicators related, is chaired by the head of INEI, Mg. Renan Quispe Llanos and consists of experts from international organizations, including Walter Mendoza of UNFPA.
NIGERIA: Seven Ways To Empower Women Into Business Enterprises
The Vanguard reported on 25 April that according to the last official Nigerian census in 2006, women comprised almost half of the then 140 million populace at 68.3 million. Updated figures for 2009 put the head count in Africa’s most populous, as well most densely populated nation, at 148 million. Allowing for applicable variables, it would be logical to assume that the female population has grown correspondingly in the period, were it not for another set of disturbing statistics. In 2008, UNFPA reported that 52,000 Nigerian women were dying annually due to pregnancy and child-birth related complications. In more comprehensible terms, the number translates to 145 women per day. Read: Vanguard
AFGHANISTAN: Public Sexual Harassment in Kabul
GlobalPost published a blog on 25 April on public sexual harassment in Kabul. In 2009, the Ministry of Education reported that within eight months, 138 students and teachers have died and 172 have been wounded in criminal and terror attacks. About 651 schools have closed and another 122 school buildings have been blown up or burned down. Based on information from UNFPA, about 31 percent of Afghan women suffer physical violence and another 30 percent suffer from psychological violence. Read: GlobalPost