URUGUAY: On Track for Health MDGs
IPS reported on 26 July that Uruguay is on the point of reaching the Millennium Development Goal for reducing the maternal mortality ratio, but it is still behind in other aspects of maternal health, like providing integrated sexual and reproductive health care, fighting syphilis and checking on mothers and babies during the postpartum period. Of Uruguay’s successes, the article noted that antenatal care has been a priority area since 2008, with extra funds for health centres that meet quality and quantity targets for prenatal services; and UNFPA has financed the purchase of contraceptives, for distribution through primary care services. Read: IPS
UGANDA: School Drop-Out Rate Raises Early Pregnancy Concerns
The Observer reported on 26 July on the influences of child marriage, coerced sex, lack of education on family planning on early pregnancy, social isolation and school dropouts of girls in Uganda. The article noted that the UNFPA’s State of World Population Report, 2006, rated Uganda with the highest teenage pregnancy rate in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the report, childbearing and sexual activity starts as early as 14 and by 15, 30 per cent of females have had sexual intercourse. By 18, the proportion has increased to 72 per cent. Read: The Observer