GLOBAL: UN Study Warns Of Failure To Plan For Rapid Urbanization
IPS reported on 8 August, Xinhua reported on 7 August and UN News Centre reported on 6 August that Governmental policies aimed at retarding urban growth and depriving the poor of benefits and services increase poverty and environmental degradation, creating serious long-term problems that could be avoided by enlightened planning, according to a new United Nations study. The study, published by UNFPA and the International Institute for Environment and Development, examined Brazil, whose urban growth has been considerably more rapid than the countries in Europe and North America. Read: Xinhua, IPS and UN News Centre
HONDURAS: Medical Equipment Donated To Leonardo Martinez Hospital
Tiempo and La Prensa reported on 8 August that representatives of the Canadian Agency for International Development and UNFPA gave a donation of medical equipment valued at approximately $100,000 to the Leonardo Martinez hospital. Read in Spanish: La Prensa and Tiempo
MEXICO: No Public Policy Agenda to Address Ageing Population
El Mañana reported on 8 August that Mexico has no public policy agenda to address the ageing of its population, leaving many adults without the resources they need. For Diego Palacios Jaramillo, UNFPA Representative in Mexico, the reasons for this are connected to the country’s inability to capitalize on the demographic bonus (more young adults of working age). “The demographic bonus is the only thing that assures older adults’ living conditions,” he said. “Some countries experience a second bonus, but that depends on their ability to capitalize on the first.” Further, that relies on the accumulation and sharing of resources within families. Read in Spanish: El Mañana
YEMEN: CSSW Conducts Theatrical Shows on Reproductive Health
Al-Shomoa reported on 8 August that the Reproductive Health Project at the Charitable Social Society Welfare (CSSW) in Hajja governorate concluded theatrical and art performances raising awareness on reproductive health. The performances, conducted in cooperation with UNFPA and the Yaman Association for Health and Social Development, aimed to demonstrate the benefits of reproductive health for family and society and their role in the overall development process. The Reproductive Health Project at CSSW and UNFPA also organized a theatrical show in Mukala to raise awareness on family planning methods and the risks of early marriage. Read in Arabic: Al-Shomoa