JAMAICA: OAS Debates Convention on the Rights Of Older Persons
The Jamaica Gleaner reported on 31 October that member state representatives of the Organization of American States (OAS) and experts on the subject of human rights and older persons met on 28 October at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., to discuss the feasibility of creating a convention that protects and further promotes the rights of older persons. The panel of experts, who contributed to a discussion during a special session of the Permanent Council, in fulfillment of the OAS General Assembly mandate to, among other things, examine the feasibility of an inter-American convention on Human Rights and Older Persons, was integrated by Mirta Roses, Director of PAHO; Mario Lopez, of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR); Enrique Vega, of PAHO; Luz Angela Melo, of UNFPA, Dirk Jaspers, of ECLAC; and Fiona Clark, of HelpAge International. Read: The Jamaica Gleaner
GABON: COVERAGE ON VISIT BY UNFPA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Radio Africa No.1 broadcast on 30-31 October a one-hour interview with UNFPA Africa Regional Director, Bunmi Makinwa. During his official visit to the Republic of Gabon from 24-27 October, Mr. Makinwa discussed the overall development of Africa, governance, UNFPA regional work in the area of reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, gender and census. He answers questions about the cooperation between Gabon and UNFPA. He congratulated the President’s vision, policies and reforms for an emerging Gabon, as well as the government action, and initiatives taken by the First Lady to support it particularly on social and health issues, including championing the CARMMA. He talked about the future of UNFPA in the region and globally and that of UNFPA in Gabon.
RTG1, Gabon-Matin, and Mazleck reported on 28-29 October on the inauguration of the new Centre of the National Network of journalists on Population and Development, by Communication Minister Laure Gondjout and UNFPA Africa Regional Director, Bunmi Makinwa. As a result of the fruitful cooperation between the Communication Minister and UNFPA Country Director David Lawson, the Ministry provided the physical centre, while UNFPA equipped it with computer and telecommunication capability. This Centre is aimed at enhancing the technical capacity of the journalist network and information sharing and debating. Mr. Makinwa said, "In September 2009, Minister Gondjout and UNFPA Country Director created this journalist network, in March 2010, they launched a UNFPA media award to gratify competence and excellence. We are now at a turning point of our cooperation and I am glad to announce that a journalist training on media techniques applied to population and development will be held in Libreville in the course of the first quarter of 2011. This will enhance decision makers and populations information about critical issues for the country's national development." Read in French: Mazleck
RTG 1 reported on 27 October on meetings by UNFPA Africa Regional Director Bunmi Makinwa with Senate President Francine Rose Rogombe and National Assembly President Guy Nzamba Ndouma. The Regional Director met the two Presidents with a view to review cooperation between the Parliament and UNFPA. They expressed satisfaction with their cooperation with UNFPA, in particular on gender and male leadership mobilization. Mr. Makinwa called on parliamentarians to contribute to maternal mortality reduction more forcefully. UNFPA Regional Director said: "Parliamentarians are critical determinants of the country behaviour and spirit changes necessary to foster national development.”
L'Union and RTG 1 reported on 26 October on a meeting between Ms. Angelique Goma, Defense Minister, and UNFPA Africa Regional Director. They discussed enhancement of the HIV prevention programmes among armed forces, as well as the future of the African Network of Women Ministers and Parliamentarians. The Minister was reassured of UNFPA's full support and commitment to extend the programme activities, especially in rural areas, given its positive results in the armed forces.
MADAGASCAR: Indian Ocean Commission – GBV Mechanism Implementation
L’Express published an interview on 31 October with UNFPA Gender Advisor Seynabou Tall as the Indian Ocean Commission organized an October workshop on GBV mechanism implementation in collaboration with UNFPA. Delegates from the five islands (Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros and Madagascar) attended this workshop. The workshop was aimed at sharing experiences and setting up a sub-regional platform on gender-based violence. Read in French: L’Express
ZIMBABWE: Fistula, A Neglected Disease
The Zimbabwean reported on 30 October on the testimony of fistula patients. Many women suffer fistula in solitude and shame, and UNFPA estimates that more than 2 million women live with it in the developing world, with more than 50,000 new cases each year. Fistula is common in communities where women are married at a young age and give birth before their bodies are ready. Read: The Zimbabwean
CONTINUING COVERAGE ON SWOP 2010
IRIN reported on 27 October that the perception that women are only ever victims of conflict ignores the large numbers of female combatants, which can result in their exclusion from disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes. The UNFPA report, State of World Population 2010: From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change, released on 20 October 2010, acknowledges the role women play in forging peace, but cautions against the assumptions of women as nurturers and "natural peace-makers ... [choosing] non-violent solutions rather than conflict whenever possible.” Read: IRIN
IPS reported on 25 October on the week-long debate on the role of women in peace and security which coincides with the tenth anniversary of a landmark Security Council resolution 1325 calling for a key role for women in peacemaking, peacebuilding and peacekeeping operations and the State of World Population 2010 report. The report, “From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change" points out that feminists have often argued that women are natural peacemakers and would choose non-violent solutions rather than conflict, whenever possible. "Since ancient times, however, women have gone to war and the conflicts in contemporary times have involved many women, by choice or forced recruitment," it notes. The study, authored by the former New York Times U.N. Bureau Chief Barbara Crossette, said that ethnic conflict and nationalistic or class-related causes have drawn committed women into civil wars and sometimes terrorism. Read: IPS (25 October)
BANGLADESH: Multiple media outlets reported on 25-29 October that the government, represented by Finance Minister AMA Muhith, disputed demographic figures published in UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report, and questioned the sources used in the report. The minister said, "They (UNFPA) have made an unwarranted interference… I think they have prepared the report sitting at their New York office." In addition to specific disputes over the figures for the total population and maternal mortality ratio, the government questioned the sources used to generate UNFPA’s estimates, arguing that the most recent figures from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) were discounted. Read: Financial Express (29 October), Financial Express (28 October), Financial Express (27 October), Financial Express (26 October), BD News 24, Zee News
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: AFP reported on 30 October that in Bosnia, Association of Concentration Camp Torture Survivors founder Enisa Salcinovic’s campaign, along with that of other associations and NGOs, forced the government of Bosnia's Muslim-Croat Federation -- one of two semi-independent post-war entities along with the Serb-run Republika Srpska -- to adopt a law in 2008 recognizing women's status as war victims. A coalition of NGOs is working with UNPFA and Bosnia's Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees to create an overall strategy to give women survivors equal status across the country. But everybody -- survivors, NGOs, officials and doctors -- agree that this is only one small step in an extremely slow and painful recovery process for the women. According to UNPFA, 80 per cent of the survivors still experience psychological and physical symptoms. Read: AFP
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 28 October on a statement made by Humanitarian Action Minister, Emilienne Raoul saluting UNFPA humanitarian assistance. At the launching ceremony of the 2010 State of the Population Report, she said, "We wish to express our profound gratitude to UNFPA and its Resident Representative in Congo, for their prompt action on the reproductive health and sexual based violence needs of refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo in Northern Congo. The Minister called upon the government of the DRC to be more active on the diplomatic response to the humanitarian situation. UNFPA Resident Representative David Lawson saluted the government coordination of the response to this crisis with international and national humanitarian partners.
EGYPT: Daily News Egypt reported on 28 October that in an effort to pledge its support for the cause, the Arab League launched the State of the World Population Report for 2010, titled "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change," from its headquarters last week. “I’m happy to launch the State of the World Population this year from the headquarters of the Arab League and present it to the Arab public opinion in recognition of the great effort and a call to Arabs to benefit from it,” Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said. “[The report] includes facts, information and a deep analysis of the situation of women and girls in Arab states and other countries suffering from conflicts and war, which is worth looking into and studying and this is what the Arab League will do,” he added. The release of the State of World Population 2010, published by UNFPA, coincides with the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325, the Security Council’s groundbreaking move against the abuse of women in conflict and the marginalization of them in peace-building.
GUATEMALA: La Prensa Libre published an opinion by Ileana Alamilla on 25 October on the release of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report. Ms. Alamilla called for the transformation of society to build consciousness of the impact of armed conflict on women. Read in Spanish: La Prensa Libre
HAITI: Guyana Chronicle reported on 29 October that recent studies coming out of UNFPA show that on top of everything else, Haiti is fast heading for a population explosion if something is not done urgently to arrest the situation. “There has been a tripling of fertility since the earthquake, and I’m afraid there is going to be a crisis; this is a troubling trend and we are trying to call the attention of the international community and international actors,” UNFPA representative to Haiti, Igor Bosc, told reporters in Port-au-Prince, ahead of the launch there of this year’s State of the World Population Report. Read: Guyana Chronicle
La Prensa reported on 27-28 October and El Nuevo Diario (Nicaragua) reported on 25 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report, which presented Haiti’s recent earthquake as an example of the necessity of UNFPA member states adoption of Resolution 1325, which makes a priority of protecting women and children from gender-based violence in armed conflicts and crises. Read in Spanish: La Prensa (28 October), La Prensa (27 October) and El Nuevo Diario
INDONESIA: Jakarta Globe reported on 25 October that a conference was held in Jakarta to discuss the Ministry for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection’s plan to implement the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1325. At the conference, UNFPA Representative Jose Ferraris said that the UN resolution should be given special attention in Indonesia, given the country’s history of gender-based violence. He said this violence include incidents such as the May 1998 riots in Jakarta, where armed mobs raped at least 160 Chinese-Indonesian women. Read: Jakarta Globe
KYRGYZSTAN: Baldar and 24.kg reported on 21 October on the release of the SWOP report. Read in Russian: Baldar and 24.kg
MONGOLIA: English News MN reported on 28 October that when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies, according to the State of World Population 2010, released on October 27 by UNFPA in Mongolia. The ceremony was attended by, among others, S. Banzragch, Advisor to the Parliament Speaker, and Ms. Munkhtseren, Director of the Administrative Management Department, Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor. Read: English News MN
NEPAL/NORWAY: Fokus - Forum for Women and Development featured an article on 28 October in their magazine Kvinner Sammen reporting on the tenth anniversary of the resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The magazine wrote that that UNFPA has supported a project in Nepal working on implementing the resolution. The project has, as a result, been able to provide practical training and advice to local UN agencies and the Nepalese government on how 1325 could be implemented, with emphasis on management, security and legal issues. The article further mentioned that the 20 countries, approximately ten per cent of all UN member that have made action-plans for resolution 1325, are mostly European. In Latin America and Asia, only one country respectively has followed recommendations and created an action plan. In Africa five countries have created a plan on how to implement the resolution. Read in Norwegian: Kvinner Sammen
NICARAGUA: El Nuevo Diario reported on 27 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report. UNFPA Representative Junko Sazaki said that in response to disasters, women’s vulnerability to sexual violence is often overlooked. Read in Spanish: El Nuevo Diario
NIGERIA: This Day reported on 27 October that the Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, recently launched the 2010 State of the World Population Report in London, with the theme "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change." Read: This Day
SUDAN: UN Radio Miraya, Radio Bakhita and government radio reported on 25 October on the commemoration of World Population Day in Southern Sudan. To mark the event, a four-day workshop was organized by UNFPA and Southern Sudan Centre for Census, Statistics and Evaluation. The media reported that the objective of the workshop was to strengthen the Government Planning Officers and Development Partners’ capacity to analyze, disseminate and utilize data with special emphasis on the data from the fifth Sudan Population and Housing Census for socio-economic development programmes. In his opening remarks, Mr. Mwangulube, IOC UNFPA Southern Sudan Office emphasized the commitment of UNFPA support to the Government of Southern Sudan in generation of data on population dynamics to feed “people centred’’ policies and programmes to meet the MDGs.
URUGUAY: Making Afro-Uruguayans Visible
Multiple media outlets reported on October 28 and 29 that a recent study carried out by INMUJERES and supported by UNFPA brought to light new demographic data regarding the afro descendent population in Uruguay. 10.6 per cent of Uruguayans considered themselves to be afro descendents. The study shows that Uruguayans of African descent have lower life expectancy and higher fertility rates. Beatriz Ramírez, INMUJERES director, affirmed that it is necessary to articulate policies with other public institutions in order to reduce these inequalities. Read in Spanish: El Telegrafo and Uypress
UNITED STATES: UN Goodwill Ambassadors and Messengers of Peace – The Power of Celebrity At Work
The Examiner reported on 29 October on the role of celebrity goodwill ambassadors and messengers of peace for various UN agencies, including UNFPA. Read: The Examiner
SIERRA LEONE: UNFPA, Finance Ministry in Two-Day Population Forum
The Awareness Times reported on 29 October that UNFPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, have ,on Thursday, 28 October 2010 at the Saint Edwards secondary school compound, embarked in a two-day forum to partner with religious organizations to build consensus in advocating for population issues, an end to gender-based violence, women's empowerment and maternal health. Speaking at the occasion, Haja Afsatu Olayinka Kabba said it is not an easy task to bring people from various backgrounds to talk about sensitive issues but that the issues on the floor were of such importance to all regardless of one’s religious, social or cultural background that they will always be a common bond to draw human beings of various cadres together. She said one of the greatest assets Sierra Leone has is religious tolerance and this enables people from different religions to sit together as one to discuss gender issues. Read: The Awareness Times
SIERRA LEONE: First Lady Engages Traditional and Religious Leaders in Bo
Awoko reported on 29 October that First Lady Sia Koroma officially opened a three-day forum for traditional and religious leaders and young people to advocate for better reproductive health with an emphasis on the repositioning of family planning. Mrs. Koroma noted that the forum was the first step of the much cherished relationship and partnership that started with her office and UNFPA. Since then the office has received technical, logistical and financial support. Read: Awoko
PHILIPPINES: Consultation Held on Labor Policy
Manila Bulletin and Sun Star reported on 26-29 October that representatives from chambers of commerce and industry, the youth sector, and the civil society convened in Visayas and Mindanao for the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) nationwide pre-consultations, in preparation for next month’s multipartite National Summit on Labor and Employment. The summit – aimed at producing a Human Resource Development Agenda and to forge a Philippine Jobs Pact towards achieving inclusive growth in the country – was attended by DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, ILO's country manager Lawrence Jeff Johnson, officials from the UNFPA, IOM and UNICEF and other government officials. Read: Manila Bulletin and Sun Star
NEPAL: Anuradha Koirala: Award For What She Deserves
Republica published a profile on 29 October of Anuradha Koirala, Founder and the Chairperson of Maiti Nepal, a non-governmental organization (NGO) working for women and children, and established in 1993. “When I met women who were victims of domestic violence, for instance, I asked them to start nanglo pasals (bamboo tray vending) and they were more than happy to do so,” recalled Koirala, who is addressed as “Dijju” (respected elder sister) by all at Maiti Nepal. She furthered, “I helped them financially with what little resources I had at that time.” The NGO, which Koirala initially funded, began with nine women. Currently, the shelter looks after 150 formerly trafficked girls and 475 children, most of whom were affected by the decade-long conflict in Nepal. Maiti Nepal, which literally means a mother’s home in Nepali, is now funded by various organizations, including UNFPA, UNDP, ECPAT International, and Save the Children, among others. Read: Republica
INDONESIA: 24 Countries Vow to Cut Maternal Mortality Rates
Jakarta Post reported on 29 October that following a two-day conference in Yogyakarta, 24 member countries of the Partners in Population and Development (PPD) committed to alleviating the two main causes of high maternal mortality rates by training skilled birth attendants and improving access to emergency obstetric care. Maternal mortality rates remain high in some PPD countries, especially in Africa. According to UNFPA data, there were 1,200 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in Mali, 1,100 deaths in Zimbabwe and 1,000 deaths in Kenya in 2007. Read: Jakarta Post
GEORGIA: European Parliament Visits Gori
Georgia Today reported on 29 October that nine European parliamentarians in a fact-finding mission visited Georgia on September 19-20 to assess the state of internally displaced persons (IDPs), evaluate the health infrastructure needs of the country and conduct research about the reproductive health among the IDPs, particularly with a focus on RH services in the aftermath of the recent armed conflict in Georgia. The members of the delegation include parliamentarians from Belgium, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany and Sweden. The mission was organized by the invitation of Vice Chairperson of the Georgian Parliament, Gigi Tsereteli, a member of the Executive Committee of the European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (EPF), in cooperation with the UNFPA and the EPF. The trip to Gori was accompanied by Magdalina Anikashvili, a member of Parliament and the Christian-Democrats Party, Otar Toidze, also an MP and the head of the Health and Social Issues of the Georgian Parliament, and Besik Tserediani, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Refugees and Internally Displaced People. Read: Georgia Today
CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD STATISTICS DAY
PARAGUAY: Viva Paraguay and Neike reported on 29 of October on the tenth Inter-American Statistical Institute (IASI) meeting “This issue is crucial, especially to better understand the reality of our country, to plan and take corresponding measures,” said the Executive Secretary of the Technical Secretariat of Planning, Bernardo Esquivel, during the opening of the meeting, which marked World Statistics Day. The event, organized by the Directorate General Statistics, Surveys and Censuses and the IASI, was supported by UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Viva Paraguay, Neike
ZIMBABWE: Health Ministers Strategize on Health Sector
ZBC reported on 28 October that the government of Zimbabwe is implementing a series of policies and interventions aimed at containing the disease burden amongst Zimbabweans. This came out at the opening of the 52nd Eastern, Central and Southern Africa Health Ministers’ Conference that is currently underway in Harare. UNFPA Representative Basile Tambashe was among the speakers at the conference. Read: ZBC
PAKISTAN: Fate of National Volunteers Movement and National Internship Programme In the Balance
The Nation reported on 28 October that while the Ministry of Youth Affairs is reportedly winding up very soon, the status of important programmes lying under the ministry such as the National Volunteers Movement (NVM), National Internship Programme (NIP) and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed with others organizations is hanging in balance. Ministry officials are concerned about how to handle the matters regarding various MOUs with organizations such as British Council, USAID, UNFPA. Read: The Nation
JORDAN: National Seminar on Demographic and Housing Survey Held
Al Rai reported on 28 October that a national workshop was conducted at the University of Balqa Applied Technology to disseminate the findings of the Demographic Housing Survey 2009. The workshop, which was organized by the department of statistics in cooperation with the UNFPA and USAID in Jordan, presented three working papers focusing on family issues, reproductive health, child birth and mortalities and nutrition. Muna Idris, UNFPA Assistant Representative, confirmed the importance of providing statistics and data for policy and decision makers to help them in preparing accurate reports and determining gaps in their development programmes regarding population and child/mother health. Read in Arabic: Al Rai
JAMAICA: Better Health Care Needed to Lower Maternal Mortality
The Jamaica Gleaner reported on 28 October that Jamaica is not likely to reach the 2015 goal of lowering maternal mortality if health care does not improve for pregnant mothers. According to Dan Baker, of UNFPA, poor health care continues to be a mitigating factor for the progress of MDG 4, which looks at reducing child mortality. "It is going to take a lot because the things that UNFPA said will reduce maternal deaths are family planning, access to trained attendance at birth and access to emergency obstetrics care, and all of those indicators are good ... but what is needed is a lot of investments in providing quality health care in the health system," he said. Read: Jamaica Gleaner
HAITI: Cholera Outbreak Not Yet Contained
Jamaica Observer (Jamaica) and Xinhua (China) reported on 28 October that a United Nations health official cautioned that the cholera outbreak in Haiti is not yet contained and stressed the need to continue enhancing treatment, prevention and response preparedness measures even in areas that have not been affected by the epidemic. “I do not think that we have reached the peak of this epidemic,” Claire-Lise Chaignat, the coordinator of the global task force on cholera control at the WHO told a news conference in Geneva. UNFPA, for its part, said it is adapting 22,000 standard hygiene kits to meet specific needs to reduce the spread of the disease. The kits contain chlorine water purification pills, rehydration salts and soap to maintain higher levels of hygiene. Read: Xinhua and Jamaica Observer
ARMENIA: Yerevan Grappling with Domestic Violence Issue
EurasiaNet reported on 28 October that the issue of domestic violence, long a taboo topic in Armenia, is generating public debate. The catalyst for discussion is a shocking criminal case, in which a 20-year-old mother of a toddler was, according to witnesses, abused to death by her husband. A survey of 2,763 women, conducted in 2010 and sponsored by UNFPA, showed that those who suffered from abuse tended to keep quiet about it: only 15 per cent of those who acknowledged suffering from abuse were willing to discuss it. Another aspect of the survey involved participants being shown two images – one of a smiling face, the other of a crying face – and being asked which face they identified with more: about 70 per cent of the participants selected the crying face. Read: EurasiaNet
CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD STATISTICS DAY
SIERRA LEONE: Concord Times reported in two articles published on 25 October that the first World Statistics Day was celebrated in Sierra Leone by the Statistics Sierra Leone Family (SSL) in collaboration with the United Nations at an impressive programme held at the Miatta Conference Center, Youyi building on the theme, "Celebrating the many achievements of official statistics and the core values of service, integrity and professionalism.” The chairman of the occasion recommended that every ministry, department and government agency should have a statistics and a planning unit to quantify time and planning works. He lauded the immense support of UNFPA as a result of which SSL has planted units in the various Ministries and is developing its management and integration units, adding that knowledge sharing is what the SSL is all about. Read: Concord Times (a) and Concord Times (b)
SUDAN: Sudan Tribune, UN Radio Miraya, Radio Bakhita and government radio reported on 25-28 October on the commemoration of World Population Day in Southern Sudan. To mark the event, a four-day workshop was organized by UNFPA and Southern Sudan Centre for Census, Statistics and Evaluation. The media reported that the objective of the workshop was to strengthen the Government Planning Officers and Development Partners’ capacity to analyze, disseminate and utilize data with special emphasis on the data from the fifth Sudan Population and Housing Census for socio-economic development programmes. In his opening remarks, Mr. Mwangulube of UNFPA Southern Sudan Office emphasized the commitment of UNFPA support to the Government of Southern Sudan in the generation of data on population dynamics to feed “people centred’’ policies and programmes to meet the MDGs. Read: Sudan Tribune
JORDAN: Seminar to Discuss Population Situation in Ajloun
Addustour reported on 28 October that the Higher Population Council (HPC) in cooperation with the ministry of interiors in Jordan and Ajloun governorate organized a seminar entitled “Future Population Status in Ajloun Governorate in light of the demographic window of opportunity (Demographic Transition).” The seminar, which aimed to raise awareness regarding this demographic transition, included a presentation by the higher population council for decision makers and planners on the concept of the demographic opportunity and the requirements to achieve it and invest in it in the future. The presentation focused on the population characteristics of Ajloun and the fact that this governorate differs from others in population distribution. The State of Jordanian Population Report to be published in 2011, prepared by the Higher Population council in cooperation with UNFPA, will include in its fourth chapter the results of these seminars and workshops taking place in different governorates in order to create a detailed database on Jordan population and development. Read in Arabic: Addustour
VIET NAM: Sex Ratio at Birth, A Rapidly Changing Phenomenon With Significant Social, Cultural And Economic Implications
Multiple media outlets reported on 26 and 27 October that the ratio of boys to girls in Viet Nam has increased rapidly over the past years and is well above the standard biological level. According to the report “Sex ratio at birth imbalances in Viet Nam: Evidence from the 2009 Census”, published by UNFPA, the current sex ratio at birth is 110.5 males per 100 females, exceeding the standard 105. While the ratio is at normal level in the Central Highlands (105.6), other regions exhibit higher SRB levels, even above 115. “SRB is complex not only geographically but also socio-economically,” said Bruce Campbell, UNFPA Representative, while explaining that different factors such as maternal characteristics, ethnicity, education and employment and even the quality of housing can be correlated with significant differences in SRB levels. Read: Viet Nam News, BBC, AFP, Communist Party Online, Read in Vietnamese: Family and Society, Youth, BBC, VTV, VN Express, VN Media, VOV, Labour, Peoples' Police, Viet Nam Net, People's Knowledge, Young Pioneer; Read in Spanish: EFE; and Read in Swedish: DN, Dagens Nyheter, TV4 Nyheterna, Metro and Expressen
UZBEKISTAN: Media Tour To Perinatal Centre Showcases Effective Cooperation
UzReport reported on 27 October that a series of events marked the United Nations' 65th anniversary on 26 October continued with a media tour for journalists the Republican Perinatal Center. The tour was organized by the United Nations Office in Tashkent in partnership with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Healthcare in order to showcase the effective and efficient cooperation between the UN system and Uzbekistan. UN Resident Coordinator Anita Nirody headed the tour together with Deputy Health Minister Isomiddin Komilov, both of whom opened the media briefing. They were followed by Representative of WHO in Uzbekistan Dr. Michel Tailhades, representatives of UNICEF and UNFPA Oyunsaihan Dendevnorov and Fuad Aliev, respectively. Dr. Adelina Lyubchich, Director of the Republican Perinatal Center, gave a presentation on the Center's activities
SOUTH ASIA: UNFPA Statement On “Honour” Killing Reported
Dagens Nyheter (Sweden) on 27 October referred to UNFPA in an article on “honour” killings, stating that, according to UNFPA, approximately 5,000 women around the world are murdered every year in the name of honour. Most such killings take place in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The article further described how a crisis hot line in India has been made available for couples who, through their love for each other, are facing reprisals from their own families. By calling the hot line, the couple can quickly be relocated to a safe house location with a secret address. Read in Swedish: Dagens Nyheter
PAKISTAN: PPI and Norwegian Government Holds Seminar on Child Health Programme
Plus News and Dawn reported on 27 October that the Pakistan Partnership Initiatives, the Norwegian Government and UNFPA jointly organized a seminar on child health. On the occasion, Dr. Ghulam Shabir Chandio, National Programme Manager of UNFPA, highlighted the successful deployment of community midwives in three districts of Pakistan. Sindh Law Minister Muhammad Ayaz Soomro, meanwhile, congratulated the midwives who had completed the 18-month training and hoped that they will serve the women in their respective areas. Read: DAWN
MADAGASCAR: Family Planning Findings Released
Midi Madagaskaria reported on 27 October that a study on the evolution of Family Planning policy in Madagascar was conducted by Marie Stopes Madagascar and UNFPA with the technical support of Futures Groups. This study was carried out in 16 private family planning institutions and revealed the importance of the private sectors’ support in contraceptive product and commodity marketing.
MADAGASCAR: Mother and Child Health Week
L’Express reported on 27 October that twice a year (in April and in October), the Ministry of Health organizes the “Mother and child health week” in all health centers in the country. UNFPA contributes to this activity alongside UNICEF and WHO. With respect to the reduction of maternal mortality, UNFPA focuses its action in offering free contraceptive products, free individual delivery kits and free consumables for cesarean surgery.
LEBANON: Workshop Held on Residential and Outpatient Care for Elderly
Al Akhbar, An-Nahar, Al Anwar, Al Markazia and Lebanon Files reported on 27 October on the workshop, “Developing Standards for Residential and Outpatient Care Institutions for Older People in Lebanon.” The workshop was the product of coordinated efforts between the Family Affairs Unit and the National Permanent Committee for Elderly Affairs at the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA), and the Population and Development (P&D) Project. Organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and UNFPA, the workshop featured speeches by H.E Dr. Sayegh, Minister of Social Affairs and Ms. Martine Najem Kteily, P&D project manager representing the UNFPA Representative. The working groups recommended a set of standards for the different kinds of institutions (residential, outpatient, dispensaries, restaurants and homecare services) providing services for the elderly in Lebanon. The recommended standards were of utmost significance since they did not only reflect the international standards but also attended to the specific local needs of these institutions and the cultural context of Lebanon. These standards will be revised and finalized by a group of national experts before they are adopted by MOSA. Read in Arabic: Al Akhbar, An-Nahar, Al Anwar, Al Markazia and Lebanon Files
GHANA: Women’s Empowerment Needed for Sustainable Development
GNA reported on 27 October that Sulley Abudu Zakaria Lord, West Mamprusi District Chief Executive, has said females have suffered the consequences of several gender policies. These have affected their progress, he said, and called for those policies to be reviewed to ensure sustainable national development. Mr. Zakaria was speaking at a community forum on reproductive health and domestic violence at Janga in the West Mamprusi District, organized by the Department of Women and Children's Affairs. He suggested rigorous education that would empower women to utilize economic opportunities so they could create wealth and improve their livelihoods to close the gender disparity gap. UNFPA sponsored the forum under the theme: "Respect Women's Reproductive Health; Stop Gender Based Violence." Read: GNA