CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): CONTINUING COVERAGE OF UNFPA AFRICA REGIONAL DIRECTOR’S VISIT
Pari Africain reported on 25 November on the official visit of African Regional Director Bunmi Makinwa to the Republic of Congo, with a focus on the meeting with President Denis Sassou Nguesso on 21 October in Brazzaville. During this meeting, President Sassou Nguesso outlined that the country was still recovery from war and needed international support. Bunmi Makinwa promised the President that although the country was a middle income country, given its exceptional circumstances, specific attention would be paid to its needs.
Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 27 October on the conclusion of UNFPA Africa Regional Director Bunmi Makinwa’s official visit to the Republic of Congo. He met with members of government, civil society representatives, UN agencies and ambassadors, as well as with President Denis Sassou Nguesso and the First Lady. He also undertook field visits. Mr. Makinwa said, "I congratulate the excellent cooperation between the government and UNFPA. I salute the reforms undertaken by President Sassou Nguesso with regard to a parity bill on political, elective and administrative decision-making positions, as well as free c-sections, and multiple reforms undertaken to improve people’s well-being." The Regional Director assured the government of UNFPA’s full support in the areas of gender, reproductive health and population and development, and announced an increase of 15 per cent in the UNFPA budget allocated to the country programme. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
Congo-site reported on 26 October 2010 on the press conference by UNFPA Africa Regional Director on the outcome of his official visit to Congo from 18-22 October. He announced an increase by 15 per cent of the 2010 budget dedicated to the country programme. He said: "I realize that the country needs technical and financial support that I shall consider with careful attention. I have assured President Sassou Nguesso that UNFPA would continue to support Government efforts in the areas of its mandate." He praised the cooperation between Congo and UNFPA and the government commitment to implement social and health reforms, including a parity bill and a move to provide free c-sections announced by the President. Read in French: Congo-Site
ACI reported in its October 2010 issue on the official visit to the Republic of Congo by UNFPA Africa Regional Director Bunmi Makinwa. During his visit, Mr. Makinwa is meeting with ministers, high ranked government officials, civil society actors, development partners and UN agency heads in order to assess the cooperation between the Government and UNFPA, with a view to strengthen it.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA Fistula Regional Coordinator Support Campaign Against Fistula
Pari Africain reported on 25 November on the official visit of UNFPA Fistula Regional Coordinator to the Republic of Congo from 5-9 September 2010. Mr. Yahya Kane had several meetings with health officials and field visits to review progress made in Congo in the fight against fistula. While acknowledging progress in the treatment of fistula and access to treatment by women in need, he stressed that more is needed to be done in the prevention of fistula. This is part of the strategy outlined by Health Minister George Moyen to tackle maternal mortality with support from international development partners, including UNFPA.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Continuing Coverage On UNFPA Support for National Statistical System
Pari Africain reported on 25 November on a workshop organized by UNFPA from 28 September-2 October for more than 40 civil servants of over 20 ministries to strengthen the national statistical system. In opening the workshop, UNFPA Representative David Lawson said, "this workshop opens up a new era in the Republic of Congo, as we are strengthening the collection of data and ability of the Government to closely monitor progress towards the MDGs, in a world where results should be the ultimate goal of all any of our action for sustainable development." A statistical system and centre should result from this workshop.
UZBEKISTAN: Governments And Civil Society Acknowledge Rising HIV Epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
UZReport reported on 25 November that HIV prevalence is reported to be up to 10 times higher among men who have sex with men and transgender people than among the general population in Eastern European and Central Asian cities. If countries fail to address the context of the epidemic, this already critical situation is likely to become worse. The warning came during the First Regional Consultation on HIV, Men who have Sex with Men and Transgender People in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, convened by the United Nations. The consultation, convened by UNDP, WHO Regional Office for Europe, UNAIDS and UNFPA, with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, featured the participation of public health officials and governmental representatives, civil society representatives, human rights activists, people living with HIV, young people, researchers, donors and international organizations.
PANAMA: Social Crusade against Gender Violence
La Estrella de Panama reported on 25 November on a UNFPA report that placed Panama in tenth place in the world in femicide. This “credit” was earned the hard way, as reflected in the Panamanian Observatory against Gender Violence, which reveals that so far this year there were 64 violent deaths of women, of which 46 were “femicide,” a term used to denote the most extreme form of gender violence exercised by men against women to gain power, dominance or control. Read in Spanish: La Estrella
INDIA: Nominations Invited For Laadli Awards
Express News Service reported on 25 November that Population First, UNFPA, and INFORD have invited nominations for the third round of UNFPA-Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitive reporting in the northern region. The award has been instituted to acknowledge and highlight efforts undertaken by media on gender sensitive issues. Read: Express News Service
JORDAN: Reproductive Health Awareness Sessions Held for Young People
Al Rai and Al Arab al Yawm reported on 25 November on awareness sessions held for young people on reproductive health issues. The workshops were held in several communities with the goal of developing knowledge on the reproductive health services provided by Ministry of Health health centres. Read in Arabic: Al Rai and Al Arab al Yawm