UGANDA: Local Governments Key to Achievement of the MDGs
The Monitor published an op-ed on 4 February by UNFPA Representative Janet Jackson. Ms. Jackson wrote, “The Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA), a body that brings together district chairpersons, district speakers and Chief Administrative Officers, met in Arua Town on 8 and 9 January for their Annual General Meeting (AGM). This was the 17th AGM but the first in the West Nile region, underlining the return to peace. It is not surprising therefore that the theme of the meeting was "The role of Local Government in promoting peace and service delivery." This was also a chance to underline the significant role district leaders have in ensuring acceleration in achieving the country's development objectives, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).” Read: The Monitor
MOZAMBIQUE: TV Show Addresses Sexual & Reproductive Health and Girls Empowerment
Rádio Cidade reported on 4 February that the new season of the popular TV show “Mais Jovem” will, as of 11 February, feature sexual & reproductive health and girls empowerment stories and discussions. Jorge Ribeiro, the host, said that the show will now be broadcast live from the Centro Cultural Franco Moçambicano, and has the support, among others, of UNFPA. “Mais Jovem” is broadcast by TVM, Mozambique’s public television network.
GLOBAL: COVERAGE OF INTERNATIONAL CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS WEEK
GEORGIA: Georgia Today reported on 4 February that UNFPA hosted a meeting within the framework of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (CCPW). The aim of the meeting was to present Pap test-based Cervical Cancer Screening National Guidelines and to discuss the future steps forward to increase the accessibility to the screening services in the regions of Georgia. Lela Bakradze, UNFPA/Georgia Assistant Representative a.i. highlighted the importance of state commitment and community mobilization for involving women in the screening process. She explained that UNFPA in cooperation with Tbilisi Municipality has provided free-of-charge cervical cancer screening for Tbilisi female residents aged 25-60 since 2008: “This successful programme has made high-quality services accessible for those in our target group. It is crucial to make cervical cancer screening available in the regions as well in order to prevent early mortality in women. The UNFPA screening programme budget is spent on improving professional capacity for provision of quality services, as well as quality control, awareness raising and partnership building. Through UNFPA support, partnership has been developed and strengthened with the leading European screening programmes.” Read: Georgia Today
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY: Youth Need Jobs, Livelihood and Services
Al-Quds reported on 4 February on the Executive Director’s statement to the Executive Board. Al-Quds also reported on UNFPA Representative to the occupied Palestinian territory, Ms. Barbara Piazza-Georgi, who stated, “It is obvious that the youth of Palestine are the key to its future, and that they have vast unmet needs.” She added, “First of all, of course, they need jobs and livelihood, but importantly, they also need to feel that society listens to them; services such as youth-friendly health services, youth clubs and social support. UNFPA considers this a main priority in its support to the Palestinian people. We are advocating for investments by countries and donors for a holistic package of support to youth.”
URUGUAY: The Joy Of Giving Birth
Brecha reported on 4 February that the NGO RELACAHUPAN, with UNFPA and UN Women’s support, is travelling around the country with the Red Tents initiative to raise awareness on humane birth. The goal of this project is to inform on sexual and reproductive rights, most of them included and recognized in the Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health (2008), but not always effectively applied. Read in Spanish: Brecha