SIERRA LEONE: UNFPA Rep Extols First Lady
Concord Times, New Citizen, New Vision, Independent Observer and the Exclusive reported on 6 October that UNFPA Country Representative Ratidzai Ndhlovu heaped loads of praises on the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Md. Sia Nyama Koroma for her relentless effort and dedication to the reduction of maternal mortality and teenage pregnancy in Sierra Leone.
Making a statement at the opening ceremony of a three-day forum for traditional and religious leaders in Kabala, organized by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the UNFPA,
Md. Ndhlovu expressed great satisfaction of Md. Sia Nyama Koroma’s continued commitment to engaging traditional and religious leaders across the country to address the issue of maternal mortality and teenage pregnancies in their communities. The UNFPA Representative reiterated the commitment theFirst Lady has shown in the cause of women’s maternal health since the launch of her initiative in 2008.
Md. Ratidzai Ndhlovu said that UNFPA is supporting traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to undertake sensitization on maternal mortality and teenage pregnancy reduction in the communities. In a recent meeting with the TBAs, they highlighted the issue of birth waiting homes as a priority because of the distance and road networks that hinder quick access to health facilities by pregnant women.
She however appealed to the traditional and religious leaders and all present to support UNFPA’s efforts in saving the lives of mothers. “Save one life and God will bless you forever,” she concluded.
TANZANIA: Editors Vow to Help Fight Violence
Daily News, The Guardian, Habari Leo, Tanzania Daima, Mwananchi, Majira, Jambo Leo and The African reported on 6 October that editors from various media houses have vowed to put extra efforts into reporting issues of gender-based violence (GBV) so that actions are taken accordingly to prevent the violence and survivors get services they require without hurdles. The UNFPA programme officer urged the editors, and media in general in the country, to design new ways of reporting GBV issues so that communities can change the negative attitudes they towards women, a key factor which contributes to violence against women and the girl child in private and public spheres.
NICARAGUA: 7 billion reasons to care for the planet
La Brujula published on 6 October that “Reducing poverty and inequality, realizing equality between men and women, ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted and every birth is safe, are some measures that will help to have and equitable world without violence and accessible to all” according to a report by UNFPA. Read in Spanish: La Brújula
URUGUAY: UNFPA’s photo exhibition opens in Tacuarembó
El País and El Avisador reported on 6 October that a photo exhibition with the title “Because of every person is important, every person counts” was to be opened in the city of Tacuarembó. The photographs show different aspects of the work of UNFPA in Uruguay. Read more in Spanish: El Avisador and El País
BURKINA FASA: Repositioning Family Planning
L’Observateur Paalga and Faso Presse on 6 October published an article on a day of sensitization to family planning. The main activity of this day was the conference on repositioning of family planning in favour of women of childbearing age in 5 villages of the city of Ouagadougou. UNFPA was present at this important activity. Mr. Kaboré Saïdou, during an interview whom he granted to the press, clarified UNFPA’s actions in these terms, “we bring our support to the government in the implementation of its different strategies in family planning.” As for population growth, he asserted, “it raises a challenge because it is the quality of the population that contributes to development. If we have an educated population, desired births, this means that we will have the time to raise our children by giving them all they need in terms of health.” Read in French: Faso Presse
BURKINA FASA: Family Planning Sensitization Conference
Sidwaya on 6 October reported on a conference about sensitizing/sensitization to family planning. This conference, which took place on 5 October in Ouagadougou, was organized with the financial and technical support of UNFPA/Burkina. The coordinator of the Population and Development network of associations and NGOs, the representative of the Ministry of the Promotion of Women and Mr. Kaboré Saïdou, national programme officer on population and development at UNFPA/Burkina, chaired the opening ceremony of the conference. The end of this ceremony was marked by the interview of Mr. Kaboré Saïdou, who explained why strong demography is a challenge and can be an opportunity provided that a number of challenges are met in the fields of health, education and housing. To summarize, the Coordinator expressed her deep gratitude to UNFPA and wished that UNFPA continue to support her network even more on a financial level.
Armenia: Low birth rate threatens security of society
ArmeniaNow.com reported on 6 October that Armenia, the land that some claim to be the world's oldest, is "ageing" in a way that is not good. Armenia faces threat of demographic crisis, experts in the field say. Only during the first quarter this year as compared to the same period last year the number of births dropped by 1,126 in what specialists fear is only the beginning of the demographic decline which will last a few decades. "This is a serious threat for national security and economic development [of Armenia]. In some years we will not only fail to secure national security issues, but also economic growth. The country and its economy will no longer be competitive. Parallel to decline in birth rate, migration and rapid ageing will even deepen the demographic problems," says Garik Hayrapetyan, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Assistant Representative. Read in English: ArmeniaNow
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER AND RESEARCH CENTRE SET TO BEGIN
Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Congo-site reported on 6 October on a meeting between Higher Education Minister Ange Abena and UNFPA Representative David Lawson to review progress on the preparations for a Master and Research Centre in population and development. Pursuant to meetings with the University Rector and support from UNFPA expert Mr. Pierre Klissou, Mr. Lawson informed the Minister that the official launch was set for December 2011. Minister Abena outlined the importance of the Master and Research Center for Congo, in terms of having a think tank on population and development issues and emphasized their sub-regional value and the need to start urgently. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Congo-site
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): EXPERT POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT JOURNALIST TRAINING
Tele-Congo and Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 6 October on a closing ceremony by Communication Minister, Mr. Bienvenu Okiemy and UNFPA Representative David Lawson of a specialized training workshop on population and development media techniques held from 25-30 September, in Owando, for journalists in Northern Congo. Mr. Lawson said, "Since Augsut 2010, 200 journalists have been trained. We can see, read and listen the difference in the way information is treated in the Congolese media. As journalists, it is your responsibility to provide accurate information and defend the most vulnerable and poorer segments of society. Along with the Minister and myself, you are actors of the societal change populations expect in the country." Watch in French: Tele-Congo Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
CAMEROON: UNFPA Offers Equipment for Midwifery Training
Cameroon Tribune reported on 6 October, that the United Nations Population Fund donated equipment to four newly created midwifery schools in the Centre, East, North and North West regions, at the conclusion of a ten-day workshop for the training of trainers for midwifery schools in the country. Mr. Alain Sibenaler, the UNFPA representative in Cameroon, said the donation is part of a vast programme aimed at improving maternal health in Cameroon. UNFPA also assists in the organization of the refresher courses for medical practitioners in obstetric and emergency neonatal treatment. The Minister of Public Health assured that the 2012 budget will make provision for the supply of equipment.