MADAGASCAR: Using Facebook to Raise Awareness of Youth
Multiple media outlets reported 19-20 June that last week, Malagasy Ministry of Youth and Leisure and UNFPA Madagascar launched Tanora Garan’teen, a virtual network for young people via Facebook. Tanora Garan’teen aims to raise young people’s awareness on adolescent and youth reproductive health issues by using Facebook. The network also aims to reinforce peer educator actions. A group of 20 peer educators from all over the country will train in life skills to animate the network. Read in French: La Gazette, Midi Madagasikara, L’observateur and L’Express
URUGUAY: Country’s First Homophobia-free Health Service Opened
Several media outlets reported on 19-21 June that the “Ciudad Vieja” public health centre in Montevideo was inaugurated as the first service in Uruguay whose health professionals have been trained to avoid discriminatory practices that may hinder the health rights of lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual and intersex persons (LGTIB). The initiative, started in 2010 following specific regulations approved by the Minister of Public Health (MoH), is the result of the cooperation among the Republic University, MoH, UNFPA, ASSE and the civil society organization Ovejas Negras (in Spanish, “Black Sheeps”). In a homophobia-free health centre, professionals consider the diverse sexual and gender identities without preconceptions or discrimination and aim to remove barriers to accessing the health system. In addition, a series of short videos, titled “What's the difference?” has also been prepared to show how discriminatory approaches can lead to wrong diagnoses. Representatives from Argentina and Peru also participated in the ceremony, sharing similar experiences and challenges. Read and view in Spanish: La diaria, ALC Noticias, VTV
MYANMAR: UNFPA Responds to Emergency in Rakhine
New Light of Myanmar on 19 June reported on UNFPA’s rapid response to the humanitarian emergency in Rakhine state. UNFPA provided 2,000 dignity kits for distribution to vulnerable women, particularly those in Buthidaung, Maugndaw and Sittway. The article also mentioned the five mobile clinics UNFPA, in collaboration with the Myanmar Medical Association and township health authorities, supports which provide maternal, obstetric and new born care. Read in English: UNFPA Myanmar (text of New Light of Myanmar article)
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: Month of Midwives Celebrated
KPL News on 19 June reported that, in order for all provinces to be able to take part in celebrating the International Day of the Midwife and because of the graduation of the second batch of community midwives, the Ministry of Health (MoH) designated the entire month of June as, “Month of Midwives.” During June, the MoH, in collaboration with UNFPA and other development partners, is organizing a number of events. A high-level event held in Savannaketh on 15 June saw MoH award the national midwifery certificates of accreditation of competences to the 80 midwives in second batch trained in the Khammouane, Champasack and Vientiane Provinces. The event brought together senior level officials from MOH at the central and provincial level, representatives from key line ministries such as the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Lao Women's Union and government officials from UN supported districts.