LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: Rural Women Await Midwives
Inter Press Service on 31 July reported that a year after the Laotian government launched a safe pregnancy programme, involving the dispatch of teams of midwives across the country, it is yet to reach women in the remote communities.
Lack of professional help has resulted in an average of two women dying every day in Laos from pregnancy-related complications and childbirth, notes the UNFPA in a report. “For every woman who dies, many more suffer from illnesses or disability from complications during pregnancy and childbirth.”
In June 80 midwives graduate from a special programme shaped by the Ministry of Health, international donors and the UNFPA. This second graduating class added to the initial group of 140 midwives who qualified last year, pioneering a professional cadre of community midwives in the communist-ruled country. Read in English: Inter Press Service
TOGO: World Population Day Celebrated
Multiple media outlets reported on 31 July on the celebration of World Population Day in Togo. The representative of UNFPA in Togo gave an interview to the media. Read in French: Pa-l'Union, Togo en Vogue and Afriquinfos
LIBERIA: UNFPA Director Talks Maternal Health
Front Page Africa reported on 30 July that UNFPA’s Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, says that he has “zero tolerance for a situation where a woman dies giving birth.” On the eve of the country’s Independence Day, Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), visited the Redemption Hospital in Point Four, New Kru Town. There, while others around Monrovia prepared celebrations for the holiday, Osotimehin called attention to the issue of maternal health. “In the life of every country there are times of trial, and Liberia has gone through this period and is on the path of recovery,” Dr. Osotimehin was quoted as saying. Read in English: Front Page Africa
LIBERIA: UNFPA ED Urges More Efforts for Youth
The Inquirer reported on 30 July that The United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director and the Under Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin says that the government of Liberia needs to put more efforts on the youths. Dr. Osotimehin was speaking recently in Monrovia at the Dissemination of the 2008 National Population and Housing Census, Final Products. Read in English: The Inquirer
YEMEN: Supporting Women’s Participation in National Dialogue
Multiple media outlets reported on 30 July on the meeting of UNFPA’s Deputy, Eiko Narita, and UN Women representatives with the head of Women National Committee Dr Shafika Saeed. The three parties discussed a number of issues related to Yemeni women, the top of which was women’s participation in the national dialogue as well as the importance of women’s participation in the coming donor conference in Riyadh. Read in Arabic: Alwahdawi, Al-Tagheer, Albadell
URUGUAY: Study on Sexual Education Sheds Light on Sexual Violence
La República reported on 30 July that the National Administration of Public Education (ANEP) presented a study surveying teachers and students’ attitudes and experiences on sexual education. The study, carried out with the support of UNFPA and UN Women, highlights that in spite of advancements, there are still some limitations for the full implementation of sexual education in the country.
One of the major results of the report relates with sexual violence suffered by children and adolescents. 25% of students affirmed having experienced sexual violence, directly or by a close relative or friend, and 40% of teachers acknowledged that at least one of their students had suffered sexual violence. Even with a relatively small sample, both students and teachers demanded better training on sexual education. Read in Spanish: La República.
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: UNFPA Representative Calls on Youth to Take Charge
Tele-Congo, DRTV, MN TV and Top TV reported on 29 July on a Youth Conference organized on 28 July at the Brazzaville University campus featuring President Sassou Nguesso's Special Advisor Minister Obenga, UNFPA Representative David Lawson and Congolese Ebina Foundation President Washington Ebina, in the presence of over 300 students, on the theme, "Youth and Students Contribution for the emergence of Congo by 2025." During a vivid exchange, the importance for youth to be responsible and take initiatives for the future of the country were discussed. Mr. Lawson said, "African youth must rebuild its own dream for a brighter future for the continent, like their elders dreamt of independence. This dream must be built on your vision and actions articulated around fundamental values: responsibility, respect for oneself and each other, solidarity, national unity and creativity."
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: UNFPA Rallies Famous Singers to Mobilize Women to Vote
Tele-Congo, MN TV, Top TV, DRTV, Radio Congo, Canal Benedictions have been broadcasting from 29 July until the end of the legislative elections, a new UNFPA-sponsored music video clip featuring the four most famous Congolese singers aimed at encouraging women to vote in the 2nd round of the legislative election, on 5 August. The media and the public have applauded this first-ever in the country, innovative approach by UNFPA. UNFPA’s David Lawson expects that the voting rate among women will be higher than at the first round of the legislative election held on 15 July. He said, "The clip song will be played across the country including in night clubs to mobilize youth. It has been conceived to be a hit for years in Congo." Government and the National Election Commission have acclaimed the previous regular clips released by UNFPA in local languages to mobilize women to vote for this election.
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: UNFPA Calls on Women to Vote
Congo-site reported on 28 July on a call by UNFPA Representative David Lawson to Congolese women to mobilize themselves and vote on the second round of the legislative election to be held on 5 August. In the framework of a US-sponsored Congo government-UNFPA programme for the mobilization of women to the electoral processes of 2012 and 2013, UNFPA has been leading the mobilization of women candidates and voters to participate in the elections across the country. Mr. Lawson said, "Weak participation by women in national elections is a missed opportunity to seriously influence public policies but it is also a blow for their own cause. I encourage all Congolese women to vote next week." Read in French: Congo-site
CUBA: Workshop on CEDEM and Cairo Conference Anniversaries
Multiple media outlets reported on 28 July on the workshop for the 40th anniversary of the Population Studies Center (CEDEM) and the 20th anniversary of the Cairo Conference.UNFPA Consultant Jose Calvo is quoted saying that, "Latin America and the Caribbean remains the most unequal region in the world where there are achievements, constraints and challenges in all fields related to population and development. Read in Spanish: Tribuna de la Habana and SEMlac
GEORGIA: Beauty Contest Promotes Reproductive Health
Multiple media outlets reported that on 28 July Batumi hosted the finals of the Student Face 2012 Beauty Contest. This fourth year of the contest was dedicated to women’s reproductive health and healthy lifestyles. The contest was organized by the Ministry of Sports and Youth of Georgia with the support of Georgia’s First Lady’s healthy lifestyle initiative "Don’t Worry, Be Healthy," the Georgian National Reproductive Health Council, and the UNFPA/Georgia Country Office. Ms. Tamar Khomasuridze, UNFPA/Georgia assistant representative, as a member of the contest’s jury, took part in the evaluation of the contestants and, along with the other members, identified the winner of the best message for promoting healthy lifestyle and reproductive health.
The jury identified two winners for the best messages on health promotion – Ms. Medea Akhalkatsi, a student of Gori State University, received a bicycle as a special prize given by Georgia’s First Lady’s healthy lifestyle initiative "Don’t Worry, Be Healthy" and Ms. Ana Zenaishvili, a student of Batumi State University, received a netbook from the UNFPA CO.
The winners as well as the other contestants will continue to participate in the youth initiatives and projects supported by the UNFPA and the Don’t Worry, Be Healthy Initiative to promote healthy lifestyles and increase awareness on reproductive health issues among the peers. Watch in Georgian: MSY, Ajara TV, My Video, My Video and My Video Read in Georgian: PT Press and PT Press
INDIA: Youth Awareness Increasing
Hindustan Times on 28 July reported that UNFPA- supported projects have increased awareness among youth and empowered adolescents with the knowledge and life skills for better reproductive and sexual health.
INDIA: Sehore Takes Care of its Health
Hindustan Times on 28 July reported that youth awareness has increased through a UNFPA supported project which empowered adolescents and youth with knowledge and life skills for better reproductive and sexual health.
LIBERIA: Top UN Official Foresees Brighter Future
The Heritage reported on 27 July that UNFPA Executive Director, on a visit to Liberia, has called for the empowerment of Liberia’s youth. Dr. Osotimehin said young people must be given the requisite skills for them to contribute their quota to the rebuilding of the country. “Our children need to be protected; they need to be in school. We must ensure that every pregnancy is wanted…every child birth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled,” he was quoted as saying. Read in English: The Heritage
LIBERIA: UN Diplomat Promises More Support for Liberian Youth
Daily Observer reported on 27 July that Secretary of the United Nations and UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, has promised more support for the young people of Liberia. He made the promise at a dinner tendered in his honor, by Health and Social Welfare Minister, Dr. Walter Gwenigale.
Dr. Osotimehin, a former minister of health of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stated, “What we are looking to accomplish [at UNFPA] in Liberia is a wholesome development of young people, so that they can be empowered to make informed choices.” Read in English: Daily Observer
MALAWI: Population Growth Hampering Development
Zodiak Online on 27 July reported that, at a staggering 13 million, the population of Malawi continues to grow, according to population experts. The many children Malawians are having are hindering economic growth, according to Minister of Economic Planning and Development Atupele Muluzi.
He was speaking at an event to commemorate the 2012 World Population Day. This year’s theme is “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services.” UNFPA was part of the commemorative event.
“Family planning is a basic human right and it remains meaningless, unless individuals and couples have access to contraceptives, information and services to enable them to exercise that right,” said Athanasie Nzokirishaka, the representative of the UNFPA to Malawi. Read in English: Zodiak Online
MALAWI: UNFPA Honours Journalist
The Nation on 27 July reported that UNFPA recently awarded people who have made significant contributions towards universal access to reproductive health. The awards were made during the 2012 World Population Day commemoration on 25 July.
Nation Publications Limited Features Editor Edyth Kambalame was among nine individuals and institutions that received the award.
UNFPA Representative Athanase Nzokirishaka said the awardees are ordinary men and women whose contributions often go unnoticed yet they have helped build the health of many families through family planning, reduced maternal deaths and contribute to youth friendly health services. Read in English: The Nation
BOLIVIA: Youth Issues Reported
La Razón on 26 July reported on the youth situation in Bolivia. According to UNFPA, teenage pregnancies may be related to job insecurity. UNFPA also indicates that teenage pregnancies between 12 and 18 years increased from 18% in 2008 to 25% in 2011 in Bolivia. Read in Spanish: La Razon
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY: Youth Friendly Health Services Assessed
Multiple media outlets reported on 26 July on the workshop that took place on 25 July in Ramallah to present the Assessment of Youth Friendly Health Services Needs in West Bank, 2011, implemented by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and UNFPA.
“The study showed that 40.4% of the youth in the West Bank are in need of mental health services rather than physical health services,” stated Ms. Ola Awad, President, PCBS, “while 24,1% believe that physical health services are more important, than nutrition services (19%)." She added, "This study was conducted on youth ages 15 – 24, is intended to view the type and scope of health services that are provided to youth, actual needs for services from their own perspectives, as well as the perspectives of service providers and key informants at the community level and recommendations on how health services can be adapted to better meet youth health needs while also focusing on youth-friendly service provision."
Ms. Barbara Piazza-Georgi, UNFPA Representative, assured everyone that UNFPA considers youth one of the important sectors in Palestinian society that should be looked at from a comprehensive point of view. Read in Arabic: Al-Quds, PCBS website and al-ayyam
URUGUAY: Afrodescendent Women Lag Behind on Employment
El País reported on 26 July that, according to UNFPA’s data, the unemployment rate of young afrodescendent women in Uruguay is eleven times higher (25.4%) than non afrodescendent men 30 years or older (2.3%). This gap is the result of accumulated layers of discrimination, a phenomenon also known as multiple discrimination, where race and ethnicity are combined with other attributes such as sex and age. In 2011 a report by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination had already warned the Uruguayan State of this double discrimination. The article also mention that UNFPA’s document showcases some of the measures and initiatives that are being implemented by the national government. Read in Spanish: El País.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Cervical Cancer Roundtable Launched
Multiple media outlets reported on 26 July on the roundtable, “Marking the beginning of the process of program development for the prevention of cervical cancer in BiH" organized by the UNFPA Office in Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) and Parliamentary Group on Population and Development BiH which took place on 25 July, in Sarajevo. The program included a framework for the combination of primary and secondary prevention, regulations that will ensure the promotion of women's rights to health education, organized examinations as well as early detection of pre-malignant and malignant cervical changes. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 258 women a year are affected by cervical cancer and 119 women die from this disease, as estimated by the WHO and Institut Catala d'Oncologia from Spain. By this estimate, 1.6 million women ages 15 years and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer in BiH. The roundtable brought together representatives from the European Cervical Cancer Association, Republic of Serbia Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare RS, Parliament, Clinical Center of University of Sarajevo as well as representatives from international organizations, non-governmental research organizations and academia.
Watch in Bosnian: FTV Read in Bosnian: Fena, Radio Sarajevo, BH Telecom, SRNA, Oslobodjenje, Source and Klix
BOLIVIA: Country Ranks Second in Region Cancer Death
Bolivia.com on 25 July reported that Bolivia ranks second in cancer death rates in South America, according to UNFPA and WHO statistics. Read in Spanish: bolivia.com
GABON: Faith-based Networks Commit to Reproductive Health
l’Union, Gabon Matin, RTG1 and TeleAfrica reported 25-26 July on the Ministry of Health’s appeal to faith-based organizations to promote family values and responsible parenthood. The call was made in a two-day capacity building workshop for 100 civil society organizations including faith-based networks from across the country. The Secretary General of Health, Dr. Désiré Lassegue, representing the Minister of Health at the opening ceremony, re-affirmed its ministry’s commitment to the ICPD Plan of Action and to sexual and reproductive health. Both Dr. Lassegue and UNFPA Deputy Country Director, Mrs. Mariama Darboe Diop urged the workshop participants to engage in more open discussion about sexuality and reproductive health issues including family planning to avert the alarming rate of unwanted teenage pregnancies and illegal abortions. Recommendations of the workshop included the creation of a national network of faith-based organizations on population and development.
YEMEN: Costs and Benefits of Investing in Family Planning Services
14 October reported on 25 July on the costs and benefits of investing in contraceptive services in the developing world that will help in saving more mothers lives. Based on the report published by UNFPA and the Guttmacher Institute, the newspaper discussed also the unmet needs in developing countries as well as the standing challenges in providing modern contraceptive services. The recommendations of the report (of UNFPA and Guttmacher Institute) to improve the family planning services were presented too. Read in Arabic: 14 October, 14 October
NICARAGUA: UNFPA Concerned About High Rates of Early Pregnancy
Trinchera de la Noticia reported on 25 July that UNFPA expressed concern about the high rate of pregnant teenagers and young adults in Nicaragua. Read in Spanish: Trinchera de la Noticia
NICARAGUA: No Rush for Pregnancy
La Prensa on 25 July reported that UNFPA told hundreds of teenagers and young people that pregnancy during adolescence limits the possibilities to improve the standard of living. Read in Spanish: La Prensa
NICARAGUA: Increased Number of Pregnant Girls
El Nuevo Diario on 25 July reported that Dr. Wilmer Beteta, team member of the Specialized Extension Service and Quality of Care of the Ministry of Health, reported an increase in the number of pregnant adolescents. He spoke as part of the main event for World Population Day 2012, focused on adolescent pregnancy prevention. The event was sponsored by UNFPA.
Read in Spanish: El Nuevo Diario
NICARAGUA: 22% of Maternal Deaths Are Teenagers
Canal 15 on 24 July reported that 25% of births in Nicaragua are unplanned and that one out of every four pregnant women is a teenager according to the data sheet of UNFPA. Between the 2000 to 2012, 22% of the maternal deaths were teenagers. Read in Spanish: Canal 15
NICARAGUA: United Nations Recognizes Progress in Preventing Teen Pregnancy
La Nueva Radio Ya on 24 July that Nicaragua is advancing by leaps and bounds in the prevention of teen pregnancy. "As a UN agency we greatly appreciate and acknowledge the work done by the government,” said Oscar Viscarra, Deputy Representative of UNFPA. Read in Spanish: La Nueva Radio Ya
CUBA: Teen Pregnancy a Challenge
The cuban press reported on 23 July on the challenges of teen pregnancy for Cuban society. The report referred to the activities developed in the country by the last World Population Day, dedicated to universal access to reproductive health. With support from UNFPA, the Population Studies Center hosted a training for journalists on the issues. Read in Spanish: SEMlac