NIGERIA: Expand Global Family Planning Access
Leadership on 12 July reported that, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin called for the expansion of family planning access around the world. "Family planning is anchored on respect for human rights, women’s empowerment and social justice and equality. Leaving the need for family planning unmet would be to accept the unacceptable" he said.
MYANMAR: Ministry of Health Undertakes Mission to Improve Reproductive Health
The New Light of Myanmar on 12 July published on article on reproductive health. The Myanmar Ministry of Health is cooperating with international organizations, including UNFPA, in carrying out a wide range of reproductive health services all over the country, including skilled care during pregnancy, delivery, new borns and postnatal; sexual and reproductive health information, education and services for young people; birth spacing and contraceptive services; sexually transmitted infection information and services; post-abortion care, post- menopausal care and screening and treatment of cervical and breast cancer; promotion of men's role in the support of reproductive health and implementation of gender and women's health programmes.
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: UNFPA Representative Visits First Promotion of Population and Development Master Graduates
Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 12 July on the visit by UNFPA Representative, David Lawson, and Brazzaville University Chancellor, Armand Moyikoua, to the first promotion of students of the Master in Population and Development launched at the University in January 2012 with UNFPA support. Mr. Lawson said, "You are the future researchers and intellectual workforce of the country. This pluridisciplinary training provides you with the necessary tools to contribute to national development as civil servants or in the private sector." Mr. Lawson and Mr. Moyikoua confirmed that this Master was aimed at reaching out internationally." Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: UNFPA Representative Op-ed on Congo Gender Parity Law
Les Depeches de Brazzaville published on 12 July an op-ed by UNFPA Representative, David Lawson, calling for the rapid implementation of a gender parity law, requested by President Denis Sassou Nguesso. On the eve of the first round of the legislative elections, David Lawson encouraged women to actively engage in the electoral process and vote on 15 July and 5 August to influence the national political sociology and ensure women's issues, including women's health are forcefully addressed by the new legislature. Mr. Lawson wrote, "President Sassou Nguesso has made an historical decision, which is a reflection of women's and the Congolese society aspirations. After defeating slavery and colonization, it is high time to end the gender injustice that makes women second class citizens." Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: UNFPA Signs Cooperation Agreement with National Civil Society Network
Les Depeches de Brazzaville, Congo-site, MN TV, Radio-Congo, Canal Benedictions, Tele Congo and DRTV reported on 12 July on the signature ceremony, between the UNFPA Representative, David Lawson, and CARESCO President, Martin Itoua, of an agreement aimed at strengthening joint cooperation, advocacy, capacity-building and national resource mobilization to enhance maternal mortality reduction, gender equality and strengthen support to vulnerable populations. Access of women to reproductive health services and women mobilization for the legislative elections are among the immediate priorities for action. Mr. Lawson said, "Civil society is central for the design, implementation and monitoring of public policies. Through such a partnership we will further enhance Congolese peoples' living conditions." Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Congo-site
MOROCCO: Joint Human Rights Programme
Le Soir on 12 July reported on a joint UNDP/UNFPA/UNWomen and National Obervatory programme on Human Rights in Morocco. Read in French: Le Soir
BELARUS: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge Not Adequate
Naviny.by and Tut.by on 12 July reported that adolescent health and reproductive attitudes largely determine the future health of a nation. In Belarus, adolescents lack adequate sexual and reproductive health education and access. UNFPA's Tatiana Pronko was quote in the articles. Read in Russian naviny.by and tut.by
YEMEN: UNFPA Works Against Violence
The Yemen Observer on 12 July reported on UNFPA’s fight against violence. The paper focused on UNFPA's gender-based violence intervention programmes and dignity kits.
CAMBODIA: Remote Provinces Have Limited Access to Primary Health and Maternal Care
Radio Free Asia (Khmer) reported on 12 July that a report launched by Action for Health and Poverty recently revealed that Cambodian people who live in four remote provinces, Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, have limited access to primary health care and maternal health services. Geographical area, unskilled health staff and insufficient equipment prevent them from accessing such services. In 2011, UNFPA in Cambodia launched the campaign to support reform and intensify the government’s policy toward improving health care services and reducing maternal and child mortality. Read in Khmer: Radio Free Asia (Khmer)