CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA Calls for Emergency Indigenous Peoples’ Reproductive Health Action Plan
Les Depeches de Brazzaville, le Journal de Brazza, DRTV, Radio-Congo and Congo-site reported on 8 February on a joint Health Ministry/UNFPA study on indigenous peoples reproductive health in Congo, which confirmed the vulnerability of indigenous women. According to the study, 99 percent of indigenous women deliver babies at home; 59 percent know about AIDS; 35 percent use condoms, 26 percent use contraception methods. Presenting the study, UNFPA Representative David Lawson proposed an Emergency Health Action Plan for Indigenous Peoples (2013-2014) with key actions like mobile reproductive health services and HIV testing. Mr. Lawson concluded, "strengthening indigenous leadership is key to the respect of their rights. Indigenous peoples are not victims, they should be active actors of their own development."Read in French: Congo-site, le Journal de Brazza, Les Depeches de Brazzaville