AFRICA: UNFPA, Media Alliance for Population and Development Issues Host Workshop
GAMBIA: Foroyaa reported on 22 June that the National Assembly adopted the motion for the revitalization of the parliamentary network on population and development (Gambia branch) and election of its executive. Ivan Ajabola Thomas was speaking at a media training workshop organized by the UNFPA in collaboration with Media Alliance for Population and Development Issues (MAPDI) in Bo, Sierra Leone. He said the development of all spheres of life was as a result of change which needed new ideas in order to produce high per capita income through modern and improved ways of life for the people.
SIERRA LEONE: Awoko and The Concord Times reported on 20-22 June that former director-general of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) has said that the mass media, if effectively utilized, has the potential to improve on the socio-economic and political development of Sierra Leone, thus urging media practitioners to use their respective media outlets to effect positive changes in society. Ivan Ajabola Thomas was speaking at a media training workshop organized by the UNFPA in collaboration with Media Alliance for Population and Development. Read: Awoko and The Concord Times
UGANDA: New Vision reported on 21 June that the UNFPA Assistant Country Representative endorsed the establishment of regional chapters of the Media Alliance for Population and Development Issues (MAPDI). Speaking at the launching ceremony in Bo, Mariama Diarra described media practitioners as key partners in the dissemination of UNFPA’s activities. She maintained that reporting on population and development, reproductive health and gender issues among others enables the public to raise the much needed awareness in Sierra Leone.